Boxing News: Joe Calzaghe Retains WBO Crown

Joe Calzaghe successfully defended his WBO super middleweight title Saturday night. Calzaghe stopped Mario Veit in the sixth round in Braunschweig, Germany.

The beginning of the end came when Calzaghe dropped Veit in the sixth with a punishing left cross. Although Veit made it to his feet, Calzaghe followed up with a combination that forced referee Genaro Rodriguez to stop the one-sided contest.

Calzaghe clinched his 39th victory (31 KOs) in as many fights, while Veit’s record drops to 45-2 (23 KOs), his only two losses both coming against the Welsh WBO champion.

Following the fight, Calzaghe said: “Veit has improved a hell of a lot but he never hurt me. He did his homework but I am the champion and that is all that matters. He moved away from my left well.”

Veit congratulated Calzaghe and added: “He is a deserving champion and it was over after the first knock-down.”

Joe Calzaghe can now look ahead to the possibility of finally proving himself against a top American opponent. If Jeff Lacy gets past Robin Reid, Lacy could be next for Calzaghe. Alternatively, Calzaghe has talked about his desire to meet the winner of the light heavyweight rematch between Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson. One thing is certain: it is now or never for Joe Calzaghe to elevate his career to the next level.