Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko blog dedicated to the most up-to-date information regarding the professional heavyweight boxers and brothers. Find videos, chat, pictures, polls, interviews, breaking news, upcoming fights, discussions, and major boxing news that related to the Klitschko brothers. Updated often.
1 Alexander Povetkin Russian Federation 2 NOT RATED 3 Alexander Dimitrenko Ukraine 4 Chris Arreola United States 5 Hasim Rahman United States 6 Oleg Maskaev Kazakhstan 7 Sultan Ibragimov United States 8 Eddie Chambers United States 9 Andrew Golota United States 10 James Toney United States 11 Kali Meehan Australia 12 Sinan Samil Sam Turkey 13 Travis Walker United States 14 Cedric Boswell United States 15 Shane Cameron New Zealand
A replacement for IBF mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin, who sustained an ankle injury recently, has been named. Hasim Rahman(45-6-2, 36KO's), a former 2-time heavyweight champion, will face WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko(51-3, 45KO's) on December 13th, 2008.
I believe this makes a good replacement since Rahman is the highest ranking available opponent for the IBF, which is who named Alexander Povetkin their mandatory. Just below Rahman is Maskaev, which I also believed would have been a good opponent, but against his favor is his most rememberable recent loss against Sam Peter who just got annihilated by Wladimir's brother Vitali in a WBC heavyweight championship. So although Maskaev has beaten Rahaman twice, Rahman has a notable win over boxing great Lennox Lewis, and is ranked higher in the IBF..
James Slater recently had an interview with "Lights Out" James Toney ahead of the lightly regarded IBA heavyweight championship bout with former WBO contender Tony "The Tiger" Thompson on December 13th, 2008. This is what he had to say:
James Slater: It's a pleasure to be able to speak with you, James. Firstly, is there any news on when you will fight again?
James Toney: Yes, sir, we signed the deal today. I'm fighting Tony Thompson for the IBA heavyweight title on December 13th.
J.S: Excellent. Where will the fight be?
J.T: Right here in L.A.
J.S: Thompson did okay for ten rounds against Wladimir Klitschko, before losing. What do you think your fight with him will be like?
J.T: Well, he's gonna do a whole lot worse against me. I'm gonna knock him out, trust me. He's a good guy, I've met him a couple of times and we don't have no bad history, but nobody's my friend come fight night, you know what I'm sayin'? Then, next year, if Vitali [Klitschko] or his younger sister Wladimir wanna fight me, I'll get rid of them. The only reason they're still on top is boxing politics, neither of them can fight. I'm old-school. I'm blood and guts. That's why the fans watch me. Some may not like me, and others do, but they all know they'll get action when they see me fight.
J.S: You looked sharp last time out against Hasim Rahman. Have you been training since that fight?
J.T: I've been in the gym every day since. I'll be even better for this next fight. I'm injury free and working hard. I feel real good, better than ever.
J.S: Did Rahman quit against you?
J.T: Oh, you saw it, he quit like a punk. But now he's gonna get a title shot against Wladmir Klitschko. How can you justify it? He quits against me and gets rewarded! What's up with that? That's what I mean when I say boxing's political. Klitschko don't wanna fight no real challengers, so he picks Rahman instead.
J.S: Aside from yourself, who do you think is the best heavyweight in the world right now?
J.T: There really ain't nobody else, they're all just pretenders. I'm the peoples' champion right now. I've already been the world heavyweight champion twice, I was IBA heavyweight champion and I was WBA champion when I beat [John] Ruiz. They took the WBA belt away from me because I fought with an injury (and was penalised for taking illegal substances in the Ruiz bout). I'll be IBA heavyweight champion again when I beat Tony Thompson. The belt don't make the fighter, the fighter makes the belt.
J.S: Were you impressed at all with Vitali Klitschko's comeback against Sam Peter?
J.T: I was not impressed at all. He [Vitali] had his mouth open by the third round. But Sam Peter had no idea how to take advantage. I was shocked by that, I thought my man Peter was gonna KO Klitschko. Sam's pretty good. I beat him twice. They robbed me in the first fight and he ran from me late in the second fight. Peter's okay, he's got my respect. I'll fight him again if the people want to see it. I'll be in much better shape this time though. Last time I wasn't in shape and he still couldn't do nothin' to me.
J.S: Let me ask you about David Haye. Did his team approach you about fighting him?
J.T: They did, last April. At the boxing awards dinner. I said, tell me where and when, but they didn't really wanna know. They said they were looking at fighting either Lamon Brewster or the guy I just beat, Hasim Rahman. But now he's fighting Monte [Barrett].
J.S: You know Barrett, don't you? Will Haye beat him in November?
J.T: Monte's a good guy, yeah. He's too tough for Haye. He's gonna beat him. He's not gonna just beat him, he's gonna knock him out. Trust me.
J.S: You have plans to come to the U.K on a speaking tour, don't you? Next February?
J.T: Yes, sir. I'm gonna come and see the great country of England. I'm gonna get me a custom-made suit in London and hang with the people over there. I'm looking forward to it.
J.S: We'll look forward to seeing you. Looking at your career as a heavyweight, I know you've turned 40 now - do you sometimes wish you'd moved up to heavyweight sooner than you did?
