Top Russian heavyweight and IBF mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin (18-0, 13 KOs) proved both his high contender status and the IBF #1, WBO #2 and WBC #3 ranks with a dominant win over old and pudgy American Leo Nolan (27-2, 10 KOs), who suffered the first stoppage loss in his whole career. Povetkin was sharp since the outset and was putting more and more charge in his attack with each spent minute. Guided by famous Teddy Atlas for the first time as a pro, Povetkin used fast, multi-punch combinations to penetrate through Nolan’s block and to score numerously, while the American was making his steps back with short and crisp power hooks. In round three, the beatdown became notably one-sided as Nolan found no safety anywhere inside the ring and was taking more and more punishment. At last he was floored at the ropes after powerful combo by Povetkin and was stopped moments later after a pair of chilling hooks of the favorite. Time was 2:33 of the third round.