Vitali Dr Iron Fist Klitschko v Danny Williams

Danny Williams failed to complete his boxing fairytale in Las Vegas after his brave world heavyweight title bid was ended by Vitali Klitschko.

Williams was knocked down four times and took tremendous punishment before referee Jay Nady wisely waved his challenge off one minute and 26 seconds into the eighth round.

The Brixton man had performed a minor miracle to last into the second half of the contest after coming within a fraction of a second of being counted out in round one.

Williams said: “He was a lot more awkward than I thought and it was harder than I thought it was going to be.

“I got cut in the first round and it became harder and harder to see his punches.

“I kept fighting because it was the heavyweight championship of the world but he was just too good.”

Williams showed amazing heart to continue pushing forward in a fruitless attempt to upset Klitschko’s heavy-handed rhythm.

Instead he simply continued to sustain more damage as chances of a repeat upset to match his July win over Mike Tyson receded quickly.

Williams added: “He doesn’t hit as hard as Mike Tyson but he was more consistent.

“I had watched tapes of him but he was different and the cuts did not help.”

Williams’ hopes of making a quick start were dashed in the opening round as he was bundled to the canvas by two heavy Klitschko right hands.

He remained on his knees as referee Nady counted before springing up a fraction of a second before his challenge would have met an ignominious end.

Williams looked groggy and was hampered by his cut but continued to push on and try to upset Klitschko.

A left hand which landed gave his British fans some cheer in the third round but he soon hit the canvas again from a right hand.

When he rose at the count of six Williams was lucky to be greeted by the bell for a moment’s respite from the relentless punishment.

As his cut worsened in round four, Williams’ chances looked even bleaker, yet he reached the bell again to keep his hopes only just alive.

Williams exceeded expectation by edging into the second half of the fight despite Klitschko continuing to pick him off and worsen the damage around his eyes.

And there were questions about the wisdom of Williams’ corner allowing him to continue, although the Briton continued to fire back with single punches.

Referee Nady took a close look at Williams in a seventh round in which he hit the canvas again when Klitschko helped him down after a missed swing.

It was finally all over in the eighth when Williams, still trying to get forward, was sent crashing to the canvas for the fourth time and was wisely prevented from continuing by Nady despite meeting the count.

Williams can take some solace from Klitschko, who called his performance the best of his career.

Klitschko said: “This was the best fight of my career and I was surprised Danny was able to take so many punches.

“He has a strong chin and he caught me good a couple of times.

“My strategy was to use my reach because I knew he would try to get close to me, so I stayed outside. I thought the fight would have been stopped a little earlier.

“I got a little tired but nothing serious. I am the real world heavyweight champion and I am prepared to fight anyone.”