Klitschko too good for Williams

Vitali Klitschko proved too strong for Danny Williams as he retained his world championship crown in Las Vegas last night.

Williams vowed to continue boxing despite being outclassed by Klitschko. Williams was knocked down four times and took tremendous punishment before referee Jay Nady wisely ended the world heavyweight contest one minute and 26 seconds into the eighth round.

Williams had performed a minor miracle to last into the second half of the contest after coming within a fraction of a second of being counted out in round one.

He was taken to hospital for a precautionary CAT scan but was later released and said: “I had stitches in my eye I had a brain scan and they said I was A-okay.

“I’m disappointed, I was not just here to make up the numbers. I really thought I could win but credit to him. He was on form on the night and I wasn’t.

“Now I’m going to regroup and enjoy my family for a bit and then get back to some hard training.”

Williams showed amazing heart to continue pushing forward in a fruitless attempt to upset Klitschko’s heavy-handed rhythm.

Instead he simply continued to sustain more damage as chances of a repeat upset to match his July win over Mike Tyson receded quickly.

Williams’ hopes of making a quick start were dashed in the opening round as he was bundled to the canvas by two heavy Klitschko right hands.

He remained on his knees as referee Nady counted before springing up a fraction of a second before his challenge would have met an ignominious end.

Williams looked groggy and was hampered by his cut but continued to push on and try to upset Klitschko.

A left hand which landed gave Williams' fans some cheer in the third round but he soon hit the canvas again from a right hand.

When he rose at the count of six Williams was lucky to be greeted by the bell for a moment’s respite from the relentless punishment.

As his cut worsened in round four, Williams’ chances looked even bleaker, yet he reached the bell again to keep his hopes only just alive.

Williams exceeded expectation by edging into the second half of the fight despite Klitschko continuing to pick him off and worsen the damage around his eyes.

And there were questions about the wisdom of Williams’ corner allowing him to continue, although he continued to fire back with single punches.

Referee Nady took a close look at Williams in a seventh round in which he hit the canvas again when Klitschko helped him down after a missed swing.

It was finally all over in the eighth when Williams, still trying to get forward, was sent crashing to the canvas for the fourth time and was wisely prevented from continuing by Nady despite meeting the count.

Williams can take some solace from Klitschko, who called his performance the best of his career.

Klitschko said: “This was the best fight of my career and I was surprised Danny was able to take so many punches.

“He has a strong chin and he caught me good a couple of times. My strategy was to use my reach because I knew he would try to get close to me, so I stayed outside. I thought the fight would have been stopped a little earlier.

“I got a little tired but nothing serious. I am the real world heavyweight champion and I am prepared to fight anyone.”