Calzaghe Retains WBO Title With a Second-Round TKO Over Byron Mitchell

Photo: Tom Casino

29.06 - In a devastating performance, undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe impressively and emphatically retained his title for a 13th time with a second-round TKO over former two-time World Boxing Association (WBA) 168-pound titleholder and WBO No. 9 contender, Byron Mitchell, Saturday on SHOWTIME. The bout, which aired at 10 PM ET/PT (delayed) from the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales, was promoted by Frank Warren's Sports Network.

Calzaghe (36-0, 29 KOs), of Newbridge, Wales, got dropped for the first time in his career when Mitchell connected with a right hand approximately one minute into the second round. The defending champion, however, roared back to floor Mitchell with a big left hook. Britain's longest reigning titleholder and its 2001 Boxer of the Year continued to punish the challenger along the ropes until the referee stepped in and stopped the bout at 2:36 of the round. Regarded by many as the world's premier super middleweight, the talented southpaw was making his seventh appearance on SHOWTIME. Calzaghe, who defeated Chris Eubank on Oct. 11, 1997, to capture the WBO crown, is two successful title defenses shy of Eubank's British record of 15.

Mitchell (25-3-1, 18 KOs), of Ozark, Ala., stunned the fans when he decked Calzaghe, but he had no answers once the hometown favorite made it to his feet. Mitchell, whose three losses have been in world title fights, including two this year, captured the WBA title with an 11th-round TKO over Frank Liles on June 12, 1999. He regained the crown with a 12-round TKO over Manuel Siaca on March 3, 2001. In his other outing in 2003, Mitchell lost a 12-round split decision to IBF Super Middleweight Champion Sven Ottke in Berlin, Germany.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING's Steve Albert and Al Bernstein called the action from ringside with Jim Gray serving as roving reporter. The executive producer of the SHOWTIME telecast was Jay Larkin, with David Dinkins producing and Bob Dunphy directing.

For information on upcoming SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and "ShoBox: The New Generation" telecasts, including complete fighter bios and records, related stories and more, please go the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing