19 years ago

Date: 7th May 2005

Title: WBO World Super-middleweight Title

Promoter: Klaus Peter Kohl

Tv: ZDF, Eurosport

Joe Calzaghe
( 38 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 167 1/2 lbs

Mario Veit
( 45 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 167 1/2 lbs

Mario Veit worked his way back to the WBO Super-middleweight mandatory challenger spot so that he could put the record straight on the only blemish on his 46-fight ledger, a 1st round technical knockout at the hands of champion Joe Calzaghe at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales in April 2001.

Indeed, Veit had won the vacant Interim version of the title against Kabary Salem (split decision) and successfully defended it against Charles Brewer (9th round Tko). His promoter Klaus Peter Kohl had secured home advantage, so the stage was set for the 31-year-old challenger to become the full WBO World Super-middleweight champion.

Unlike their first meeting, this time Veit got to show that he had the talent to compete with the champion on equal terms, although Calzaghe tended to be the one setting the pace and for the most part pushing the 6 ft 3 Inch challenger back. However, Veit was landing cleanly on Calzaghe at times.

At the end of the 5th round, Calzaghe dropped Veit by the ropes and although he got straight up and went back to his corner, the writing was on the wall.

At the start of the 6th round, Calzaghe charged after Veit and dropped him again. Veit's trainer, Fritz Sdunek signalled surrender from the ring apron and after a moment of uncertainty, referee Genaro Hernandez ended the fight at 2:18 of the round.