Sergey Kovalev has retained his WBO light heavyweight title after stopping Anthony Yarde in Russia.
The 36-year-old ended a thrilling contest in the 11th round, knocking down the challenger for the first time in his career in Chelyabinsk.
But Kovalev was in serious trouble in the eighth round where Yarde briefly took control, rocking the champion with some devastating shots that put him within touching distance of the belt.
Kovalev rallied superbly, however, forcing a dramatic stoppage and ending Yarde's brave challenge.
Yarde was considered a rank outsider for Saturday's title bout - fighting almost 3000 miles away from home against a man who was in the argument for being one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet three years ago.
Kolalev outboxed the young challenger for seven rounds with his superb jab ensuring he remained in total control of the fight.
Yarde didn't tire despite being on the backfoot in each of those punishing rounds - and produced a remarkable fightback in the eighth, stunning the home crowd with a series of huge shots upstairs and to the body that had the Russian on the ropes.
Kovalev was saved by the bell with ringside microphones picking up his trainer Buddy McGirt telling him he would pull him out if he took just one more shot from Yarde.
It proved to be telling motivation, with the Russian coming out in the ninth a new fighter, refreshed once again and dangerous.
Yarde was unable to capitalise and the bravery he showed in the previous round was now no match for the champion's superior experience and ring craft.
An exhausted Yarde was finally floored in the eleventh by yet another stiff jab - but he will return the capital with his reputation hugely enhanced.
