Boxing: Ref steps in to halt Klitschko 'massacre'

(GETTY IMAGES)

It was far too easy for Vitali Klitschko on Saturday night at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles when he kept his World Boxing Council title after the referee saved Chris Arreola from his own bravery after 10 completed rounds.

Even at 38 and after a four-year gap to let his body heal, Klitschko is still the best heavyweight in the world and Arreola, who is the best American prospect at the weight, was made to look like a raw novice.

It was a relief when Jon Schorle, the referee, conferred with Arreola's despondent cornermen at the end of round 10 and decided that the massacre was on the brink of becoming a danger.

It was the right decision and to be brutally honest it is doubtful if Arreola deserved to even share a round.

Klitschko was at his calculating and dominating best, never letting Arreola's attempts at rushing in cause him a single moment of concern and it is clear that the challenger had underestimated the champion's skills.

The winner of the World Boxing Association contest between Nikolai Valuev, who is more than 7ft tall, and London's David Haye on 7 November in Germany could be next on Klitschko's dwindling list of future opponents.