LAS VEGAS, NV - Former WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko survived a fourth-round knockdown and a nasty cut to escape with a fifth round technical split decision over former NABF heavyweight titleholder DaVarryl Williamson Saturday at Ceasers Palace.
The fight went to the scorecards after Klitschko was unable to continue after the fifth round due to a deep gash over his right eye that was caused by an accidental head butt.
Klitschko 43-3 (39 KOs), of Kiev, Ukraine, sustained cuts over both eyes, but racked up enough points to gain the nod on two of the three scorecards.
Judges Chuck Giampa and Jerry Roth scored it 49-46 for Klitschko, while Doug Tucker ruled in favor of Williamson, 48-47.
Klitschko, the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, was coming back after being stopped in the fifth round of his last fight with Lamon Brewster.
His fate looked uncertain again when Williamson, 20-3 (17 KOs) threw a right hand that dropped him to one knee in the fourth round.
That was one of only a few punches landed by Williamson, though, who lost four of the five rounds on two scorecards. Two judges had Klitschko winning 49-46, while the third had Williamson ahead 48-47.
Klitschko was booed by many in the crowd at the outdoor arena at Caesars Palace after the decision was announced.
"It was not an easy fight," Klitschko said. "I really felt his right hand."
In search of an impressive victory, Klitschko said before the fight that he needed a big win to gain his confidence back. He has been knocked out in two of his last four fights
"I never lost my confidence after the Brewster fight," he said. "I would be happy to get back in the ring as soon as possible."
