Calzaghe on top as Woodhall wilts

Joe Calzaghe's power proved decisive in his WBO super-middleweight defence against good friend Richie Woodhall at the Sheffield Arena.  

Referee Roy Francis halted an excellent battle after 28 seconds of round 10, and Woodhall confessed afterwards: "No complaints".

Woodhall gave it everything but Calzaghe's strength was a vital factor, which the challenger acknowledged afterwards.

Woodhall, the former WBC champion, had appreciable success with his right hand, but it was a night when Calzaghe's combinations were in good working order.

The Welshman got off to a fast start in his seventh defence, making the pace and catching Woodhall with big shots.

The pace of both opening two rounds had to take a toll, and exchanges lowered in tempo and power but was still of fine quality.

By the fifth Calzaghe was back in control, but the Welshman was stung by a straight right in the seventh as Woodhall began to claw back the deficit.

Suddenly, however, Woodhall's fitness seem to drain and Calzaghe saw the opening in round nine. The champion connected with a right and left, and the follow-up attack sent Woodhall down as the bell sounded.

The referee's count reached seven before Woodhall pulled himself up, but there was no way back for the Telford fighter and Calzaghe finished the job early in the 10th.