adminHAMBURG. — Wladimir Klitschko earned the 17th defence of his world heavyweight boxing crowns with a fifth round knockout of Kubrat Pulev on Saturday night to secure the 53rd KO of his career. The 38-year-old inched closer to the legendary Joe Louis’ record of 25 heavyweight defences when he put the Bulgarian down for the fourth time after two minutes, 11 seconds of the round.
Klitschko dominated the fight in one of the most impressive displays of his career as he prepares to become a father next month with his girlfriend, actress Hayden Panettiere, a star of hit US series, “Heroes” and “Nashville”.
The Ukrainian champion paid tribute to his countrymen in their ongoing military struggle against Russia after the bout in his adopted home town of Hamburg.
“I want to dedicate this victory to my compatriots in the Ukraine, who are experiencing difficult times,” said Klitschko, whose brother Vitali, the mayor of Kiev and an ex-world champion, was in his corner.
“Pulev put in a good performance and I give him respect.
“He made it hard to land the left hook by staying out of range, but I managed to land a lot of punches and I’m glad it worked out in the end.”
The Ukrainian retains his IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO belts to remain the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after the 63rd victory of his career and used his left hook to devastating effect.
Pulev was twice on the canvas in the first round after an explosive start by both the world champion and the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF) mandatory challenger.
The Bulgarian was quickly on his feet, grinning and balancing on one leg in a bid to prove he was unaffected, but Klitschko was soon on top.
Klitschko put Pulev on the canvas with a fierce left hook in the third round, as a cut opened under the challenger’s left eye, but he survived referee Tony Weeks’ count. — AFP.
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