STUTTGART, Germany – Alexander Povetkin did just enough Saturday to earn a points decision over Marco Huck and retain his WBA heavyweight title.
Huck, the WBO cruiserweight champion, had the undefeated 32-year-old Povetkin staggering back against the ropes in the fourth and seventh rounds, but the German was unable to deliver the knockout blow.
Belgian judge Philippe Verbeke called it a draw, 114-114, but England's John Coyle and South Africa's Stanley Christodoulou awarded it 116-113 and 116-112 respectively to the defending champion.
The decision was greeted by a chorus of boos, with Huck claiming victory over his 20-pound heavier opponent.
Povetkin improved to 24-0, while the 27-year-old Huck dropped to 34-2.
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STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Alexander Povetkin did just enough Saturday to earn a points decision over Marco Huck and retain his WBA heavyweight title.
Huck, the WBO cruiserweight champion, had the undefeated 32-year-old Povetkin staggering back against the ropes in the fourth and seventh rounds, but the German was unable to deliver the knockout blow.
Belgian judge Philippe Verbeke called it a draw, 114-114, but England's John Coyle and South Africa's Stanley Christodoulou awarded it 116-113 and 116-112 respectively to the defending champion.
The decision was greeted by a chorus of boos, with Huck claiming victory over his 20-pound heavier opponent.
Povetkin improved to 23-0, while the 27-year-old Huck dropped to 34-2.