Wladimir Klitschko Storms To 17th Straight Title Defence Against Kubrat Pulev

The 38-year-old Ukrainian sent his previously unbeaten challenger to the canvas four times on the way to a 17th consecutive title defence.

Bulgaria's former world championship bronze medalist was on the floor twice in the opening round, initially from a blistering left hook and Klitschko closed the show with the same shot, keeping hold of his WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO belts.

Pulev had moments of success and showed incredible heart to continually rise under the assault, but ultimately paid for his willingness to trade with Klitschko in such ferocious form.

A 21st victory in a row takes Klitschko's professional record to 63 wins, with 53 knockouts and three losses, while Pulev's maiden setback stands alongside 20 previous triumphs.

Klitschko and Pulev were slated to meet in September before a bicep injury ruled the champion out of action - an injury the challenger questioned the legitimacy of and his sniping reached childish levels during the build-up this week when he accused his opponent of fighting .

Pulev's jab brought him success against similarly towering heavyweights Alexander Dimitrenko and Alexander Ustinov, and a left lead in the opening session caught Klitschko flush and sent him backwards.

It proved to be false encouragement for the Bulgarian as a chopping left hook floored him. Barely back in control of his legs, another Klitschko left had him over again.

Pulev somehow saw out the round, but there was more punishment in store as Klitschko's trusty straight right fired with aplomb during the second.

A redoubtable fighting spirit from Pulev was in full evidence during the next session, but a thunderous overhand right sent him reeling into the ropes before Klitschko reintroduced him to the mat.

Still Pulev looked to attack, landing with greater regularity than many of the champion's recent foes, but his willingness to stand in range with lethargic head and foot movement proved his undoing.

Klitschko wore a solid left from Pulev in the fifth, but responded in kind immediately to leave Pulev flat on his back, persuading referee Tony Weeks that he had seen enough.