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Klitschko Stops Thompson In 11th Round

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 13, 2008

BERLIN - Wladimir Klitschko knocked out former sparring partner Tony Thompson in the 11th round to successfully defend his heavyweight titles.

Klitschko (51-3, 45 knockouts) turned boos to cheers, sending the American to the canvas with a right hand 1:38 into the 11th. He redeemed himself after an ugly 10th in which he pushed Thompson to the canvas and fell on him.

Klitschko's ninth straight win was tougher than expected, as he had to survive a second-round head-butt that left both fighters bleeding at the right eye.

"I'm still world champion, but it's about three titles now- that means everybody that fights me is extra motivated," said Klitschko, who holds the IBF and minor WBO and IBO titles. "I haven't had a black eye for a long time, now I really look like a fighter."

Thompson (31-2, 19 KOs) served as Klitschko's sparring partner before one of the Ukrainian's worst losses, a two-round stoppage by Corrie Sanders in 2003.

On the undercard, American Jonathan Banks (19-0, 14 knockouts) won a decision against Italy's Vincenzo Rossitto (36-5-4, 22 knockouts) to claim the vacant IBO cruiserweight title.

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