J.T: Yeah, I should've moved up two years sooner. But I listened to people around me, who said I was too small to be a heavyweight. I should've followed my own heart. I always wanted Tyson. That's the fight I really wanted. I'd beat Mike Tyson every day of the week. But it's all good, I should get Vitali or his sister Wladmir next year. After I win on December 13th, I have a big 2009 planned. It's all coming faster than I expected.
J.S: When you do finally retire, after all you've achieved, what will you do? I know you made an appearance in the "Ali" movie. You were great as Joe Frazier. Will you make any more movies?
J.T: Yeah, I've had more movie offers. I'm looking to make more. It was hard work playing Joe Frazier, but I enjoyed it. The camera loves me, so I'm a natural!
J.S: After all the great fights you've had, is there one fight that sticks in your mind more than any other? What is your best win?
J.T: Well, the one fight that bothers me more than any other is the one with Roy Jones. I should've come in in shape. I'd love to do it again, I'd be tough on him today. Yes, sir, I'd take a rematch. But he's scared of moving up in weight, after what happened last time.
J.S: Well, a rematch between you two at heavyweight would be a great fight to see. As you know, Jones is fighting Joe Calzaghe. Who wins that one?
J.T: Jones beats Calzaghe, no doubt. Roy will knock him out. It may take four or five rounds, but Calzaghe is definitely going to sleep.
J.S: You really think so? Wow, that's interesting.
J.T: Yes, sir. Joe's going to sleep. It's lights out!
J.S: And it will be lights out for Tony Thompson in December also?
J.T: Absolutely. As soon as I hit him it's gonna be lights out!
J.S: Thanks a lot, champ. I really appreciate your time.
J.T: Likewise.
James Toney gives Sam Peter his respect even though Toney thinks he beat him twice(not according to the judges and anyone who watched him lose both times), but gives Vitali Klitschko no credit for coming back after a 4 year layoff to beat Sam Peter for the WBC heavyweight championship? Can someone say delusional. It would be comical to see him fight either Klitschko. Both brothers have too good of footwork and would have too much reach and height over the 5'10" James Toney. Toney would not be able to get inside on either Klitschko. Toney has good defense, but even if you have a good umbrella your still going to get rained on.
In this video David "Hayemaker" Haye talks about his future fight with "Two Gunz" Monte Barrett on November 15th, how the Wladimir Klitschko fight will not come early, and his training methods.
Alexsander Povetkin was scheduled to take on IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko on December 13, but that has been cancelled after Povetkin sustained an ankle injury. This is a new video which talks about the injury and future plans for Povetkin.
Seems like there is more fighters coming out expressing their desire to face Klitschko. Former WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev, who lost the WBC strap to Samuel Peter not long ago, has expressed interest in face Wladimir Klitschko as a replacement for IBF mandatory Alexander Povetkin. This is what Oleg Maskaev had to say regarding his reasons for getting a crack at Wladimir as opposed to other fighters rumored to get a shot such as Hasim Rahman.
"I have lost only one fight in the last 6 years. The bizarre and strange circumstances surrounding the Peter bout, including the possibility of criminal activity, will all be coming out when we appear before the Court of Sports Arbitration. If Klitschko selects Rahman as his opponent, then Klitschko is facing the loser, not the winner. I have stopped Rahman nt once, but twice, the last time winning the WBC Heavyweight Championship from him. What has Rahman done since I stopped him? He quit against Toney and then had a life and death against my sparring partner, Zuri Lawrence.
Styles make fights, and Klitschko’s style is made to order for me. I stopped Vitali as an amature and I will stop Vladimir as a pro. I know how to rough him up. I will knock him out.
Talk is cheap; I’ll put my money where my mouth is. As far as the purse, let us fight, winner take all. If you are not interested in another mis-match Vlad, have Shelly Finkle call my promoter, Dennis Rappaport. I’m prepared to fight you in the U.S., in Russia, in Germany, and even in your own living room. Let’s get it on !!”
Maskaev manager Fred Kesch Quotes
"How is Rahman higher than Maskaev? Oleg knocked him out twice! Oleg has only lost one fight in 6 years, he just fought in front of over 100,000 people on Red Square in Moscow soundly beating Robert Hawkins. Zuri Lawrence, who gave Rahman life and death is one of our sparring partners. What has Rahman been doing lately? It seems absolutely absurd that Rahman gets to fight ahead of Maskaev. Oleg stopped Vitali when they were both amateur stars so Oleg and Wladimir is the perfect follow-up."
After IBF mandatory Alexander Povetkin stepped out of his December 13th showdown with current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, "Fast" Eddie Chambers has expressed desire to step in and fight Wladimir on December 13th.
Why Eddie Feels He's The Ideal Choice
"I feel that I am the most deserving available Heavyweight out there. I have fought everyone and lost a close fight to Povetkin in a fight I was dominating. Since then I have comeback to score a couple knockouts so that should put me back in the thick of things."
"After Povetkin's injury,. I think everyone knows that I am the most worthy contender that is available."
"Our whole team including my promoter Goossen-Tutor, Score America & my manager Rob Murray are unilaterally behind this push for me to get this opportunity."
About Sparring Together
"Wladimir had me in camp and he knows how competitive those sessions were and I will just leave it at that."
