Saturday, December 12, 2009

Vitali Klitschko eases to win over Kevin Johnson


Vitali Klitschko defended his WBC world heavyweight title with an efficient but unspectacular unanimous points victory over Kevin Johnson.

The 38-year-old was never troubled by his American opponent but still took few chances in front of an 18,000-strong crowd in Berne, Switzerland.

The previously unbeaten Johnson, 30, appeared more intent on survival than victory and looked out of his depth.

Klitschko is a target for Britain's WBA heavyweight champion David Haye.

The Urkrainian said he would be happy to fight Haye in 2010 but added: "Let's see what happens. He first has to fight [mandatory challenger] John Ruiz, and I wish him luck."

There is no love lost between Haye and the Klitschko brothers - Wladmir holds the IBF and WBO versions of the title - with the Londoner regularly insulting the pair and questioning their abilities.

Vitali, whose brother was in his corner, said: "Haye is a world champion trash talker. But if he fights one of us, he will lose."

Klitschko improved his record to 39 wins in 41 fights, with 37 by knockout, and two losses.

He was making a third successful defence of the belt he reclaimed in October last year after four years out of the ring.

For Johnson, the WBC's sixth-ranked contender, it was his first setback in 24 pro fights.

The judges in Switzerland scored the fight 120-108 and 119-109 in Klitschko's favour.

The champion added: "I'm not happy because I prepared to knock him out, but I'm happy I won every round."

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