Klitschko was in control from the outset in his 18th straight title defense. His long jab and straight right hands kept Jennings from getting inside, and the unbeaten American had little chance of delivering any blows from the distance.

"Jennings would have beaten a lot of heavyweights in the division," Klitschko said. "He's a tough competitor."

The pro-Klitschko crowd of over 17,000 roared with every landed punch by their champion chanting Ukrainian slogans when he entered the arena and when the decision was announced: 116-111 on two cards, 118-109 on another.

The low point for the 39-year-old Klitschko came in the 10th round, when he was penalized a point for holding. Jennings complained before the fight about that tactic, and referee Mike Griffin paid attention.

"Every time I started working, he held me," Jennings said. "When he was holding I was hitting him to the body. I must have hit him with about 100 body shots, not that much to the head, though," he added.

"I felt the margin should have been much closer."

glb/jil (Reuters/AP)