CALZAGHE RETAINS TITLE IN CLOSE BATTLE

Joe Calzaghe fought a tough hometown battle, beating Sakio Bika in a unanimous decision victory tonight at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England. Calzaghe maintained his unbeaten record, but only after a voracious Bika showed him his best, attacking Calzaghe early and often in a bold show that left Calzaghe bloodied from a cut above his left eye in the fourth round and surprised by Bika's consistent and vicious uppercuts.

Calzaghe, for his part, while showing some of his trademark hand speed, unleashing several quick flurries in the early rounds of the fight, dropped his gloves and showboated throughout the second round, playing with the determined Cameroonian fighter. Ending the round with a swagger and a dance, the strategy, while riling up the fans, also had the same effect on Bika, who managed to not only stagger the Welsh fighter but also get in a few questionable blows, once while Calzaghe tripped and fell into a turnbuckle.

Entering the third round, after a strong scolding to both fighters from the referee, Bika came out tough, hitting Calgazhe with a series of uppercuts and rights that seemed to put enough consternation into Joe to lead him to approach the fourth round more hesitantly.

But his trademark hand speed and low, inviting stance did not disappear completely. As the fifth round swung into action and Bika's wild, slightly scrappy style and tendency to lead with his head resulted in a point deduction, Calzaghe's rhythm started to find its mark. More cautious yet still engaging, Calzaghe traded even punches and solidly began to get in more shots, even as Bika tried to lock in and tie up the Welshman.

As the fight drew to a close, it was clear that Bika needed decisive wins over the final rounds of the fight, but Calzaghe's prowess and speed would not let him gain ground even as Bika grew more aggressive. In the final two rounds of the fight, Calzaghe, while tiring, showed again the blindingly fast one-two-one-two-one more punching performance that will surely continue to win him fans long after he has crossed the pond and entered the ring to the sound of the American accents cheering him on.

While according to Calzaghe this was not his best performance and tonight "you didn't see the best Joe Calzaghe," boxing fans should be ready for a more primed fighter when he does decide to make his move state-side. Despite his current retirement status, Bernard Hopkins is at the top of Calzaghe's list.

"It'll be one of the best fights of the decade... I'll come to America and show you the real deal."

Regardless of whether it's Bernard Hopkins or Jermain Taylor, as others have speculated, one thing is for sure: Calzaghe's undefeated record, his title, and his amazing punching speed speaks for him.