Chamber'r Manager Rob Murray On The Potential Fight
"Eddie should be the choice for a number of reasons. He is the closest thing to Povetkin as he was once the number-one contender. I know there has been a lot of backlash from the fans since this has happened about some of the names being bandied about, but when it comes right down to it, Eddie is the only one (who) has not been recycled over and over."
This is a interview of up-and-coming heavyweight Chris Arreola as he discusses the Tarver/Dawson and Klitschko/Peter fights, and his future plans. Here's what he had to say about newly crowned WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko:
"Vitali looked like he didn't miss a step. He came in there after a 4-year layoff and he looked great. He just took Sam Peter to school."
Rising heavyweight fighter Brian "The Beast" Minto(31-2, 20 KOs) has a new opponent Galen Brown(31-9-1, 19 KOs) to replace Marcus McGee who suffered a shoulder injury over the weekend for Minto's WBA Fedecentro heavyweight title at 8PM this Saturday November 1st at the Morrow Arena at the Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.
Minto has won 4 fights in a row via 4th round knockout, and if he succeeds as impressively this Saturday his title shot in the future may not be far away. His fight is part of the "Minto Mash" fight card which will showcase 6 fighters total that evening.
Recently IBF mandatory challenger "Sasha" Alexander Povetkin suffered an ankle injury in preparations for his title shot against current IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. After talking to Povetkin's doctor Dr. Sergey Vasilyevich Arkhipov, Povetkin's manager Vladimir Hrunov had a few words with fightnews.com. Here's what he said about Alexander's status:
“Sasha has suffered an injury while running in the woods near his hometown of Kursk. He tripped over tree root and that was it. He was immediately taken to local traumotologists who conducted an MRI to know more about this injury. Right now we have already got a roentgenogram and Dr. Arkhipov has voiced his diagnosis. We are sending copies to the Professional Boxing Federation of Russia and to the International Boxing Federation to comply with all of the official procedures."
He also talked about when he will start training and fight again...
“Sasha will be back into training sessions by the end of November. his diagnosis makes Alexander’s fight with Klitschko completely impossible till the end of the year. We shall be able to move on with the bout as soon as Sasha is one hundred percent healthy. I think spring of 2009 is a most reliable period of time for this fight to be set and fought. However, I can’t tell you any exact dates or venues. All our hopes and thoughts are about Sasha right now and we shall conduct negotiations with Team Klitschko a bit later.”
This is a short video of current WBC heavyweight champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko showing former heavyweight champion "Iron" Mike Tyson around the Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Kiev Monastery of the Caves) in 2005.
Since IBF mandatory heavyweight Alexander Povetkin has withdrawn from his showdown on December 13th with current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, Wlad now has an opportunity and desire to face someone else on this date. The question is who would make a good opponent for Wladimir?
Potential Fighters
There are older fighters like James Toney, Hasim Rahman, who are available and have no prior obligations, but other than namesake I don't see these fights presenting much of a challenge for Wladimir. The money aspect might be good though for either in Germany and would get a name many have heard on his record. But, from a fans perspective I would much rather see something else.
Nicolai Valuev?
Nicolai Valuev, who is the new WBA heavyweight champion, is looking for an opponent to stay busy before his mandatory obligation to face Chagaev in the middle of next year. So, this could be a great match. It would be different stylistically for Wladimir since the Russian Nicolai stands over 7 feet tall and Wladimir for once would be the much shorter fighter. It would also be a unification bout and would still retain the interest as the Povetkin match-up had with a Russian fighter against of Ukrainian fighter. A couple things stand in the way from this fight happening.
1st their's the time element with negotiations maybe not happening because it would be too late.
Secondly Wladimir's brother Vitali, who just got back his WBC heavyweight title, has expressed interest in the 2nd belt for himself.
Finally, Wladimir may not want to have to adjust his training which he's involved in already to face someone who has physical characteristics/style so much different than Povetkin. This would require a whole new mindset for training, and training partners, etc, and would have meant a lot of the training he has done would have been wasted. So, although this in my opinion would be the best match out there for Wladimir, I don't think its realistically going to happen.
Who Else?
So who's left? Well he could face the guy who barely lost to Povetkin: Eddie Chambers. Again fan interest would probably not favor this one.
Of course David Haye has been calling out Wladimir and might be able to drop his upcoming fight to face Wladimir, but the agreement was for him to face an opponent or 2 to prove himself which he hasn't done yet, so I doubt that one will fall through.
What's the best way to determine the new fighter?
Maybe the best route to take is for Wladimir to pre-select 5 or 10 potential fighters that have no prior obligations, and let the fans vote on who they want to see him face. This way at least nobody can say that he didn't choose a fighter that the majority didn't want to see him face.
Who Do I think the best opponent would be?
I personally think he should face someone in similar stature to Povetkin with a decent ranking and record. My personal choice would be Oleg Maskaev. He is around the same stature as Povetkin, has a name in boxing, was a former champion who beat Hasim Rahman twice, and is a Russian fighter like Povetkin so the Russian-Ukranian match-up would remain in tact as well as the popularity of the fight. Also the fight negotiations would most likely go smoothly since Oleg is not in a position to wait much longer at his age and would welcome 1 last title shot and big money bout. What do you think? What fighters do you think would be ideal for Wladimir?
