By Ziggy Shah: Throughout the history of boxing there have been many statements uttered by boxers that live long in the memory. Sometimes it is the comments made by boxers that will eventually determine how they are best remembered by fans from all ages. For example, John O’Sullivan would walk into drinking saloons up and down the country, stand on a chair and shout, “I’ll lick any son of a b**ch in the house,” and Muhammad Ali is remembered for ‘chopping down trees and wrestling alligators,’ while training for his fight with George foreman. And who can forget the infamous, “I want to eat your children,” remark by Mike Tyson.
However, the latest comments made by IBF and WBO Champ Wladimir Klitschko, will surely have fans, falling ‘Off The Wall’. He believes he is the Michael Jackson of the boxing world, and will gain more adulation and respect from the fans after he retires.
Speaking to thesun.co.uk, Wladimir said “People get more respect after they are done in sport or music-just look at Michael Jackson.
“He was incredible, but he gained much more respect as an artist after he died.”
His comparison with the late, pop music king will either have fans rolling around with laughter or nodding in agreement. Klitschko also insisted that the lack of talent of his challengers was not an issue, and would not affect his status as a world champion in years to come. “I don’t care about legacy. I will conquer whoever is in front of me.”
Wladimir, who is chasing a dream fight with WBA holder, David Haye, will box British Champion Dereck Chisora on December 11. Let’s just hope and pray that it’s a ‘Thriller’.