Joe Calzaghe proved once again that he is the best super-middleweight in the world with a thrilling points victory over Denmark’s Mikkel Kessler on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old Welshman started the Millennium Stadium fight poorly, being repeatedly picked off with bombing right hands and uppercuts. At one stage things looked to be getting away from Calzaghe who needed all the experience garnered in a decade as champion to prevail.
Interestingly the Welshman was able to hold the centre of the ring in early rounds, but whilst he was able to push Kessler about, his swarming approach led to success for the 28-year-old WBA and WBC titlist. At times Calzaghe was visibly hurt when the powerfully built Kessler threw and landed thudding and technically perfect punches.
The incredible thing about the Dane was his punch economy. Nothing was wasted. Punches were timed well and delivered for maximum effect. The change came in the sixth round when Calzaghe changed his approach to a jabbing and moving style which finally bamboozled Kessler.
The formerly unbeaten boxer was now tiring considerably, he was throwing only single shots and his left eye was swelling. This afforded the wide 117-111, 116-112 (twice) scorecards. Such a result appeared to be too wide, especially considering the early round success of Kessler.
The atmosphere throughout was incredible with upwards of 50,000 fans singing chanting and cheering. The amount of support for Kessler also indicated the stature he had built up in his homeland during his time as champion.
Before the start of the final bell the crowd got to their feet to applaud what will surely be remembered as one of the greatest fights ever to take place on British soil.
Round by Round Analysis
Judges: 116-112, 116-112, 117-111
Calzaghe retains his title.
Round 12: The crowd rises to applaud the two fighters at the start of the final round. THe fight has been a classic and Calzaghe appears intent on making sure of victory. Kessler is making one last play for victory but he doesn't seem to have the stamina to mount prolonged attacks.The old master still has it and raises his hands in the home straight. The two fighters embrace as we await the judges decision.
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 10 Kessler 9
Round 11: Calzaghe begins to dominate as Kessler slows further. The Welshman drops his hands and begins to showboat - a dangerous thing to do. Kessler looks beaten as he returns to his stool.
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 10 Kessler 9
Round 10: The crowd are getting behind Calzaghe who responds by upping the pace. Kessler throws every punch in the book but Calzaghe takes them and fires back. The Dane nails Calzaghe in the corner and comes on strong late in the round. He is however fighting in bursts - is the pace catching up with the younger man?
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 10 Kessler 9
Round 9: Kessler's timing is incredible. Any mistake by Calzaghe is punished. The Welshman is certainly having more success but is getting hit more than in any other fight. Calzaghe targets the body. The Dane's left eye also appears to be swelling. Calzaghe is making a breakthrough on the inside. Another Calzaghe round.
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 10 Kessler 9
Round 8: A round of ebb and flow. Kessler starts strong before Calzaghe takes over. Joe warned for rabbit punching but for the first time Kessler looked hurt. A wry smile from the Welshman at the bell implies he thinks he has made a dent.
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 10 Kessler 9
Round 7: Calzaghe picks up where he left off before a big right from Kessler sends him back to the ropes. He regains composure but picks up a small cut above the nose. Kessler is dangerous at all times. But Calzaghe is closing the gap.
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 10 Kessler 9
Round 6: A perfect display of boxing from Calzaghe. Straight shots pick of Kessler over and over again. The round Calzaghe needed - has he found a way to win?
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 10 Kessler 9
Round 5: Calzaghe is a sucker to Kessler's right hand - both straight and uppercuts. The Welshman still holds the centre of the ring but this is playing into Kesslers hands. Joe needs to start picking shots rather than swarming - it is not working.
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 9 Kessler 10
Round 4: Kessler lands some huge shots. The right uppercut in particular. The fight is turning into a classic with Calzaghe landing more but the meatier shots coming from the Dane. Joe has taken the power so far but can he take them for 12 rounds?
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 9 Kessler 10
Round 3: Calzaghe has found his timing. After slipping, the Dane is pushed around the ring as Calzaghe lands heavy and often. Kessler shows class to land right hands but Joe is starting to gain the upper hand.
SETANTA SCOREBOARD: Calzaghe 10 Kessler 9
Round 2: Kessler coming on strong. Fast, powerful and economical he hurts Calzaghe on the ropes. The Welshman fights back but at this early stage it is the Dane who is picking up the points.
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 9 Kessler 10
Round 1: Calzaghe takes the centre of the ring but Kessler is already in a rythm of jabs and right hands. Calzaghe hasn't landed cleanly yet but has established his strength.
SETANTA SCORECARD: Calzaghe 9 Kessler 10
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