Klitschko secures victory after hail of punches in round nine
22.06.2009
Vladimir Klitschko successfully defended his IBF and WBO world heavyweight belts for the third time in front of a 61,000 sell-out crowd at the VELTINS Arena on Saturday. In a superior display of boxing the Ukrainian defeated challenger Ruslan Chagaev by technical knockout before the start of the tenth round. 
Klitschko had his opponent on the canvas as early as round two after a neat left-right combination. US referee Eddie Cotton gave the challenger a standing count, but the Uzbeki showed great fighting spirit and fought on doggedly despite a cut above the left eye. Throughout the fight, however, Chagaev was unable to find a way past Klitschko's lead hand. The Ukrainian was constantly on the move and thus never presented the challenger with a stationary target.
Chagaev tried to get close to Klitschko with some clever ducking, a tactic that brought him very little joy, however. Referee Cotton eventually stepped in and stopped the fight before the start of round ten, moments after Klitschko had pinned Chagaev against the ropes with a volley of punches.
"All the best and thanks very, very much", the world champion called out to the fans after his triumph. "I never dreamt I would fight in front of more than 60,000 people in this beautiful country. I'm overjoyed. Ruslan gave his all, but I was better" It was Klitschko's 53rd career victory in 56 professional fights.
The 61,000 spectators at the largest stadium event since the Max Schmeling era represented a new European indoor record for the sport of boxing. This was because the VELTINS Arena roof remained closed throughout the evening.
