By April MacIntyre Apr 20, 2008, 18:59 GMT
Not too many Americans. lest they were die-hard boxing fans, knew of the handsome Welshman named Joe Calzaghe (aren't they all?) who has a granite jaw and a jazz musician dad for his professional trainer.
British world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe listens to questions from the press during a press conference in London, Britain, 07 February 2008. Super Middleweight Champion Calzaghe will go up a weight to fight American Bernard Hopkins for the light-heavyweight belt in Las Vegas, 19 April. EPA/ANDY RAIN
Last night from Vegas, luminaries from both sides of the pond sat and watched two men, one especially past his given prime in the sport, rally to fight the distance of a full twelve rounds.
The winner by split decision was the younger man; the pride of Wales, Joe Calzaghe.
Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins hired the elite in the training world, signing on fitness guru Mackie Shilstone as part of his body-trust to resurrect his former 20-something self out of a 43 year-old man.
HBO produced a thorough prefight special that showed both men in their respective training elements.
The "kid" is 36 years-old, and hails from Newbridge, Newport Wales, a scenic town full of friends and family for the strapping man who lives simply, trains in the countryside, and has a good word for everyone and the support of his community for his professional sporting efforts.
Even more famous Welsh like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tom Jones turned out to show their support for Joe Calzaghe, the "Legend Killer." Ringside was filled to the rafters with stars, politicians and captains of industry.
Calzaghe is now officially champion at two weights.
Final fight stats issued by HBO claim Calzaghe threw 707 punches to Hopkins’ 468. He landed 232 of them compared to Hopkins' 127.
Hopkins did not act accordingly afterwards; his demeanor was ungracious, a sore loser. He claimed that he did not recognize the fact he lost. He was swagger and spittle after the fight ended.
In response to the racial epithets that Hopkins hurled at Calzaghe in month-old prefight B Roll, where he said he would never be beaten by a white boy; Calzaghe had the last laugh.
"Hey, you were beaten by a white boy," sports reporters and HBO microphones overheard as the convicted felon left the ring, a sore loser.
Now fight fans are asking, when will the handsome pugilist from Wales be back stateside for another great match? Will he retire undefeated, as he has told the media?
We'll all have to wait and see.
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