Saturday Boxing Results: Vitali Klitschko Defeats Manuel Charr Via Cut Stoppage

COLOGNE, GERMANY - MARCH 19: (L-R) Vitali Klitschko of Ukriane celebrates his victory with brother Wladimir Klitschko after the WBC World Championship Heavyweight fight between Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine and Odlanier Solis of Cuba at Koelanarena on March 19, 2011 in Cologne, Germany. Vitali Klitscho won in the first round after a technical knock-out against Odlanier Solis. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Yesterday was a big day for boxing, and the day started off with what could potentially be Vitali Klitschko's final fight of his tremendous career. WBC Heavyweight champion Klitschko faced Germany's Manuel Charr in Russia and most boxing fans and experts really didn't give the undefeated Charr much of a chance. He had beaten very weak competition and amassed just 11 KOs in 21 wins. His only notable win was a TKO of Danny Wililams but otherwise looked like another sacrificial lamb for one of the Klitschko Brothers to slaughter.

Predictably, Vitali kept Manuel at bay with his jab, pawing his left hand out repeatedly and landing 1-2 combos at will. Charr wasn't providing much offense (or even attempting offense) through the first two rounds, and at the end of the 2nd Charr was dropped with a right hand to the side of the head. He beat the count and continued, and at times landed solid punches on Vitali in the 3rd, but his staggering lack of power combined with Vitali's fantastic chin essentially rendered most of his few successful attacks useless.

The beginning of the end started in the 4th round when Klitschko sliced open a nasty cut over Charr's right eye with a left hook. Charr absorbed more punishment towards the end of the round when the referee called a halt to the proceedings for the doctor to check on Manuel's cut. The fight was stopped, much to Charr's dismay. His temper tantrum was more aggression than he actually showed in the bout. He really didn't belong in the ring with Vitali, and the net positive out of this fight was that it didn't drag on longer than it needed to.

Klitschko (45-2, 41 KOs), is 41-years-old and has long considered a career in Ukrainian politics after he was through fighting. His future is uncertain at this point, but I am struggling to think of a remotely interesting fight for him now or at any point over the next several months. David Haye could be an option but that's pretty much it. For Charr (21-1, 11 KOs), his shot at glory is up and he put in a really pitiful showing.

You can see the GIFs (courtesy of Zombie Prophet) of the knockdown, the cut that caused the stoppage, and Charr's priceless reaction after the jump.

2nd Round Knockdown