Boxer Calzaghe remains unbeaten with split decision over Hopkins

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) — Unbeaten Welshman Joe Calzaghe made his first foray to the United States a successful one, winning a split decision over US veteran Bernard Hopkins in a 12-round light heavyweight bout.

Calzaghe, the reigning World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization super middleweight champion, survived a first-round knockdown to take his record to 45-0, with 32 wins inside the distance.

Hopkins, 43, fell to 48-5-1 with 32 knockouts.

The cagey American dropped Calzaghe with a straight right in the first round, and once again used his defensive skills to wrong-foot a talented opponent.

As the fight progressed, however, Calzaghe seemed to find his rhythm, and was able to step in and land effective punches....