Published: 24 February, 2008, 17:41
Edited: 24 February, 2008, 17:41
Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko has defeated Russia's Sultan Ibragimov. He clinched the victory winning by a unanimous points decision, and for his efforts now holds two heavyweight belts.
This fight was one of the most eagerly awaited showdowns in recent history and was the first boxing unification bout in nine years.
The Hunter misfired for the first time in his history. Russia's Sultan Ibragimov was looking tired and exhausted after taking around 300 punches from the Ukrainian and did not dispute the result. After the fight he said he didn't feel hurt, but he felt Klitschko was winning.
The Ukrainian dominated almost for the whole twelve rounds, easily slapping down Ibragimov's jabs.
At the beginning both fighters were very cautious, which did not impress the 14,000-strong crowd at Madison Square Garden.
But from the eighth round the man known as Dr. Steelhammer began to deliver straight heavy blows, and in the ninth even sent Ibragimov into the ropes, coming very close to a knockout. But Ibragimov stayed on his feet till the final gong.
All three referees unanimously gave victory on points to Wladimir Klitschko.
The fight was much anticipated in Russia, with fans pinning their hopes on Ibragimov, who before the clash with Klitschko had been undefeated in 23 fights. But the result was disappointing for the Russians.
With victory over Sultan Ibragimov, Klitschko added the WBO title to his collection and is now two heavyweight belts away from being the undisputed World champion.
The two men who can stop him are another Russian Oleg Maskaev, who first has to defend his WBC title in March, and the WBA champion, Uzbek Ruslan Chagaev.
But Dr. Steelhammer says he is ready for anyone who stands in his way between now and then.