WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO over previously unbeaten Manuel Charr (21-1, 11 KOs) on Saturday night at the Olimpiyskiy Arena in Moscow, Russia. The much taller Klitschko kept Charr at the end of his jab and was pretty much in control of the fight. However, Charr was very upset that the fight was brought to a close at the result of a bad cut over his eye. Find complete Klitschko vs. Charr results and photos right here.
Charr was down at the end of round two from a blow to the top of the head. The bout was immediately stopped by the referee after a cut suffered by Charr over his right eye in round four.
It was a nasty cut, however, it seemed perhaps a bit premature to bring the fight to an immediate close. As mentioned, Charr was very upset at the stoppage, and while he wasn’t winning the bout, he was at least attempting to make it a fight in there.
Vitali Klitschko: “I am happy to keep the WBC belt. Manuel showed his heart but we all have to follow the rules and if the referee stops the fight, it is over! I know I would have floored Charr later.”
The fight was watched by 9.22 million viewers only in Germany (market share 43.7 per cent), while in the USA, the Klitschko vs. Charr fight was shown on HBO, preceding the Andre Ward vs. Chad Dawson fight.
Now, it’s unclear what’s next for Vitali, as he’s ready to re-enter the political ring next. Hopefully this isn’t the last time we see him the squared circle as a result. Closing out his career with a match against David Haye in 2013 could be a pleasing and appropriate final note, but we’ll see.
