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Klitschko beats Ibragimov to unify heavyweight title

24/02/2008

Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko has beaten Russian Sultan Ibragimov to become the first heavyweight to win a unification bout since Lennox Lewis.

Klitschko defeated Ibragimov by a unanimous points decision, 119-110, 117-111, 118-110, at Madison Square Garden in New York to add the WBO title to the IBF crown he already held.

It was an unspectacular fight as both men looked laboured in their approach. Klitschko, although he clearly had the upper-hand against his opponent, remained cautious throughout and mostly used his jab.

Klitschko used his size to good advantage and was able to dominate the Russian. His superior experience also allowed him to work the ring more effectively.

These skills combined with a solid jab allowed him to keep winning rounds on the judges' scorecards. In the seventh round both fighters landed heavy blows and the bout began to heat up.

Klitschko caught Ibragimov with a right hook to the head in the eighth round but as he landed another blow that sent the Russian to the floor the referee ruled it a push.

Ibragimov was wobbling in the ninth round as Klitschko moved forward but the Russian managed to survive.

However the moments of action were brief and Klitschko claimed after the fight that he had to adopt conservative tactics to ensure victory.

"If I would miss I would lose the balance and it's hard to get back," he said.

"I thought I was going to knock this guy out - it wasn't easy. I know you're not satisfied, but I have to keep the belts and knock everybody else out."

Klitschko will now target either WBC champion Oleg Maskaev or WBA holder Ruslan Chagaev as he looks to add more belts.