IBF heavyweight mandatory and former Olympic Gold medalist Alexander Povetkin(16-0, 12 KOs), who was scheduled to face current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko(51-3, 45 KOs) on December 13th, 2008, has canceled his fight date with Klitschko after suffering an injury to his left foot after tripping over a tree root while doing roadwork. While the official diagnosis won't be in until Monday, an MRI by Dr. Sergey Aschipov showed a partially torn ligament in his left foot, and the injury is bad enough that he wouldn't be able to start training again until the end of November. Alex and his team feel that's not good enough for him to put on the best performance against Klitschko.
Povetkin received his mandatory status to face Klitschko after winning a 4 person IBF heavyweight tournament, where he held wins over Chris Byrd and Eddie Chambers.
Wladimir Klitschko intends to keep his original December 13th date and fight against someone else, but Povetkin's team hopes that their fight will proceed sometime in early 2009.
Chris Meyer Quotes
*Mr. Meyer is the Event CEO for Sauerland
"Alexander is extremely disappointed, as are myself and Kalle Sauerland. We will release additional information on Povetkin's condition as soon as it becomes available but we expect Povetkin will be fully recovered and able to fight Klitschko in early 2009."
Shelly Finkel Quotes
*Mr. Finkel is Wladimir Klitschko's Adviser
"Wladimir is going to fight. We'll go down the rankings and try to find a suitable replacement. We'll explore all of our options."
Up-and-coming Cuban heavyweight Odlanier Solis(12-0, 8 KOs) was recently interviewed via a question and answer session by fightnews.com. The former Cuban amateur star and Olympic Gold medalist recently obtained the WBC International belt when he defeated and stopped the 35-4 Chauncy Welliver, and he talks here about himself and his future plans....
Odlanier can you introduce yourself to the American public?
Well, I'm 28, from Havana, Cuba. I was world amateur champion in 2001, 2003 and 2005, and Olympic Champion in 2004. My amateur record was 347-12. And you know my pro record, 12-0 with 8 KOs.
Those amateur numbers put you right up there with Felix Savon and Teofilo Steavenson. Let's go back to your defection from the Cuban National team. Want to talk about it?
We went to Venezuela in December 2006 to train for the Pan American Games. Our trainer takes us separately to tell that we will not be getting any money. You know what it meant: returning to Cuba at the end of the year to our families, empty-handed. I decided I had had enough. I chose freedom and I convinced my fellow teamates Gamboa and Bartelemy to do the same.
And how did you escape?
We skipped the team, got on a bus, and traveled 16 hours to the Colombian frontier. We didn't speak as to not to reveal our Cuban accents. We got to the frontier and they didn't check our passports. We thought that was the end of it.
But it wasn't?
I called Tony Gonzalez, a Cuban lawyer from Miami. He sent us money to go to Medellin from this little border town by plane. As I'm getting ready to board, a Colombian border officer asks me for my passport. He looks at it and tells me that I have no visa and that we have to go back to Venezuela where they were already looking for us. He sees the look on my face and asks "You're a boxer, right?" I nod. He hands back the passport to me and says" Get on that plane. Vaya con Dios (God be with you)."
And how did you end up signing with Arena ?
We tried to go to Miami but the US Consulate didn't give us the visa. Sure, we got some offers and the best one came from Arena. They arranged for us to go to Germany.
Two questions. How did you adapt to Germany? And how different has it been from the amateurs to the pro ranks?
Apart from the weather, no problem to adapt. I'm living in Hamburg and I now speak German. Sure, I miss my son. When I left Cuba he couldn't speak . Now, he's three-years-old and I love talking to him on the phone. Fighting as a pro? Skill-wise, I didn't have to learn much. The big difference is that I put more power on my punches. In the amateurs, they called me "la Sombra" (the Shadow) because I was so fast for my weight and so elusive. I'm still elusive but I hit a lot harder.
Has Arena told you how fast they want to bring you to being a world title contender ?
No. And I'm not thinking about that right now. My job is to fight and win. I'll get to the title soon enough.
You mentioned your win over Felix Savon as one of your best memories. You want to talk about that?
I was 18 when I beat Savon who was my idol. It was an earthquake in Cuban boxing. It was tremendous.I got home and I said to myself "Wow, you beat Savon !"
One more question, Odlanier. Would you like to fight in the USA?
Of course. If they finally give me the visa (laughs). Tell the American fans that they're missing out on la Sombra Solis (laughs). I want to fight in Las Vegas. Maybe next year, right?
This is Wladimir Klitschko's 2nd professional fight which happened on November 30th, 1996 against Exum Speight in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Wlad was only 20 years old here. Look at how aggressive he was here.
On Monday, October 20th, 2008 both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko were on the popular German show Beckmann and discussed many details of their boxing career including being the 1st brothers in history to become simultaneous heavyweight boxing champions.
Between November 2nd to the 8th the WBC boxing organization will hold their 46th annual convention in Chengdu, China. Among those who have confirmed their presence is newly crowned WBC heavyweight champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko who recently dethroned Sam Peter when he quit on his stool after the 8th round in their championship fight on Saturday, October 11th.
