From this scribbler, based on brief prior glimpses of each 168 pound shareholder, the pick was Kessler on size, technique and superior fire power - but then came the intangibles.

Kessler stayed with what earned him an unbeaten 39 wins with 29 stoppages - Joltin’ Joe, the pride of Cardiff, Wales strayed a bit from what had earned him the highest perch of the s/middle lot with his unblemished 43-0, 32 KO’s.

Over stanzas one and two it pretty much went according to form - Kessler with the edge while working behind an accurate jab and power right hand - Calzaghe would then close the gap with a stanza three trademark display of punching in bunches.

Still, on this unofficial, it wasn’t until stanza six that Calzaghe would find the formula that would translate to “winner and still champion” at 168 - the key an ability to mix spurts of volume flurries with quick handed text book accuracy from the outside.

Approaching the championship rounds it would be Calzaghe the fresher looking of the two - and missing from most pre-fight comparing of notes was what would be the final word - a top of the line quality of the Calzaghe chin construction. 

The Kessler punching power found the mark during the early rounds - straight right hands and uppercuts were scoring as Calzaghe tried to wage war in the proverbial trenches. 

The ability to absorb the Dane’s early power shots without distress would eventually enable Calzaghe to take over the controls of a thrilling pairing of the division’s best - come stanzas 10 thru 12 it was clear the game Dane with the “Viking Warrior” sobriquet would need a knockout to win - not to be. 

Scoring went unanimous Calzaghe 117-111, 116-112, 116-112 - my unofficial saw it Calzaghe 115-113 in points - 7-5 in rounds. 

Post Scripts: Calzaghe (44-0, 32 KOs) ~  surprise #1 - In pro boxing, age 35 translates to senior citizen. Proved it a myth when finishing a thriller with much more left in the tank than the younger foe. Surprise #2 - ability to alter a needed change in battle plan. Surprise #3 - The chin - for without it there would be no post-fite party.

                       Kessler (39-1, 29 KOs) ~ age 28 - stamped himself second best at 168 - reminder to brain trust that the guy is real deal was his claiming the final stanza number 12 in search of “Hail Mary” show stopper. Young enough to improve the already lethal power by improving the left-hook. Could and should reclaim one of them straps at 168 when Calzaghe moves up a level before going to pugilistic pasture.
                               
                       Referee Mike Ortega ~ nearly tossed a perfect game - but alas - the one error was late in fight with Calzaghe on the offense and Kessler rattled a bit - with Calzaghe teeing up the ball Ortega jumps in to go the lecture route - could well have been a referee blunder of the year had this one turned out differently.
 
GEL  - 

~For more on Joe Calzaghe's journal visit here ~