Vitali Klitschko exacted a measure of revenge as he captured the WBC heavyweight title with an eighth-round technical knockout of Corrie Sanders in Los Angeles last night.
Klitschko (34-2, 33 KOs) methodically wore down the 38-year-old Sanders before the fight was stopped by referee Jon Schorle with 14 seconds remaining in the round.
The podgy Sanders, who knocked out Klitschko's older brother Wladmir in two rounds 13 months ago, was looking for a one-punch knockout throughout the fight.
The South African southpaw, who fought in spirited spurts, was unable to truly hurt the larger Ukrainian.
The victory also provided a measure vindication for Vitali Klitschko, who lost to then-champion Lennox Lewis in the same ring last year.
Afterwards, the Ukrainian targetted a rematch with Lewis but with the Briton now in retirement, it appears unlikely.
"I hope Lennox Lewis makes a comeback," he said. "In this same arena 10 months ago Lennox promised me a rematch. I know he is a gentleman and everybody wants to see a second fight."