This gave Vitali his 35th KO victory out of 36 wins making him have an extremely impressive knockout percentage of 97.2%. His comeback win also makes it the 1st time in history s fighter fought after such a long inactivity immediately for the heavyweight championship and win, and the 1st time in history 2 brothers shared belts in the heavyweight division.
Other champion attendees include: Timothy Bradley, Oscar Larios, and Veerapol Sahaprom.
On December 13th Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko(54(45)-3-0) will defend his WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight belts against IBF mandatory opponent Alexander "The White Lion" Povetkin(16(12)-0-0).
This looks like it will be a good match-up for Wladimir. Not necessarily because I think it will be challenging for Wladimir, but because other do highly praise Povetkin because of his superb amateur background(He avenged every loss at amateur), undefeated professional record, and great stamina/punch output. Also throw in the fact that Wladimir's home country is the Ukraine and Povetkin's is Russia, and you have an even more interesting match-up.
Unfortunately, I think Povetkin will suffer a huge defeat at the hands of Wladimir. I believe Povetkin is tailor made for Wladimir. Alex eats rights, which is one of Wladimir's most powerful punches, and is at a severe height disadvantage. This means in order for Povetkin to incorporate his "be hit to hit his opponent" strategy he's going to be hit by these bombs. We all seen what his face looked like after squeaking out a win over a much lighter fisted and shorter Eddie Chambers. Also, throw in the elements of Wladimir wanting to look good after 2 fights with southpaws that didn't look that great, his brothers recent stellar performance which will motivate him to look even better, and Povetkin's orthodox stance, and you will see a severe beating.
I believe if Wladimir unleashes his arsenal, the fight won't go past 5 rounds max. I don't think Wladimir will have trouble with getting shots on Povetkin at all. He's going to find it easy to hit an orthodox, shorter fighter, after fighting 2 southpaws in a row, who's not very good in defense skills. Povetkin might even suffer severe irreversible damage in this fight if he wishes to push his body too far out of pride of himself and country. So prediction: Wladimir KO by 5.
On Friday October 17th, "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko was presented with a award from Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko recognizing all of his services to Ukraine. This comes after his spectacular win last Saturday when he reclaimed his WBC heavyweight belt by making Sam Peter quit on his stool.
This is what the press had to say:
"Vitali Klitschko has been presented with the award for outstanding achievements in sport, courage, selflessness, and will to win, as well as for strengthening Ukraine's authority in the world."
Here's a quick highlight video of the Showtime event last Saturday, October 11th which had a double header of Vitali Klitschko vs. Sam Peter for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world, and Antonio Tarver vs. Chad Dawson for the light-heavyweight championship.
Here's a funny video of "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko vs Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter showcasing footage of them fighting for the WBC heavyvweight championship as if they fought in the early 20th century. Enjoy!
It's official. The 29 year old Russian IBF mandatory Alexander "The White Lion" Povetkin, will fight for the WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight championship of the world this December 13th against Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko. The fight will take place in Mannheim, Germany at the SAP ARENA.
Povetkin won Gold in the super heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. As a professional he's undefeated with 16 wins(12 by KO), and with 0 draws.
The 32 year old Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko won the Gold at super heavyweight in the 1996 Olympics, and has had 54 fights with only 3 losses and has had 45 wins by knockout.
This should be an interesting match because both fighters are confident, won't back down, and it will be a fight between 2 Gold medalist at super heavy from the respective countries of Russian and Ukraine.
Povetkin will fight and won't be afraid to get hit, but because of this I feel this will be Wladimir's easiest fight for quite awhile outside of Ray Austin. Come back for more up-to-date information on this fight.
So it's been almost a week since "Dr. Ironfist" made a major comeback to the heavyweight boxing scene and recaptured his WBC heavyweight title from Sam "The Nightmare" Peter. The fight went pretty close to how I envisioned it, only I thought Vitali would actually finish Peter with a referee stoppage, or KO, but instead Peter quit on his stool. I am confident though if the fight had gone on, Peter was doomed and would have lost by stoppage in the next couple rounds.
As far as the fight goes I think Peter might have been psyched out by the atmosphere(German crowd, hologram images of boxing greats wishing Klitschko luck, etc), and he may have had a slightly better performance had the fight took place in his home country of Nigeria. I still think Peter would have lost in Nigeria only his aggression might have cost him more than it would have helped, but he would have put on a better fight and probably would have not quit.
I believe Peter needs to use his smarts a little and train more appropriately for a taller fighter in the future, or he will always fall victim to a taller fighter who follows a similar strategy to Klitschko's. He says he never watches tape of his opponents. Bad idea. He needs to start.
I think Vitali did an excellent job coming back after almost 4 years, although he says he's been working out, etc, it's still a different story actually being in the ring in front of a live crowd, and for that accomplishment of coming back in a real live professional fight and a heavyweight title fight at that, is simply amazing.
Vitali had a great strategy in this fight and stuck to it. I think his strength, feet movement(which surprised me), chin, and overall boxing skill seem to be exactly where they were before. But, to be honest, I can tell that there may be a slight slowing of his hand speed, and power. I remember when he fought Danny Williams and bounced him around the ring with his punches, and Peter is no bigger than than Williams and was easier to hit. But, this was Vitali's 1st fight back technically and if he knows he is going to fight at this optimum level he will focus more on such things and is bound to improve.
