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Post by Taxigirl on Feb 22, 2004 11:39:09 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/3510499.stmJoe Calzaghe signed off his career at super middleweight with a ruthless win over Armenian Mger Mkrtchian. The Welsh WBO champion stopped his challenger in the seventh round after stinging him with a sharp right hand. And Calzaghe, 30, now steps up to light heavyweight in search of lucrative match-ups against top American boxers. Calzaghe dominated the contest from the opening bell, not allowing the stocky Mkrtchian to get near him and picking him off with some classy combinations. And the champion used his trademark speed and tactical awareness to prevail. "I always study my opponent's boxing skills," said Calzaghe. "I knew he liked to come in with his head low, so I wanted to work him with my jab, use my feet and avoid head clashes. "I knew that I could finish him after six or seven rounds, and that's what happened." Calzaghe confirmed his intention to move up. "Tonight was the first part of my plans for this year. "I lose a lot of strength making that division so I am stepping up to light heavyweight now and my goal is to become a two-weight champion. "I want to go to the States and fight the big names." Promoter Frank Warren said he was looking at new IBF champion Glencoffe Johnson as Calzaghe's next opponent. "We are speaking to his people this week and will have no problem in making a deal. He wants those big fights and that's what will happen."
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