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Calzaghe Edges Hopkins in Split Decision

Posted Apr 20, 08 1:25 AM CDT in Sports 

(Newser) – Joe Calzaghe didn't stop punching after a terrible start against Bernard Hopkins, and now the Pride of Wales is the best light heavyweight in the world. Calzaghe won a split decision last night, desperately rallying in the final rounds against his cagey 43-year-old opponent to remain unbeaten. Hopkins (48-5-1)  knocked down Calzaghe (45-0) with a sneaky right hand just 70 seconds in.

But after floundering against Hopkins' defense through the early rounds, Calzaghe never stopped working and wearing down his older opponent, eventually gaining control of the final rounds. Calzaghe landed 33 percent of his 707 punches, while Hopkins connected with 27 percent of his 468 blows. Calzaghe had the edge in power punches with both total and accuracy, and he heavily outjabbed Hopkins.

Source Associated Press

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Bernard Hopkins, right, knocks down Joe Calzaghe, of Britain, during the first round of their light heavyweight boxing match at the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas.   (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Joe Calzaghe, of Britain, celebrates his split decision victory over Bernard Hopkins in their light heavyweight boxing match at the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe, of Britain, trade blows during the seventh round of their light heavyweight boxing match at the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
Bernard Hopkins, left, punches Joe Calzaghe, of Britain, during their light heavyweight boxing match at the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas. Calzaghe won by split decision.   (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Bernard Hopkins, left, punches Joe Calzaghe, of Britain, during their light heavyweight boxing match at the Thomas & Mack center in Las Vegas. Calzaghe won by split decision.   (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
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