Russian Alexander Povetkin pounded Chris Byrd, forcing the veteran heavyweight’s corner to toss the towel in during the 11th round of their fight in Germany on Saturday.

According to the AP, Povetkin (14-0, 11 knockouts) gave credit to Byrd:

“The fight was tough, very tough. He was very experienced,” Povetkin said. “I couldn’t land my blows the way I wanted.”

Povetkin will face the winner of the Nov. 2 a fight between Eddie Chambers and Calvin Brock, in which Chambers is expected prevail, setting up a prospect vs. prospect showdown. The winner of that bout will meet Wlad Klitschko for a crack at his title.

This could be the last go round for Byrd (40-4-1), one would think. But he told AP, no dice.

“I’ve got to lose to an American before I retire,” Byrd said. “But he (Povetkin) is a good one, he will win the title. I won two titles, so I’m not jealous.”