Alexander Povetkin stops Manuel Charr in seven rounds

Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin has returned to action with a seventh-round stoppage of Manuel Charr in Moscow.

The bout was Povetkin's first outing since suffering the first defeat of his career against Wladimir Klitschko in October, but the 34-year-old showed little ring rust in overcoming the German.

Charr, who has been beaten by Wladimir's older brother, Vitali, had success with his jab but the power shots were coming from the home favourite, and after taking control of the fight after the fourth, he ended the contest in the seventh.

Povetkin caught his opponent with a left hook before a right hand sent Charr sprawling through the ropes, which resulted in the referee calling an immediate halt to the match.