Vitali Klitschko has retained his WBC heavyweight title after beating American hopeful Kevin Johnson on a points decision in Switzerland on Saturday night.

Johnson survived 12 rounds against the giant Ukrainian but was easily outscored by the judges in his quest to land an unlikely victory.

Klitschko was in control throughout the bout as the champion landed punches at regular intervals.

His right cheek was marked by the 30-year-old challenger in the fourth round but this was one of few highlights as he failed to make a significant breakthrough in the contest.

After the victory Klitschko said: "I would have preferred a knock-out but I'm happy because I won all 12 rounds."

Klitschko, whose younger brother Wladimir holds the IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight titles, is seeking a match-up with British WBA champion David Haye as the all-conquering siblings seek to have a clean sweep of belts in their division by 2010.

They have said they will never fight each other and Vitali added after Saturday's win: "We have a dream and we will do our best to make our dream come true. It will be very interesting in the next year."