Overall great performance by Vitali, and great achievement by both brother in becoming the 1st brother in history to hold simultaneous belts in the heavyweight division. Good luck to Wladimir this December against Alexander Povetkin. This should be a perfect match up for him to showcase his skills.
After Vitali Klitschko recaptured his WBC heavyweight championship belt last Saturday October, 11th, both Vitali and his brother Wladimir have 3 of the 4 main championship belts. Wladimir holds the IBF and WBO belts. The only belt that's not in the Klitschko family is the WBA belt which is held by Nicolai Valuev. It should be noted that this is the 1st time in history that 2 brothers held versions of the heavyweight title together.
The WBA champion in recess is Ruslan Chagaev since he had his belt stripped for not being able to fight within the obligated time frame and should be a mandatory for Valuev to fight. None-the-less the Klitschko's want this final belt, and Vitali may choose to fight Nicolai. Here's a recent video of Vitali talking about such matters.
Live on Setanta Sports, Adam Booth talked about his plans for a Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye matchup in June of 2009. Also contains highlights from the Vitali Klitschko vs. Sam Peter matchup including the ring entrance, which those at Setanta Sports found breathtaking.
In this live video, "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko talks to Setanta Sports after his amazing performance last Saturday night when he recaptured the WBC belt from Sam Peter after an almost 4 year layoff. Topics include the ring entrance, future fight plans, etc.
This is a highlight video of the WBC heavyweight championship fight between "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko vs. Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter this last Saturday October, 11th 2008. The music is by AC/DC, and the song is called "Hell's Bells", which was Vitali's entrance music. Enjoy!
WBA champion in recess Ruslan Chagaev recently was interviewed about his opinion of the Vitali Klitschko vs. Sam Peter WBC heavyweight championship fight, his future, and a possible match-up with one of the Klitschko brothers in the future.
Ruslan, what did you think about the fight between Vitali Klitschko and Sam Peter?
I watched it on TV. Vitali's performance was great. He was clever and cool. His tactics were perfect. Peter had no chance to solve this problem. In general, Peter is able to box in another way. I don't know what happened exactly with Peter. Did you expect that Klitschko would win so easily against Peter?
Not that easy. Before that fight I saw a fifty-fifty chance to win for Vitali.
Do you approve of a fight between Nikolay Valuev and Kali Meehan?
Meehan? I don't know him. Sorry. I will fight Valuev. That's what the WBA told me at the last convention in Punta Cana. I was there. I don't know when it will be or where it will be, but he will have to face me. I'm in recess but I'm the champion. And then I could fight one the Klitschkos. For me it makes no difference. I would fight both. I'm too fast for them. They wouldn't hit me.
Now the Klitschko brothers have three belts out of four. Are you ready to face the Klitschkos?
I'm ready to meet everybody out there.
With whom do you wish to fight, Vitali or Wlad?
That doesn't matter for me.
Which of them do you consider to be stronger? Wlad or Vitali?
Both of them have some good and bad skills. I know what I would have to do in a fight against either of them.
How do you feel? Are you already recovered after the injury? Have you worked in a ring?
I'm working very hard. Six days a week I'm sweating. I have a special shoe produced by my supporter Adidas. Thanks to them now I'm able to some boxing workouts. Before that I was just swimming, slow walks and working with my physiotherapist. But everything is on the way. When I'm back, I will show who is the real WBA heavyweight champion of the world.
Fritz Sdunek, who is the trainer throughout the career of newly crowned WBC heavyweight champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko, was recently interviewed about Vitali's win and his other fighters. Mr. Sdunek did you have a big celebration after the big title win?
You must be joking! I had to complete a marathon interview session. I just enjoyed one Cuba Libre at the bar and then I was dead tired and fell into bed. On Sunday I traveled back to Hamburg and on Monday I was already back in the gym. My other guys were waiting for me and I have so many other major tasks. Now I am working on the next world champion. Who will be your next Champion?
First of all, for me a difficult task approaches with Alexander Dimitrenko against Luan Krasniqi on November 15th. I see the next world champions in Karoly Balzsay and Alexander Alekseev. They are very close to it, great boys. I am happy to be back to work here in the gym, but the last weeks have cost me some nerves.
You were always sure of victory?
Of course. But what was astonishing was Vitali was calmer than I was. Sometimes I have thoughts about this and that and Vitali only said 'Fritz, what are you thinking about? We've worked well. What can go wrong?' His mental strength impressed me again. I am proud that Vitali won a heavyweight title for the third time. Not many boxers did reach that goal.
Vitali Klitschko, the new WBC heavyweight champion of the world, recently revealed his home remedy for preventing swollen hands after a fight. He said that he uses pampers soaked the urine of his three-year-old son Max wrapped around his hands! This is what else he had to say..
"I wrap nappies filled with my three-year-old son Max's wee around my fists. "The nappies hold the liquid and the swelling stays down." **He said got the idea from his Grandmother
"Children's urine is pure, without toxic substances and hardly smells. Little Max must make peepee for Dad. Some people even drink their own urine, however I don't. I also recommend the urine compress for Sam Peter. He could wind it around his head."
This is a new tribute video highlighting the careers of the heavyweight boxing brothers and champions Wladimir(current WBO,IBF,IBO champion) and Vitali Klitschko(current WBC champion).
