 Klitschko (right) is now chasing a title fight |
Wladimir Klitschko survived three knockdowns to score a unanimous decision over Samuel Peter in a gritty WBO/IBF heavyweight title eliminator. Klitschko was floored twice in the fifth round and once more in the 10th by the previously unbeaten Peter.
But the Ukrainian threw twice as many punches as his Nigerian opponent to get the nod 114-111 from all three judges.
On the undercard, Miguel Cotto knocked out Ricardo Torres in round seven to keep his WBO light welterweight belt.
The champion knocked down late substitute Torres four times in a thrilling fight.
And the last one ended procedings, a hard right to the side of the head followed by a left hook sending Torres to the canvas.
But the win masked an uneasy display for Cotto, who was knocked down in a frenetic second round and also looked close to defeat in the fifth when his defences failed him.
Cotto survived to stay unbeaten, but Britain's IBF champion Ricky Hatton may now fancy his chances against the Puerto Rican.
Klitschko - who had been criticised for not being able to take a punch - said he would now be chasing a title fight.
"It means a lot. Now I'm number one (contender)," he said.
"I can fight 12 rounds, no problem, as you can see. I enjoyed the fight."
MMIX
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