Klitschko a cut above Chagaev with TKO

Published on Sunday 21 June 2009 01:09

WLADIMIR Klitschko retained his IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight titles following a technical knockout victory over the previously undefeated Ruslan Chagaev in Gelsenkirchen last night.

The Ukrainian controlled the fight with effortless ease before Chagaev's corner, with their fighter already well beaten, opted to call an end to the fight at the end of the ninth round.

Chagaev had been drafted in after David Haye withdrew from his scheduled meeting with Klitschko due to a back injury earlier this month.

Klitschko landed his first telling blow with a minute to go in the second round when he caught the Uzbek flush on the nose with a straight right, prompting an eight count. The champion was a composed presence throughout as he took control. Chagaev was unable to find a way to get close enough to test the Ukrainian, who further ensured his superiority with some heavy blows in the fourth round.

Chagaev battled on despite being outclassed and despite a cut opening up over his left eye in the sixth round.

Klitschko found the wound with another straight right just after the bell to end the seventh round, which drew an immediate apology from the Ukrainian. Klitschko looked to end the fight at the end of the ninth when he peppered his rival with blows, which immediately proceeded Chagaev's retirement.