It was a brutal scene for the packed crowd of nearly 80,000 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, when they witnessed Alexander Povetkin of Russia retain his position as the mandatory challenger for the WBA, WBO heavyweight belts after brutally knocking out David Price in the fifth round of an action-packed fight.

Povetkin had already floored Price with a big left hook in the third round when he sent the British boxer to the canvas with another powerful left that drew gasps from the crowd.

Price was a sitting target after being hit with a right jab from Povetkin, who becomes the WBA intercontinental champion. Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic champion, was WBA champion from 2011-13.

Price started his pro career with 15 straight wins but has now lost five times, four of the defeats coming against boxers who had served — or would go on to serve — doping bans.

A win over Povetkin could have secured him a shot at world champion Anthony Joshua.

The loss marked the fifth time where Price has been stopped, but this knockout loss was the most eye catching of his career. The first punch had him out on his feet and the second punch sent him crashing down very hard.

Price took to social media to thank everyone who was worried about his well-being.

Hello everyone just letting you know all is ok. I took this fight and understood the risks involved, but if you don’t have a go- you’ll never know. I’m proud I put it all on the line in front of a massive audience and I’d do it all again. Loved every minute," Price stated.

The 38-year-old Povetkin twice tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in a seven-month period in 2016. Either side of that, he has won eight straight fights, leaving the loss on points to Wladimir Klitschko in 2013 as his only defeat in 35 bouts.