Vitali Klitschko retained his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday after scoring a unanimous points victory over Shannon Briggs.
Ukrainian taken the distance by American Briggs in Hamburg
Vitali Klitschko retained his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday night after scoring a unanimous points victory over Shannon Briggs in Hamburg.
The judges scored the contest 120-107, 120-107 and 120-105 in favour of the 39-year-old Ukrainian, who was defending the belt for the fifth time.
Klitschko dominated his dreadlocked American opponent over 12 rounds and although he produced a fearsome barrage of blows, he failed to put Briggs on the canvas at the O2 World Arena.
Briggs had claimed before the fight that he was in the best shape of his career and showed plenty of resilience. Even so, there was little indication that he could spring a surprise.
Fearsome
Briggs, 38, landed a couple of purposeful straight rights early on but was also wobbled by a fearsome right in the first round.
Klitschko unleashed another such blow in round two and caught his opponent off balance after jabbing his way through much of the third.
The champion dominated the fifth round, staggering his opponent with another big straight right before following up with a powerful combination.
Round six was even more brutal, Klitschko's left hook working well in combination with the right hand on three separate occasions.
The onslaught continued into round seven as Klitschko repeatedly rocked Briggs back onto the ropes.
Briggs then developed a cut and swelling under his left eye and his corner were overheard advising him to "stay out of the way of his right" ahead of round nine.
They were also cautioned over their language during the round.
Briggs somehow went the distance but was never likely to be in contention when the judges made their decision, with Klitschko duly rewarded for another masterclass.
Impressive
"I gave everything, my hand is really sore, but his ability to take punches was impressive," the winner said.
Briggs added: "I've boxed against Lewis and Foreman, I put up my best fight of my career tonight, but Vitali is too quick, he hits hard, harder than all the others, he's a great boxer."
Klitschko therefore improved his professional record to 41-2 while Briggs dropped to 51-6, with one draw.
Attentions now turn to Klitschko's younger brother Wladimir, who is scheduled to defend his IBF and WBO titles against British and Commonwealth champion Dereck Chisora on December 11.
In the meantime, WBA title holder David Haye will face Audley Harrison in Manchester on November 13.
