http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7242096.stm IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko faces the toughest challenge of his career against Sultan Ibragimov, according to trainer Emanuel Steward. The fight at New York's Madison Square Garden on 23 February will unify two of the four heavyweight world titles. Russia's Ibragimov, 32 became WBO champion after defeating Evander Holyfield in Moscow in October 2007. "He will be the best fighter that Wlad will have fought in his career," said Steward, who is training Klitschko. Despite his physiological edge over his opponent - Klitschko is four inches taller and over a stone heavier - the Ukrainian acknowledged his advantage will not have a significant effect in the ring. "This guy is very intelligent, a smart fighter. He is a champion," said Klitschko. "He is holding a title and he is undefeated and won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics. He is not impressive, but is a very effective fighter." Steward - who prepared Lennox Lewis in the previous world heavyweight unification fight against Evander Holyfield in 1999 - revealed the 31-year-old Klitschko has raised his intensity in training. "We are training six hours a day. We're not taking him lightly," he said. "He knows how to win fights. He has pretty good hand speed, makes a big guy miss a punch. "And he's left-handed and puts himself in a position that makes him hard to hit. He's fought big guys all of his life." But despite praising Ibragimov's attributes, Steward lamented the lack of quality opponents for Klitschko. "It does frustrate me," said Steward. "I feel like I'm working with one of the best heavyweights in history. "I think he's at his peak but he doesn't have anyone to fight. "Wlad is just unfortunate that there are no names out there. The only way to gain recognition is to try and be the unified champion."
I'm throwing down on the over rounds for this fight. They are at +200 and I really think this fight is going the distance
"doesn't have anyone to fight" Manny should know better than to say that, if that is the case than Wlad needs to fight on more of a regular basis, instead of twice a year. You have Iggy. A rematch with Peter is in order. he could fight Chagaev he could fight the winner of Lyakovich and Valuev. he could fight Povetkin he could fight Thompson Ali fought sometimes four times in a year, so did Holmes. From November 1986-June 1988 Tyson fought 8 times. Wlad's time is now and he's got to make the most of it with whatever is out there.
This is a tough fight for Vlad because both men are winners, I noticed that Evander was effective with a few well placed right hands, Vlad must use the jab and distance then let the right hands go and he will find a home for the hook also, Sultan can hit and Vlad must use his reach and movement for the KO victory in about the 10th
I'm really starting to think Iggy aint making it past 6 and I got 10:-( From reports and pics? Sure appears Iggy's in trouble,
If Klitchko wins he has fights Povetkin. But first he has to beat Ibragiov which is a tough fight. Ibragimov is fast and throws a lot of punchs, this will be a great fight.
u are :nut. the iggster is going down early in this one. i would bet my scam cheater avatar for 1 month that wlad kos iggy within 8 rounds. any takers? everyone talks about sultan's movement causing problems but he slows down every round and floats into the pocket. Moreover, people fail to mention how hittable he has been recently. holyfield connected when he committed to his right hand. the more i watch of iggy, the more vulnerable he seems to wlad's style.
I think there is but one other fighter who would be seen as a decent challenge for Wlad, and that'd obviously be Chagaev. But after his apparent lackluster performance against SKelton, Chag seems to have lost his luster as an opponent for Wlad. Maybe he'll shine, once again, next fight and then be seen as a vaible opponent. But it'd be peachy keen if Chag were to fight Wlad, next, as has been hinted at. I have read on a couple of German articles that Wlad's people have already spoken to Kohl and Chag about further unification fights. But for now, I see Ibrag running like the wind, in an attempt to stay clear of Wlad's heat-seeking, torpedo like shots. I think Ibrag is more likely to be caught with a KO left hook,, as Ibrag's moving away will make him hard to catch with a right. I think it'll be a left hook that catches him, if ANY thing catches him, that is.
only if you're a waldo fan. sultan is fast-handed but very hittable as well. wlad tko 4/5. wlad will fight chagaev or thompson next. if i had to guess, it will be thompson since kohl will likely put the white tyson "in the witness protection program for boxing". sounds like both sides dont want povetkin-wlad anytime soon. that's on the backburner for now.