Oleksandr Usyk stopped Tony Bellew in the eighth round of their fight in Manchester to remain the undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world.
Bellew came up short in his bid to topple Usyk. The Liverpudlian was attempting to become the first Briton to hold all four major world titles - plus the prestigious Ring Magazine belt - in a weight class simultaneously in his final professional bout.
He made a courageous start but was denied the fairytale finish to his career as his unbeaten Ukrainian foe demonstrated why he is rated among one of the finest fighters on the planet.
Usyk gradually started to establish his dominance and closed the show emphatically, flooring his rival with a devastating one-two, prompting referee Terry O'Connor to wave off the count after two minutes of the eighth round.
Usyk therefore retained his WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles at 200lbs.
Bellew was gracious in defeat, telling Sky Sports Box Office: "I tried my best and gave it everything. Usyk is a great, great champion. He beat me fair and square, I have no excuses.
"Oleksandr is the greatest man I have ever shared a ring with.
"Only the very best and very greatest will find a way to beat him."
Bellew admitted he had just not been able to meet the standard of the Ukrainian.
"You come up against great people in life and sometimes you have to accept it," the British boxer said.
"I can't remember what round that was, I don't even remember half of the fight. He's an exceptional champion. Anyone who faces him is in trouble. Only the very best and very biggest will beat him.
"I chose to do this one more time. I now know why he is so great."
Usyk said: "Thank you Tony, thank you Manchester.
"The good champions, they become with good opponents.
"You know what, I had the most difficult year of my life. I now just want to relax with my family.
"We are just common human beings, we need to put goals in front of us."
Bellew will now retire and sent a warning to anyone thinking of taking on the Ukrainian next.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the British fighter said: "He is big and he overpowers you. I tried my best and he is probably the best cruiserweight that ever lived. He is better than what it says on the box.
"Heavyweights stay away, he takes a great shot and I don't even know if I hurt him.
"It is heartbreaking because I gave it everything I had."
Bellew added: "I have been doing this for 20 years and it is over."
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