JOE CALZAGHE - knocked down in the first round - has beaten Bernard Hopkins by split decision on a thrilling night in Las Vegas.

Calzaghe was cut for only the second time in his career and floored for only the third time by a huge right hand to his nose in the first round.

Hopkins fought a dirty fight from their on in and Calzaghe was never at his best, but his courage and work-rate saw him control the fight. particularly in the later rounds.

The judges scored the contest 114-113 Hopkins, 115-112 and 116-111 in favour of Joe, now undefeated in 45 fights.

Full report and reaction in Monday's Argus Sport.