By James Slater – In a quite unusual move (at least it is in my opinion), a German court has forbidden boxer Marco Huck from discussing the activities of the two Klitschko brothers in public. Web site Russia Today has reported that Huck, a current cruiserweight/heavyweight contender who gave belt holder Alexander Povetkin a torrid time in a great action fight last Saturday, faces a 250,000 Euro fine or six months in jail if he violates the injunction.
Huck apparently alleged that the recent “slap” incident ahead of the Vitali Klitschko-Dereck Chisora fight was staged so as to add further intrigue and attention to the title fight. Bernd Boente, the Klitschkos’ manager, filed an official complaint and the court decided Boente had a case.
But is the court’s ruling a fair one? Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Imagine a person, any person, going to prison for six months for simply stating his opinion (one that other people actually share with regards to the “slap” being a planned event – but I’d better be careful what I write or I’ll be in trouble!). Have the Klitschkos gotten way too sensitive?
“The court’s decision is absolutely justified,” Vitali said. “In the future, Huck will think before he opens his mouth.”
Huck, who has to decide whether or not he will drop back down to cruiserweight or stay at heavyweight, has stated on a number of occasions that he would like to fight either Klitschko. Now, with his right to speak his opinion removed, the warrior known as “Kap’n” Huck will almost certainly be even further motivated to fight one or both of the two brothers.
And, despite the size disadvantage he would face against Vitali or Wladimir, I’d like to see the gutsy 209-pounder get his shot. Some would call either fight a mismatch if it happened, yet Huck Vs. Klitschko would appeal a whole lot more than tonight’s upcoming Mormeck Vs. Klitschko fight does.