This is an older video courtesy of HBO showcasing a boxing review of 2003. Includes the classic fight between "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko and Lennox Lewis.
#1 WBC mandatory Juan Carlos Gomez, recently had a few words to say to new WBC heavyweight champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko after his win this last Saturday over Sam Peter.
“Congratulations, Vitali! You did a good job against the living sandbag. I am happy for you but for myself even more. I will enjoy taking the title from you and finally becoming heavyweight champion of the world. Although I already heard that you are trying to sneak out of the fight. Don’t run away, Vitali. Come and fight me like a man!.”
"Are you afraid, Vitali? Do you need money or another tune-up bout before facing me? I understand that you prefer to step in the ring with guys who cannot fight. But I am your official challenger. You can’t run away forever. You know that I am the man who will beat you. You know how good I am!.”
“I have always been the best fighter in the Universum gym. And both Klitschkos knew that. I have been WBC International Champion before Vitali made his pro-debut. When I won the world cruiserweight championship he was still beating up guys that my grandma could have knocked out. And, Vitali, in case you forgot how good I actually am, just ask your younger brother – he should remember!”
“Now I will go for both brothers at the pros. After I won the first title from Vitali I will take the other ones from Wlad. I am ready to finally become heavyweight champion of the world. It’s showtime!”
Ok. Total fluff here. Vitali chooses to face people that can't fight? Ya after a 4 year layoff, no tune-up fights, and facing the highly praised WBC champion Sam Peter who everyone thought might be the next Tyson(I never thought that, but still it shows that people thought highly of Peter), that in itself was choosing someone who can't fight. Although in hindsight, Gomez may be a tougher match(I'd hope) than Peter, I see no reason Vitali couldn't beat him fairly easily. I would much rather see Vitali get the other belt by facing Valuev, but he might have to wait for awhile, so this fight is most likely going to happen in the next 3 months....
After Vitali Klitschko recaptured his WBC heavyweight championship heavyweight belt this last Saturday by dethroning Samuel Peter, Vitali was interviewed by James Slater about his win and future in the division. This is how the interview went:
James Slater: Firstly, congratulations, Vitali on your fine win against Peter.
Vitali Klitschko: Thank you. Yes, many people said to me that after having over three years out I would not be able to come back. But these people thought I was just sleeping for three years and taking medication [for various injuries]. But every day I was out of the ring, I trained. Every day for two or three hours. Also, the time out gave me time to recover from injuries and I now have total health and I feel very well..
J.S: Were you surprised at how easily you handled Peter and that the 28-year-old quit like he did?
V.K: I knew it was a big risk [taking the fight]. It was a one-way ticket, because if I'd lost I wouldn't have had the opportunity to have a rematch. Also, I would have lost my reputation if I'd lost. Peter was seen as one of the strongest heavyweights in the world, second after my brother. But I am grateful to the friends that believed in me and who supported me. Now, to the fight. Yes, I was a little surprised [when Peter remained on his stool]. The thing is, he has an iron jaw, no, an iron head (laughs). I hurt him, and what's my nickname? Doctor iron fist, yes? I hit him and he still stayed. So I was surprised he quit. But I knew I was in great condition. I had great preparations and my training camp went well. I had my full power to work.
J.S: Now that you and Wladimir have made your dream come true, how does it feel, to have made history?
V.K: We always had the dream to reign as champions at the same time. You know, without dreams life is boring. We both wanted to become Olympic gold medallists, but I could not go to the Olympics, but Wladimir did and won his gold. So we had another dream, to co-reign as world champions, the first in history. We always try and give the best to the fans. And now we have another dream, to take all four belts home. Some people smile at this and the there are sceptics, but if you have a dream you must try and make it come true.
J.S: Have you and Wladimir been celebrating since Saturday night?
V.K: Yes, we have, with our friends and family. We haven't really had time for big celebrations because this is such a busy time right now. But I'm so happy right now.
J.S: Who would you like to fight next, is it going to be Nikolay Valuev?
V.K: Well, there's only one guy out there with a title now, and we want all four. So, Nikolay Valuev is a very interesting fight, yes. He is a huge guy, the biggest heavyweight ever. But I have big hopes, big hopes, for a second fight with Lennox Lewis. I want to give the world the fight they all want to see. You know, I'm very thankful to Lewis. He gave me a chance to prove my skills against the strongest heavyweight in the world. He is the strongest man I have ever faced and I have almost 20-years of fighting experience. It would be so interesting to do it again.
J.S: Lewis seems to be content in retirement and he'd probably think a rematch would be too risky.
V.K: Look at Henry Maske, he came back to regain his title after ten years out! You see, if a fighter has skills he never loses them. It would only take Lewis a few months to get back in top condition, he will never lose his skills - you either have them or you don't. And Lewis is like me, in that he lives a healthy lifestyle, doesn't smoke or take any drugs. So I have big hopes he will want to fight me again.
J.S: You'd prefer that fight than one with Valuev then?
V.K: Of course - who is Nikolay Valuev compared to Lennox Lewis?
J.S: Moving on, what do you think will happen when Wladimir meets the unbeaten Alexander Povetkin in December?
