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Calzaghe Beats Hopkins By Split Decision

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By GREG BEACHAM

The Associated Press

Published: April 20, 2008

LAS VEGAS - Joe Calzaghe didn't give up 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 Saturday night, rallying in the final rounds against his cagey 43-year-old opponent to remain unbeaten in his first fight in the United States.

Hopkins (48-5-1) put on a master class in the veteran skills of their sport, knocking 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.

Judge Ted Gimza scored it 115-112 for Calzaghe, and Chuck Giampa favored Calzaghe 116-111. Judge Adelaide Byrd gave it 114-113 to Hopkins.

On the undercard, British heavyweight Audley Harrison stopped Jason Barnett in the fifth round.

Middleweight David Lopez stopped Ryan Davis in the third round, and Nathan Cleverly won a unanimous decision against Antonio Baker.

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