Klitschko sees off Wach to retain world title
Ukrainian champion sees off gutsy challenge from towering Wach to retain world titles, then pays tribute to his late trainer Emanuel Steward
World heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko successfully defended his IBF, WBA and WBO titles with a unanimous points victory over Polish challenger Mariusz Wach.
The 36-year-old Ukrainian was awarded the fight 120-107, 120-107, 119-109 to win his 22nd world title bout and boost his record to 50 knockouts and 58 wins in 61 bouts.
"It was great to have Rocky here - thank you for your support," said Klitschko with Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone ringside in Hamburg to watch the fight against Wach, dubbed "The Viking".
"He really is The Viking. He took a few shots but kept fighting on, so respect to him."
For the first time in his career, Klitschko faced a taller opponent, giving away four centimetres to the 2.02m tall Wach, who tipped the scales at 113.8kg, compared to Klitschko's 112kg.
This was Klitschko's first fight since the death of his coach Emanuel Steward, who passed away at the end of October in his home town of Detroit after surgery for cancer.
"After my last fight in July, we all sang Happy Birthday to Emanuel, but now he is gone and I want to pay tribute to him," added Klitschko.