Joe Calzaghe now holds four belts as he managed to beat Mikkel Kessler on a points decision, roared on by 50,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium. Kessler was tipped to be Calzaghe’s toughest opponent to date and so it proved as Kessler looked to have a real physical presence in the early rounds. But Welsh ace Calzaghe came out a clear winner on a points verdict. Here’s how the fight unfolded.
Round 1 - Not much to offer from both fighters as both look to feel each other out with a combination of jabs and quick footwork. Calzaghe just does enough to pinch the opener with increased work rate.
Calzaghe 10-9 Kessler
Round 2 - Jabs from both get the second off to a steady start, Calzaghe is warned for punching after the referee’s demands to break up, Kessler unloads on Calzaghe and is now on the front foot, Calzaghe is dropping his hands a very bad move, Calzaghe does come back into it but Kessler does enough for me.
Calzaghe 9-10 Kessler
Round 3 - Kessler is down, but the referee deems it a slip although Calzaghe did make contact. Calzaghe looks strong, Joe is trying to re-assert himself and his combinations look to keep Kessler at bay. Calzaghe is controlling the ring and offers up a solid right hand, Calzaghe’s hand speed is amazing. Super round from Joe.
Calzaghe - 10-9 Kessler
Round 4 - Slow start to the round, but suddenly both boxers mount an attack on each other as both go toe to toe. Kessler catches Calzaghe, it’s another big blow from Kessler. Calzaghe is wobbling here, as Kessler lands an upper cut. Again Kessler lands a solid right, Calzaghe has to stay away and get to the end of this round, Kessler is all over him. The bell rings and Kessler is on top.
Calzaghe 9-10 Kessler
Round 5 - Even Stevens for the first half of the round, Calzaghe’s jab is more effective. Good footwork and work rate from Calzaghe.
Calzaghe 10-9 Kessler
Round 6 - Both fighters look busy, but Joe is just edging it with ring experience. A good left hook from Kessler isn’t enough to muscle the round from Calzaghe.
Calzaghe 10-9 Kessler
Round 7 - Good shots from Calzaghe, another round here and he will be well on his way. A big right from Calzaghe rocks Kessler, more good work from Joe. But what a shot from Kessler, two thunderbolts which find their mark. Kessler is now trading blows and looks rejuvenated. Calzaghe is bleeding just above the nose as Kessler looks to insert his authority with a powerful round. Kessler fights back.
Calzaghe 9-10 Kessler
Round 8 - After one minute Kessler unleashes with a flurry of right hands, left and then a right. But Calzaghe counters with a big punch of his own. Calzaghe looks the busier here. Calzaghe warned by the referee, is it going to be a points deduction? No, he just escapes it. Some solid punches ignite the last 30 seconds of the round and Calzaghe’s work rate in the last minute just about steals it.
Calzaghe 10-9 Kessler
Round 9 - Kessler looks to be positive as he must now he is behind in the cards and needs to pick up a round. A round here for Calzaghe and it’s his to lose. Both jab well, Kessler is looking to land a left hook but misses. Calzaghe’s combinations are really helping him tonight, he is keeping Kessler at bay long enough to quash any counter attacks. Calzaghe occupies the centre, his ring awareness has been exceptional tonight. Joe is the busier, its his round again.
Calzaghe 10-9 Kessler
Round 10 - Kessler has it all to do. Mikkel Kessler is now looking a little tired and appears slower. Kessler lands a competent right hand, but Calzaghe counters with a left upper cut, some solid punches raise the atmosphere as the crowd chant his name. Calzaghe is offering more going forward and the judges will like that. Calzaghe for me.
Calzaghe 10-9 Kessler
Round 11 - Some good exchanges, Calzaghe is dropping his guard though and it only takes one punch for the Dane to floor Calzaghe. Calzaghe is picking off Kessler though ith smarter footwork, some good body shots underline that. A big right hand is just off target, man that would have knocked Calzaghe’s head into the adjacent river had it connected! Apart from that air shot, Calzaghe does enough and it’s looking good for him.
Calzaghe 10-9 Kessler
Round 12 - The final round. Kessler knows a knock-out is the only thing that can save him. They touch gloves, a truly excellent display of top class boxing. Kessler looks for the KO, Kessler throws three big shots, a couple graze Calzaghe, he just needs to box clever and stay away from danger. Promoted Frank Warren is shouting at Calzaghe ‘raise your gloves’ as Joe is looking to show off a bit, he must be careful Kessler can floor anyone. Left and right hooks from Calzaghe, then a few boy shots from Kessler. Kessler is throwing everything but the proverbial kitchen sink now. A good upper cut and a good final exchange at the bell. Kessler claims the final round but it’s not enough by my card.
Calzaghe 9-10 Kessler
Shoppy’s Card - I make it 116-112 to Calzaghe. The ring announcer gets together and announces the scores. 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112 and Calzaghe takes an unanimous points verdict from all three judges. Calzaghe now holds four belts and has beaten Kessler in a superb fight. 50,000 fans shout his name and it ends a brilliant night of boxing (there were nine fights on the card!). Calzaghe is mobbed by his corner and the American journalists look well impressed.
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