Klitschko chalks up 17th defence with another KO
Ukrainian world heavyweight champion sends previously unbeaten Bulgarian Pulev packing
Wladimir Klitschko earned the 17th defence of his world heavyweight crowns with a fifth-round knockout of the previously unbeaten Kubrat Pulev to secure the 53rd KO of his career.
The 38-year-old inched closer to the legendary Joe Louis' record of 25 heavyweight defences when he put the Bulgarian down for the fourth time after two minutes, 11 seconds of the round.
Klitschko dominated the fight in one of the most impressive displays of his career as he prepares to become a father next month with his girlfriend, actress Hayden Panettiere, a star of hit US series Heroes and Nashville.
Wladimir is a really good opponent, but he was lucky. I want a rematch. I'll win the next time
The Ukrainian champion paid tribute to his countrymen in their ongoing military struggle against Russia after the bout in his adopted home town of Hamburg.
"I want to dedicate this victory to my compatriots in the Ukraine, who are experiencing difficult times," said Klitschko, whose brother Vitali, the mayor of Kiev and a former world champion, was in his corner.
"To Pulev's fans I want to say, you have to be sporting, Pulev fought a good fight," the 38-year-old said. "It was hard to work the left jab. Pulev prepared well."
"He made it hard to land the left hook by staying out of range, but I managed to land a lot of punches and I'm glad it worked out in the end."
The Ukrainian retains his IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO belts to remain the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after the 63rd victory of his career and used his left hook to devastating effect.