Joe Calzaghe wanted to add another legend to his resume. Calzaghe added Roy Jones Jr to that list last night, in a fight that was similar to Calzaghe’s last win over future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins.
Calzaghe was put down in the first round by Roy Jones Jr, something Hopkins did to Calzaghe as well in April. Calzaghe got up and proceeded to put on a clinic for the final ten rounds. Jones Jr had his usual swagger in the first two rounds but he hit a wall in the third and couldn’t shake Calzaghe’s activity rate. Junior’s body wasn’t responding to his own will. Calzaghe taunted Jones throughout the fight, very reminiscent of what Jones Jr used to do to his opponents. Calzaghe landed flurries of seven to eight punches and then beckoned Junior to hit his exposed face. Jones rarely bit on the bait Calzaghe was dangling out there because he knew it was only a trap for one of the trademark knockout blows that Jones Jr so often laid out.
Calzaghe remains undefeated after a unanimous decision of 118-109 on all three cards. Calzaghe made no official announcement in regards to his retirement but there isn’t much else for him to do. Jones Jr was also hesitant to remark on his future. Check back to Inside Fights on Tuesday for reaction to the light heavyweight fight as well as each man’s future.
PPV Undercard Bouts
– Dmitry Salita defeated Derrick Campos by unanimous decision. Salita is best known for his background as an Orthodox Jew, meaning he won’t fight on the Sabbath, but he’s also moving up the ranks in the light welterweight division. Salita made it look easy in taking apart Campos. Campos rang Salita’s bell in the eighth but Salita got back on track to take the unanimous decision victory.
– Some things won’t change for Emmanuel Augustus. He’s long been a journeyman that loses close decisions in his opponent’s hometown. The Clown Prince of Boxing lost a split decision to Francisco Figueroa despite clearly controlling the bout. If you have never seen an Emmanuel Augustus fight it is a sight to behold. Figueroa moved to 20-2 with the win.
– Zab Judah collected a paycheck on his way to a unanimous decision over Ernest Johnson. Judah outclassed Johnson yet it appeared he had no desire to finish the fight. It may be a a testament as to why Judah needs to go down to light welterweight because if he can’t finish Ernest Johnson then he has no business at welterweight. Judah was cut badly over his eye in the third round but after the 4th it was no longer an excuse to keep Johnson upright.
