Wladimir Klitschko has successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev in Hamburg.
The unified world champion had been expected to face a tough examination from the unbeaten challenger, but he floored the Bulgarian twice during the opening round.
Pulev recovered but he could find no way to make his mark on what turned out to be a one-sided contest, and Klitschko had Pulev on the canvas again during the third.
The fifth round saw Pulev land with a solid combination, but, after that was shaken off by the Ukrainian, he knocked Pulev down with a vicious left hook that left his opponent unable to get to his feet.
The stoppage is Klitschko's 17th successful defence and his latest victory could result in an appearance in the United States before a potential unification showdown with either Bermane Stiverne or Deontay Wilder.
Darren Plant
