Michael Emons
BBC Sport at O2 Arena, London

A beaten Hughie Fury waits to be interviewed in the ring after a defeat that does some serious damage of his hopes of reaching the top of a crowded and thrilling heavyweight division.

He has now lost three times in 26 professional contests - against Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev and now Alexander Povetkin.

After a bright start he could not capitalise and struggled to leave his mark on the Russian, who, at the age of 39 and who lost to Anthony Joshua in seven rounds last September, may just have a role to play at the top of the heavyweight division still.

Image source, BBC Sport

Alexander Povetkin, speaking to Sky Sports: “That was a great fight. It was really difficult so I want to appreciate the audience for their support.”

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at London's O2 Arena

It's going to be a long way back for Hughie Fury from here.

Hughie Fury speaking to Sky Sports: "I've done my best but came second best. It is what it is. What more can I say."

Carl Frampton
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

I thought this was a silly fight for Hughie Fury to take under a new promotional banner. Alexander Povetkin is such a dangerous puncher.

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 Live boxing pundit at London's O2 Arena

Hughie Fury has some thinking to do. He has lost three big fights to three good boxers by not being aggressive or busy enough.

Carl Frampton
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Alexander Povetkin kept walking and plodding forward. I only gave Hughie Fury one of the last six rounds and I favoured the Russian’s aggressiveness.

All three judges give the win to Alexander Povetkin, scoring the bout 117-111.

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 Live boxing pundit at London's O2 Arena

There were three or four clear Alexander Povetkin rounds. A couple of clear Hughie Fury rounds. And then a lot of close rounds. So who knows.

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at London's O2 Arena

Both men embraced at the bell, neither raised their hands for victory.

Roars of encouragement from the Russian's corner as Povetkin moves in and catches Fury with an early right.

Into the final minute of the round and both land punches but Povetkin gets in the more meaningful ones.

Many backed Povetkin to fade as the fight wore on but the opposite has been true. He may well have done enough to clinch this...

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at London's O2 Arena

Hughie Fury has not been able to stem the aggression of the man in front of him. Even if he wins this round it won't be enough.

Carl Frampton
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Povetkin landed two big punches and that was enough to steal it. I've got him down as seven rounds to four now.

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 Live boxing pundit at London's O2 Arena

It’s professional boxing and yes that was maybe enough to give Alexander Povetkin the round. I think this is a lost cause now for Hughie Fury.

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at London's O2 Arena

Hughie Fury is still looking as though he has something in the tank. Maybe he is trying to fool or demoralise Alexander Povetkin. Most of the scoring so far has been done by Fury.

This is it now for Fury. Massive final two rounds.

Povetkin lands three solid right hands and Fury is holding on here. Has he got something in his locker? He's going to need it in the final round because Povetkin is going the distance.

Carl Frampton
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

I gave that round to Hughie Fury but the way he is leaning back, moving back, makes it easier for Alexander Povetkin.

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at London's O2 Arena

Alexander Povetkin is on the front foot. But Hughie Fury gets a couple of solid shots off. That's better. It's difficult to score this round, a lot of mauling, brawling and wrestling.

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 Live boxing pundit at London's O2 Arena

Hughie Fury has to find some energy himself. He has to find something massive in his tank. If he wins two good rounds he's in with a shout here.

You sense that Fury knows the last couple of rounds didn't go his way as he makes a positive start to this round, swiftly landing a straight right hand to the body. Povetkin just misses with a decent right before Fury responds with a jab to finish the round.