Weigh-In Results: Wladimir Klitschko 109kg / 240 lb – Ruslan Chagaev 102kg / 225 lb
By Vivek Wallace — Klitschko-Chagaev photo gallery — For years, the heavyweight division practically carried the sport. From Ali, to Tyson, as well as the greats before their time, there was always a perennial figure to serve as a landmark for the sports deepest terrain. Fast forward a few decades and suddenly, the landscape is vastly different, and oddly enough, the great American conquerors who once ruled the land have watched their stronghold of dominance loosen like a stripped bolt, opening the door for the era of the super-heavyweight, dominated by the large-and-in-charge European sector. After the departure of Lennox Lewis, the heavyweight division has been held captive by a precious few, one which will stand before the nation on Saturday, June 20th, and attempt yet again to prove his mettle in front of the masses. The man who holds that highly coveted billet is none other than Ukranian Wladimir Klitschko – the heavyweight divisions gentle giant with the “Steelhammer”.
Exactly how good is Wladimir? That’s a question that has remained on the tip of tongues globally from the moment he made a splash in the sport. What answer you get in response to that question probably has a lot to do with who you decide to ask. In Europe, fight fans are typically more inclined to tune in for what Lennox Lewis often referred to as the “Sweet Science”, so the Gatti/Ward type fights are welcomed, but usually tend to take a backseat to the more skillful execution of the art itself of boxing.. To win a fight on points, stemming from solid execution is perhaps the way of the land, which is why most KO oriented American fight fans typically aren’t as intrigued as they were witnessing the theatrical tactics of a pulverizing “Iron” Mike Tyson in his prime. Many take the soft, more subdued demeanor of Klitshcko and mistake it for a weakness, but the truth is, of the 55 professional fights that he has encountered, only three men found ‘the remedy’. It’s pretty easy to dissect him from a living room couch with a remote in one hand and a cold one in the other, but few truly understand the dynamics behind tangling with an aggressive combatant who stands nearly 6’7″, weighing in the range of approximately 245lbs, with the athleticism of a world class athlete. Perhaps the most misleading thing about Wladimir is the fact that of his three losses suffered, each seemed to extend what could very well be a false sense of security, making opponents think that his chin is perhaps weaker than it really is. Corrie Sanders, Lamon Brewster, and Ross Purity each found a way to chin-check the Ukranian great, but after careful consideration, a few things should probably be taken into consideration.
First of all, there’s a certain level of evolution involved in every fighter, and it’s pretty clear that he’s a better fighter today than at any point in the past. Many in the American base have been critical of his fighting style, but over the last five years where he has shown clear dominance, few have identified the fact that he did so over a list compiled of the best American heavyweights this era has to offer. Which brings me to my second point…..Granted, he may not have the intimidation skills of Tyson or the durability of Holyfield, but is it not mind-baffling how anyone can view him as less than entertaining when he holds an 83% KO ratio and our sports most entertaining fighter only holds a 68? (percentage knockout rate for Manny Pacquiao). Caliber of opponents could have a little to do with that, but unfortunately for Wladimir, his emergence comes in an era where his contemporaries aren’t exactly the best in the business. Bearing that in mind, should he be blamed? It’s no more his fault that he wasn’t around in the Tyson era to gauge his skill as it is that he signed to face David Haye and still failed to receive the opportunity. Should we continue to question his greatness? Or should we instead just sit back and see where his journey takes us? The truth of the matter is that he’s neither overrated or understated. What he is is merely a work-in-progress, writing the latest chapter of a story that only he and time will tell. Stay tuned fight fans.
(Vivek Wallace can be contacted at: vivexemail@yahoo.com, 954-292-7346, Facebook and Myspace)