Alexander Povetkin is the new mandatory challenger for the WBC heavyweight title after securing a stunning knockout finish against Dillian Whyte.
Whyte looked in total control of the contest as he looked to take a step closer to his first world title shot.
But after losing the first four rounds, the battle-hardened Russian produced a phenomenal uppercut that almost sent Whyte through the ropes, knocked out before he hit the mat.
Povetkin, who was perhaps lucky to leave with a draw last time out against Michael Hunter in December, was made to look every one of his 40 years of age as a leaner and quicker Whyte took early control of the contest.
The Brixton fighter enjoyed early success with his crisp jab, hurting the Russian and dropping him twice in the fourth round.
Povetkin hung onto make it to the fifth, but having failed to land a telling shot on the Briton, needed a minor miracle.
He found it, producing a knockout for the ages to secure the win that makes him the new mandatory challenger for the WBC heavyweight title currently held by Tyson Fury.
It serves as a huge setback for Whyte, who held the WBC 'interim' title for over a year and had been the organisation's no1 contender for three.
Victory at Matchroom Fight Camp on Saturday would have guaranteed him a WBC title shot early next year against the winner of Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 - a bout that is still expected to take place before the end of the year.
The second defeat of his professional record sends him back to the drawing board - although promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed post-fight there is a rematch clause that could yet rescue his world title hopes.
