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Klitschko too strong for Brock

12/11/2006

Wladimir Klitschko successfully defended his IBF heavyweight crown against Calvin Brock last night at Madison Square Garden, winning by technical knockout after the referee was forced to stop the fight in the seventh round.

The start was a slightly cagey affair with Klitschko seeming content to stay behind his jab in the opening rounds. While the Ukrainian was clearly taking the rounds on the judge's scorecards he was not overpowering his opponent.

A clash of heads in the sixth round appeared to awake the six-foot six-inch champion and he then began the assault that was to win him the match.

In the seventh round Klitschko maintained his momentum and struck Brock with a left-right combination. He then landed with a right hand to the left jaw which proved to be the vital blow.

While Brock made it to his feet on the count of eight the referee deemed that he could not continue, handing Brock first defeat of his career.

Afterwards Klitschko said: "It was a left hook, straight right combination, I should have landed it that way earlier in the fight. But it took that much time to get my rhythm and distance. He's a good defensive fighter."

Brock added: "He had a better jab than I thought. He was very strong. I saw the punch coming, but couldn't get out of the way. He's the best fighter I have ever fought."

Klitschko's record now stands at 47-3 and he is likely to target a unification match for his next fight.

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