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Throb · Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:24 pm Ruthless Hopkins outpoints Wright

Fromm BBC Sport

Bernard Hopkins retained his IBO light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Winky Wright at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, on Saturday.
The 42-year-old former undisputed middleweight champion posted scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111 to end Wright's seven-year unbeaten run.

Wright was aggressive behind his southpaw jab but Hopkins was able to pile up the points with his counters.

It means Hopkins stays the universally recognised champion at 170lbs.

Hopkins (48-4-1, 32 KOs) opened a gash over Wright's left eye with a head-butt in the second round, leaving his opponent gesturing angrily.

And it prompted Wright, who has never been knocked out, to abandon his usually defensive style to surprise Hopkins with consistent attacks.

Hopkins landed 152 of his 640 punches while Wright connected with 167 of his 618 blows, leaving him adamant he should have won the contest.

"It was a dirty fight. He was head-butting all day and I thought I won it," Wright protested afterwards.

the goat · Guest

undercard was much better