The Hindu : Sport / Boxing : Klitschko keeps WBC crown

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 13, 2004

Sport

Sport - Boxing

Klitschko keeps WBC crown

LAS VEGAS, DEC. 12. Ukraine's Vitali Klitschko stopped Britain's Danny Williams in the eighth round to retain his World Boxing Council heavyweight crown.

The defending champion dominated the fight from the start and had Williams on the canvas in the first, third and seventh rounds at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday.

When he knocked Williams down with a vicious right cross again in the eighth round the referee decided that the courageous challenger had taken enough punishment and ended the fight.

Williams seemed unable to block the attacks of his quicker and taller opponent and was repeatedly shaken by Klitschko's punches.

``I feel this was the best performance of my career,'' Klitschko said, dedicating his win to democracy in Ukraine. ``I was surprised that Danny Williams was able to take so many punches. He has a strong chin,'' he added.

The Londoner, who set up the title fight by beating former undisputed world champion Mike Tyson, was taken to hospital after the fight.

``I needed stitches over my eye and I also thought I had dislocated my shoulder but the shoulder is alright,'' said Williams.

Klitschko was making the first defence of the WBC title he won in April defeating South African Corrie Sanders. — Reuters

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