JOE CALZAGHE became the ruler supreme of boxing's super-
middleweight division in the early hours of this morning after
defeating Mikkel Kessler on a unanimous points decision.
After 12 abrasive rounds in front of a partisan crowd at an
emotionally-charged Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the great
Briton extended a decade of world dominance by adding Kessler's
WBC and WBA titles to his WBO version, to become undisputed
champion.
"I knew this would be one of the toughest fights of my life," said
Calzaghe clutching his spoils of war.
"Not bad for a 35-year-old. I'm so proud. Victory is so sweet.
"I struggled a bit towards the end there but thought I controlled
the fight."
It was Calzaghe's 21st defence of the WBO belt he first grabbed
by defeating Chris Eubank in October 1997.
This win puts him just four short of the record 25 successful
defences set by the legendary Joe Louis.
Something had to give in this winner takes all clash as both
fighters were protecting unblemished records.
Kessler, 28, had won all 39 of his previous bouts, though
questions had been raised about the general quality of the Dane's
previous opponents.
But it was Calzaghe who walked away with his reputation in tact
and the belts in hand, claiming the 44th victory of his undefeated
pro career.
"I've had 10 years as a champion and Kessler was the most
dangerous fighter in the division and we caught him out," said
Calzaghe. "You can't say the judges were corrupt, we caught him
fair and square. "It was awesome." full story on thesun.co.uk