Boxing: Klitschko retains world title with 50th knockout

It was the 50th knockout of his career.

The Ukrainian put Mormeck down with a left-right combination, followed by a short left. Mormeck beat the count but looked wobbly and referee Luis Pabon called it over.

“His strategy was to make me tired but I dominated,” Klitschko said.

Mormeck said he could have fought on. “I was frustrated, I could have continued,” he said in the ring.

Klitschko had already floored Mormeck in the second and completely dominated the affair against the much smaller challenger, who never connected with a clean punch, although Klitschko said he had been hit with one jab. “My eye is still stinging,” he said.

Klitschko’s record improved to 57-3, while Mormeck dropped to 36-5. Klitschko also held on to the minor IBO and WBO belts. The fight had been originally scheduled for December but had to be postponed when Klitschko needed surgery to remove kidney stones.

Older brother Vitali won a unanimous decision against British challenger Dereck Chisora in Munich two weeks ago to retain his WBC belt and said he was hoping his next fight would be against David Haye, the British boxer who lost to Wladimir in July and is officially retired. Before the fight, Haye challenged Vitali again over a video link.