Undefeated Welshman Joe Calzaghe beats Bernard Hopkins by split decision
after twelve rounds of light-heavyweight action in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA (APRIL 19, 2008) REUTERS -

Britain's Joe Calzaghe recovered from a first-round knockdown to
defeat Bernard Hopkins by split decision in a light heavy-weight bout in Las
Vegas on Saturday (April 19).
    Calzaghe was awarded the bout on two of the three judge's scorecards,
with him winning it 115-112, 116-111, 113-114.
    In a closely-fought battle, the 36-year-old Calzaghe showed little of
his famed prodigious punch output in the first couple of rounds, as Hopkins
gained the early initiative behind a tight defense and counter-punching with
his right hand.
    The 43-year-old Hopkins, nicknamed "The Executioner", also
managed to knock down Calzaghe when one of the counter punches landed flush on
Calzaghe's jaw as the Welshman came forward in the first round.
    By the third round, however, Calzaghe had become more active, looking
to trap Hopkins in the corner or against the ropes and then unleash flurries
of punches.
    The rest of the fight saw a contrast between Calzaghe's greater output
and Hopkins' more precise counter-punching as the two men frequently fell into
clinches, as one sought to land a lead punch and the other looked to counter.

    There were no further knockdowns, although Hopkins on three occasions
was doubled over by what he claimed were low blows, and the closeness of the
bout was reflected in the scorecards.