This was Klitschko’s 61st victory in his 64th professional bout, in front of a 14,000-strong crowd, having earned his first world title back in 2006. “That was a tough bit of work, he’s a real fighter,” said Klitschko.

“I kept landing the punches, but he stayed in there.u00a0“I believe it was a deserved win, but I think I can improve still.” With both fighters having come into the fight with a World Boxing Association heavyweight belt, ‘super’ champion Klitschko made it clear who is the best in the world.

“Things didn’t quite go as well as I wanted, but I never give up,” said Povetkin.u00a0“Of course, he was the better fighter, he’s the best in the world, that’s clear.”

After a bright start, Povetkin hit the canvas in the second round after a sharp left hook from Klitschko.