Wladimir Klitschko has successfully defended his IBF, WBO, WBA and IBO heavyweight world titles with a 12-round decision over Alexander Povetkin at the Olimpiyskiy, Moscow.

The 37-year-old put the Russian down for the first time in his career with a well-timed jab in the third round, although thereafter he worked more to stifle Povetkin rather than go for the kill.

He was comfortably up through six rounds, before three knockdowns in the seventh saw the Ukrainian take an unassailable lead on the scorecards.

All three judges scored it 119-104 in Klitschko's favout, but it was far from a clean performance, as he sought to drain the energy of his 34-year-old opponent with a lot of holding.

However, he improved his record to 61 wins and three losses, while also inflicting a first upon Povetkin in his 27th fight.