"Klitschko knocks out Thompson" HAMBURG, GERMANY (TICKER) —Wladimir Klitschko continues to roll through all comers. Klitschko retained his IBF and WBO heavyweight titles Saturday, knocking out former sparring partner Tony Thompson in the 11th round at the Color Line Arena. “It was a tough fight and Thompson put on a great defensive effort,” Klitschko said. “As the world champion, it is my task to defend the titles, and I am glad I won clearly and by KO.”

Making his fifth defense of the IBF crown in the city in which his professional career began, Klitschko (51-3, 45 KOs) had little trouble with the 36-year-old Thompson, who was appearing in his first major title fight. After a tentative first round, the Ukrainian landed several good right hands a minute into the second that appeared to stun Thompson.
Both fighters were cut above the right eye as a result of an accidental head butt, but neither were affected. Thompson (31-2) appeared to run out of steam in the later rounds as Klitschko continued to land rights without response.
At the end of the 10th round, Klitschko inadvertently stepped on Thompson’s foot, causing both fighters to collapse to the canvas, with the 32-year-old champion landing directly on top of his opponent.
“It did cause some discomfort, but that was not the reason why I lost today,” Thompson said. “Wladimir was the better fighter.”
Klitschko finally put Thompson away at 1:38 of the 11th, catching the Maryland native on the jaw with a right hand. The southpaw was unable to get to his feet before referee Joe Cortez completed his 10-count, giving Klitschko his ninth consecutive victory.
“Wladimir is a great champion,” Thompson said. “I am strong, but he was stronger today. He caught me with a perfect shot. I did not see it coming. … At the end, I got tired. I don’t know why. It happens, and I have to accept it.”
“I did not expect the victory to come that hard,” Klitschko said. “You could see that he really wanted to win. He is a strong fighter. It was a lot of fun to fight against him.”
Klitschko was happy with the outcome and proud of the fact he was sporting a black eye afterward.
“It is not so easy to defend all the titles, and it has been a while since I last had a black eye, so today I really look like a boxer,” he said.
Saturday’s fight was Klitschko’s first in Hamburg since defeating Paea Wolfgramm on March 18, 2000. He also made his pro debut in the city on November 16, 1996, when he beat Fabian Meza.
“It was great to be back in Hamburg, where I made my first professional fight,” Klitschko said. “I want to thank everyone for their great support. The city is like my second home.”
The loss was the first since July 7, 2000 for Thompson, ending a streak of 27 straight wins.