MOSCOW, November 16 (Sputnik) – Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko knocked out Kubrat Pulev in the fifth round and retained his IBF heavyweight title in Hamburg, Bleacher Report said.
The fight was Klitschko’s 17th consecutive title defense. The current IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion knocked down Pulev twice in the first round and it quickly became apparent that the fight would not last long. After being knocked to the floor again during the third round, Pulev somehow managed to recover. During the fifth round, however, Wladimir Klitschko landed a huge left hook that sent the durable 33-year old Bulgarian boxer sprawling to the canvas for the fourth and final time, Daily Mail reported.
After the fight, the Ukrainian boxer was quick to bring politics into the ring. In his post-fight speech, before dedicating his victory to “those who are fighting for the Ukrainian independence,” Klitschko called out “Glory to Ukraine” that is known as part of a slogan used by Ukrainian far-right groups, including Right Sector.
Klitschko had the 53rd knockout of his career and extended his winning record to 63-3.
