Calzaghe - No rematch plans

Calzaghe: still unbeaten

Hopkins was head-butting me, hitting me with low blows and cheating.

Joe Calzaghe
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Joe Calzaghe has no plans for a rematch with Bernard Hopkins after claiming a contentious points decision over the American in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Calzaghe, fighting for the first time at light-heavyweight, was knocked down in the first round but recovered to dominate the later stages and win a split decision to extend his unbeaten record to 45 fights.

"His style doesn't gel into an exciting fight so of course I won't give him a rematch," said Calzaghe.

"Why should I? It was pretty close, but I felt I won the fight."

Messy

Calzaghe conceded he had not been at his best but blamed Hopkins' awkward style for his struggles during the early rounds.

"I didn't box as well as I could have boxed," he added.

"It was a bit of a messy fight and I think it's difficult to look good against someone like Hopkins. I didn't fight my best fight but I still won.

"It was a new weight for the first time and I came over here for the first time, but I still did it. I showed what a good champion I am by getting up off the floor.

"Hopkins was head-butting me, hitting me with low blows and cheating.

"He was holding me with one arm on the blind side of the referee and he was sticking his head in my face.

"He basically cheated and had five minutes off in the 10th round. He stopped my momentum by turning his back on me and feigning injury. It was ridiculous because I know I didn't touch him."

Craftsman at work

Hopkins admitted permanent retirement was an option after suffering his third defeat in five fights.

"There are a lot of things I am doing besides boxing and I have an eight-year-old daughter who wants me home more than away," said the 43-year-old.

"I think it's deserving that I give my only child some time.

"But the reason I came back after the two Jermain Taylor fights was to make history and prove I had a lot left. I have done that - you saw a true craftsman at work."