Wladimir Klitschko watches as the referee counts out Jean-Marc Mormeck on Saturday. (AP-Yonhap News)
DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) ― Wladimir Klitschko stopped French challenger Jean-Marc Mormeck in the fourth round of a one-sided fight to retain the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles Saturday night.
The Ukrainian put down Mormeck with a left-right combination, followed by a short left. Mormeck beat the count but looked wobbly and referee Luis Pabon stopped the fight.
“His strategy was to make me tired, but I dominated,” Klitschko said.
Klitschko was credited with the 50th KO of his career, but Mormeck said he could have fought on.
“I was frustrated, I could have continued,” Mormeck said.
Klitschko floored Mormeck in the second and completely dominated the much smaller challenger. Mormeck never connected with a clean punch, although Klitschko said he had been hit with one jab.
“My eye is still stinging,” Klitschko said.
Klitschko improved to 57-3, while Mormeck dropped to 36-5. Klitschko also held on to the minor IBO and WBO belts.
Mormeck kept trying to come in, lunging forward with his head low and gloves high, often clinging to Klitschko.
A former cruiserweight, Mormeck gave up 6 1/2 inches in height 7 inches in reach to the champion.
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
