Boxing: Ottke hits back with explosive knockout

Sven Ottke survived a knockdown, then put down Australia's Anthony Mundine with an explosive right in the 10th round to retain his International Boxing Federation super-middleweight title in Dortmund on Saturday night.

Mundine, a Muslim, had aroused controversy by saying Americans responsible because of their politics for the 11 September attacks. That led to the WBC dropping him from their rankings, although the IBF refused to punish him.

The German (25-0) stepped up a gear after he was dropped with a looping left by the former professional rugby league player at the end of the eighth.

During the early rounds, neither boxer could land punches although Ottke pinned Mundine on the ropes often enough to have a lead in points. Mundine was also penalised two points in the fourth round for hitting the German twice behind the head when they were in a clinch.

The knockout blow came when Ottke hit Mundine with a short uppercut straight on the temple. Doctors said Mundine was unconscious for 30 seconds.