Herbie Hide was knocked out both physically and financially by the iron right fist of Vitali Klitschko. "It's cost him millions," declared Frank Warren after Hide's 254-second defeat by the 6ft 8in Ukrainian at the London Arena, which dispatched the WBO heavyweight title with muscular authority to his adopted Germany.

Hide simply should have invested more money in his preparations, contended Warren, with better sparring partners and a generally higher quality training.

That was a major factor in his second-round defeat, aside from using the wrong tactics. Warren asserted: "You can't cut corners in his business, you get found out."

Had Hide slayed the giant, he would have netted a big-money defence against a man of similar inhibiting proportions, former American basketball player Michael Grant.

Instead, Hide must consider his future. Warren believes Hide will fight on, and will have talks with his beaten champion within the next week.

Hide had called in Brendan Ingle and Ernie Fossey to work in his corner, two trainers who had not been involved in any of the build-up work.

"I don't see how a guy can call in two guys into his corner, giving instructions. You've got to be there from day one," said Warren.

Hide flitted in and out, fighting off the back foot, and it seemed only a matter of time before the cool Klitschko landed something serious.

The champion was caught towards the end of round one, and sent Hide down for the first time with a double right early in the second.

Klitschko's finishing attack was more venomous, and stretched out Hide for the full count from Chicago referee Gino Rodriguez.