Calzaghe Beats Kessler

Joe Calzaghe carved out a points win over previously-unbeaten Dane Mikkel Kessler in their much hyped fight.

Calzaghe showed great versatility after working out his upright opponent during five tough opening rounds to record his 21st WBO title defence and add Kessler's WBA and WBC belts to his collection.

Kessler had come to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff with a 39-fight unbeaten record, intending to prove to the 50,000 Calzaghe fans in attendance this was his night, instead, it was Calzaghe who turned on the style in the later rounds, moving to his left and working behind a stiff jab to negate the Dane's relatively one-dimensional approach and win in style.

Kessler had shaded much of the early action behind his crisp left jab, and enjoyed success from a trademark jolting right hand in the fourth round as the Welshman continued to try to work out his opponent.

But peppering Kessler with jabs of his own whilst circling out of range of his right hand, Calzaghe turned the tide and flung home hurtful hooks from both wings in a strong round eight.

Kessler was still enjoying some success as late as the ninth, but Calzaghe stayed on his toes, and in the end, it was a vindication of Calzaghe's status as an all-time great.

Now Calzaghe is trying to get a fight in the US against Bernard Hopkins. We shall see what happens.