The referee steps in

Sheika, managed by former mentors of Mike Tyson, Bill Cayton and Steve Lott, went for broke throwing some powerful punches but was not ready for the superb counter-attacking of Calzaghe.

Sheika's face had become covered in blood after a head clash on the bell to end round four and a cut started around his left eye.

The champion began an onslaught in the fifth that opened a cut above the other eye, and then cranked up another gear before the referee stepped in to stop the battering.

Sheika who is considered the top prospect from the States, was ruled out on his feet.

Training

Calzaghe will be especially pleased as this is first fight that he has been able to train properly for in the last two years.

The southpaw has been "riddled with injuries" since 1998.

Calzaghe's manager Frank Warren was delighted with the result: "He's done it in great style. We had to get back to basics but it was worth it."

However the manager indicated there is more work to do, saying: "He's going to fight again at the end of October."