Unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev praised Anthony Yarde’s power after he retained his belt to keep his undefeated record intact.
The WBC, WBO and IBF 175lb champion stopped Yarde after eight rounds, with the British challenger up on two of the judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
Yarde did his reputation no damage with his showing, but veteran Beterbiev believed he was well prepared to take his power.
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Speaking to BT Sport after the fight, he said: "I could say it was a bad fight but I'm sitting here.
"Everyone in this division can punch and Anthony can too. He's young and he has time and I hope he does well in the future.
"If I'm honest, I was prepared for all of those punches and that's why I could keep coming back at him."
Beterbiev now has 19 knockouts from 19 fights, with his 20th bout now expected to come up against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol in an undisputed clash.
