Boxing: Vladimir Klitschko retains his world titles

Vladimir Klitschko who retained his world heavyweight titles (Getty Images)

Vladimir Klitschko retained his world heavyweight titles when he knocked down Tony Thompson in the sixth round in Berne on Saturday. The 36-year-old Ukrainian, who knocked out the American when they met four years ago, holds the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO titles; his older brother, Vitali, holds the WBC title.

"I didn't have a doubt from the beginning of the fight that I would defend my titles," Klitschko said. "I felt I had the strength, speed, condition and power."

In Sheffield on Saturday, Kell Brook admitted that his hard-fought win in an IBF welterweight title eliminator against the American Carson Jones had left him with him plenty of work to do. The Yorkshireman had to survive a badly bleeding nose and relentless pressure; one judge ruled the bout a draw and two gave Brook the win.

"It was a tough fight but I came through it and got the result after 12 hard rounds," said the 26-year-old from Sheffield.