Boxing/World super-middleweight unification bout: With a display that Barry McGuigan described as "one of the best performances, if not the best performance, by a British fighter in the last 20 years", Joe Calzaghe had his finest night at the MEN Arena as he produced a boxing masterclass to overwhelm the American Jeff Lacy in their world super-middleweight title unification bout.
Calzaghe (33) scored a unanimous points decision, outclassing the highly-touted American. In victory, Calzaghe won the IBF belt to add to the WBA title he has held since 1997.
Many believed the undefeated Welshman was a fighter who had passed his prime. The theory was that he would be unable to survive the bull-like onslaughts of Lacy, who was built up as one of the most formidable punchers in the world. Calzaghe not only disproved that theory, he also showed skills so sublime he must be regarded as one of the outstanding pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
Lacy's trainer Dan Birmingham said: "I have never seen such a magnificent performance."
Calzaghe peppered Lacy with a stream of stunning combination attacks that left his opponent off balance and unable to load up with his trademark hooks and overhand rights.
Lacey was gashed around both eyes with his nose and mouth seeping blood by the time he was sent to the canvas in the final round. A score of 119-105 and two of 119-107 reflected the rout.
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