Round seven:
Mkrtchian is hurt by a stinging right hand and Calzaghe quickly follows up with a flurry of punches to knock him down. The challenger gets up but he is stopped by the referee, bringing a sudden end to the contest.

Round six:
The champion is well ahead on points at the halfway stage, but he is paying Mkrtchian respect by not wading in at every opportunity. Calzaghe knows well that one lucky punch could turn the contest.

Round five:
Calzaghe lifts his work rate and takes control of the fifth round, picking off the challenger at will. This is not spectacular stuff from the Welshman but it is solid.

Round four:
Mkrtchian looks unfazed by the occasion and is making life awkward for the champion, who shows his anger at the bell after landing a good shot.

Round three:
A cagey and uneventful round. Calzaghe keeps more distance as the stocky Mkrtchian tries to throw combinations without much success.

Round two:
Mkrtchian lands a couple of good punches, but is then rocked back by a Calzaghe flurry. The Welshman's trademark speed is already causing problems and his superior reach is keeping the Armenian at bay.

Round one:
Calzaghe sets the tempo from the start but Mkrtchian is giving nothing away, ducking into a defensive stance as he tries to size up the champion.

Build-up:

Armenian Mger Mkrtchian makes his entrance to modest applause in Cardiff and he is followed into the ring by local hero Joe Calzaghe.

As expected, Calzaghe gets a huge ovation ahead of his last fight at super middleweight before stepping up a division.