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Calzaghe wins brawl in Manchester

15/10/2006

Joe Calzaghe has retained his IBF and WBO super-middleweight titles following a bad-tempered points victory over challenger Sakio Bika last night.

Calzaghe was not as dominant as many had predicted and looked to have been unsettled by Bika early in the contest as he show-boated and taunted his opponent in an attempt to bring the Cameroonian forward.

The trouble continued at the end of the second round when Calzaghe caught Bika after the bell rang, furious with this the challenger then swung wildly at Calzaghe who was able to dodge the haymakers.

The Welshman seemed to be determined to beat Bika at his own game, standing toe to toe and trading blows. Bika continually led with the head throughout the fight and was docked a point in round five, he also caught Calzaghe low in the last round but was not penalised.

Former heavyweight champion Lenox Lewis was at ringside and said: "I think he [Calzaghe] is great. He has great speed and rhythm and he is a true boxer. Joe is a true champion and eventually he will get the recognition he deserves."

Calzaghe blamed a hand injury and lack of preparation for his performance but felt that he had shown enough to deserve the fight.

The champion successfully defended his title for the 19th time and two judges scored it 117-110 and the third 116-111 and Calzaghe's record is now an impressive 42 wins and no losses.

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