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Klitschko knocks out Donald to set up Lewis bout
Dortmund, Germany, Nov 24: Ukraine`s German-based heavyweight Vitali Klitschko set up a 2003 world championship big by knocking out American Larry Donald in the 10th round yesterday in Dortmund.
Dortmund, Germany, Nov 24: Ukraine's German-based heavyweight Vitali Klitschko set up a 2003 world championship big by knocking out American Larry Donald in the 10th round yesterday in Dortmund.
Klitschko remains the official top-ranked challenger to world champion Lennox Lewis of Britain, for a showdown pencilled in for march as a result of a fight that he dominated from the start and ended with his 31st knockout in 33 bouts.
Donald, 35, had never been knocked out in a 43-bout career, but was floored three times in the 10th round, with South African referee Stanley Christodoulou stopping the contest with 26 seconds remaining in the round. Klitschko, who was told after the fight that he had become a father for the second time just hours before the bout, said: ''Becoming a father is my greatest victory. I now hope to fight Lewis in the next few months, and when the fight comes I will win.''
Donald was far too passive to win even a single round, and Klitschko dominated the WBA intercontinental championship fight with his greater height and reach. However, the former WBO champion looked rusty at times after a nine-month absence from the ring, and the quick-footed Donald was elusive if unthreatening.
''He is a very fast and awkward opponent, and it wasn't so easy,'' said Klitschko.
It was not until the 10th round that Klitscko was able to show why he is known as Dr Iron fist, pulling out a hard right that had Donald on the mat with just under two minutes left in the round.
Bureau Report
Donald, 35, had never been knocked out in a 43-bout career, but was floored three times in the 10th round, with South African referee Stanley Christodoulou stopping the contest with 26 seconds remaining in the round. Klitschko, who was told after the fight that he had become a father for the second time just hours before the bout, said: ''Becoming a father is my greatest victory. I now hope to fight Lewis in the next few months, and when the fight comes I will win.''
Donald was far too passive to win even a single round, and Klitschko dominated the WBA intercontinental championship fight with his greater height and reach. However, the former WBO champion looked rusty at times after a nine-month absence from the ring, and the quick-footed Donald was elusive if unthreatening.
''He is a very fast and awkward opponent, and it wasn't so easy,'' said Klitschko.
It was not until the 10th round that Klitscko was able to show why he is known as Dr Iron fist, pulling out a hard right that had Donald on the mat with just under two minutes left in the round.
Bureau Report