Russian Alexander Povetkin has shaken up the heavyweight boxing division with a stunning knockout win over Brit slugger Dillian Whyte.
Whyte, who held the interim WBC heavyweight title, would have guaranteed himself a shot at the winner of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder's trilogy fight, expected to take place later this year.
But fighting the cagey veteran was always a big risk, with Povetkin's only losses coming against Vladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua.
Whyte dominated the first four rounds, dropping Povetkin twice in the fourth, and appeared on course for his 12th win on the bounce, but within seconds, he was asleep on the canvas.
Povetkin opened the fifth round with a vicious uppercut that knocked Whyte out cold before he had hit the floor, ending the fight with a violent statement.
The 40-year-old proved he was still a contender among the heavyweight elite, becoming just the second man to beat 'The Bodysnatcher' in 29 fights.
Whyte's previous loss was five years ago against WBA, WBO and IBF champion Joshua.
The fight was held at Matchroom Boxing headquarters in Brentwood, England, effectively in promoter Eddie Hearn's backyard.
Hearn confirmed the two will do battle again this year, with Whyte owed an immediate rematch.
"I can't quite believe it," says Hearn. "When the punch landed, I felt like I was in some dream.
"The fight was over virtually. Dillian was measuring Povetkin up, then two heavy knockdowns.
"I and others thought it was over. This is the drama of heavyweight boxing, one punch can change everything.
"He has to do a job in a rematch."