V.K: I know Wladimir is preparing very well, and is working on his skills. I think Povetkin is a good prospect with a good future, he has an Olympic gold medal just like Wladimir. But how many fights has he had, sixteen? I think his management have made a big mistake putting him in with someone as strong as Wladimir. He's too young, he has good potential, but now is too early. I have no problem with Wladimir fighting him. It won't be an easy fight, but in my honest opinion, I think Wladimir destroys him.
J.S: Can I ask you about David Haye? He has now reportedly called out both you and Wladimir. Would you like to fight "The Hayemaker" one day?
V.K: (long pause and then a big sigh) I'm not ready to give you an answer to that. You see, with me it's all about motivation. I have motivation to fight for another belt or to fight Lennox Lewis again, but I really don't think about him [Haye] at all. Maybe, if he becomes a big number payer (money-wise) in the future.... (laughs).
J.S: I want to thank you for your time, Vitali. It's been a pleasure speaking with you.
V.K: Thanks to you for the good words and questions. Keep in touch.
After Vitali's win Saturday night against former WBC heavyweight champion Samuel Peter, Vitali's brother Wladimir had a few words to say about the ever so vocal David "Hayemaker" Haye in response to his constant trash talk towards him. Basically Wladimir "hopes" Haye wins against Monte Barrett in December so as to present an opportunity for him to teach him a lesson. Here's a video where Wladimir speaks about this:
After Vitali won the WBC heavyweight belt on Saturday night, Universum Box-Promotion has congratulated Vitali & Wladimir Klitschko . Promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl worked with the brothers since 1996 and signed both to their 1st pro contract. He worked with both brotherd until 2004. Kohl had this to say:
"My dream that both brothers are world champions at the same time also came true on Saturday. I started to dream this a little bit more than twelve years ago. When I recall from our start time in 1996 until now, I am deeply impressed by the sporting and personal development of both. I congratulate Wladimir and Vitali wholeheartedly on the fulfillment of their dream. I have always said 'if Vitali enters the ring ready and fit he can beat everyone.' That was boxing in perfection. And a perfect production of the whole evening. You can't do better. Saturday was a good day for boxing."
This is the post fight press conference from the WBC heavyweight championship fight between new WBC heavyweight champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko and Sam "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter. Vitali won via 8th round TKO when Peter quit on his stool.
After 8 rounds of lopsided action, defending WBC heavyweight champion Sam "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter now (30-2, 23 KOs) quit on his stool. From the opening bell the challenger "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko used his long reach and height to jab and cross the much shorter Peter. After 8, Peter had enough. 8th round TKO victory for Vitali Klitschko now (36-2, 35 KOs).
Not that Vitali coming off an almost 4 year layoff isn't big enough news, The Klitschko dream has also come true. Both brothers Wladimir & Vitali now hold simultaneous belts at heavyweight, and it is the 1st time in history this has occurred.
The following are links to various posts on this blog that have to do with upcoming WBC heavyweight championship between WBC "emeritus" champion Vitali Klitschko and current WBC heavyweight champion Sam Peter.
The public weigh-in happened today on Friday, October 10, at 12.30 at Karstadt Sports, Joachimstaler Str. 5-6, 10623 Berlin, Germany for this Saturday's upcoming WBC championship fight between current WBC "emeritus" champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko and current WBC heavyweight champion Sam "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter. Vitali Klitschko weighed in at 247 lbs or 112 kg, while Sam Peter weighed in at 253.5 lbs or 115 kg.
Ahead of the WBC heavyweight championship this Saturday, October 11th, between current WBC heavyweight champ Sam Peter and WBC emeritus champion Vitali Klitschko, Don King who is 1 of the promoters of this fight had a few words to say to Steve Bunce at Setanta Sports. Here's the video of the live interview:
This is a new video showcasing the WBC emeritus heavyweight champion "Dr. Iron Fist" Vitali Klitschko (won 35 (KO 34) + lost 2 (KO 2)) & current WBC heavyweight champion Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter (won 30 (KO 23) + lost 1 (KO 0)) in an open workout prior to the duel this Saturday, October 11th. The fight will be shown for free on tape delay on Showtime @ 9pm ET/PT.
It's no secret that the Klitschko brothers Wladimir & Vitali have been competitive their whole lives. Both are boxers, have Ph.D's, have been champions etc. This latest quote by Vitali Klitschko, who will be fighting for the WBC heavyweight championship this Saturday October 11th against current WBC heavyweight champion Sam Peter, indicates Vitali believes that they have fed off each others accomplishments:
"When little brother saw that I was a boxer, he wanted to become a boxer, too," Vitali told ESPN.com. "When little brother saw me receive Ph.D., he had to get Ph.D. also. And when I won a heavyweight title, little brother was not satisfied until he had won a title. Now I want to accomplish what little brother did three years ago by beating Sam Peter … now I am following Wladimir."
Good luck to Vitali this Sat. on accomplishing the Klitschko brother goal of becomong simultaneous heavyweight boxing champions.
With just a few days before(Saturday, October 11th) the WBC heavyweight title clash between WBC emeritus champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko and current WBC heavyweight champ Sam "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter, Vitali's brother Wladimir had a few words to say and indicates he believes his brother will win the fight quite easily by knockout. Here's what Wlad had to say:
"Vitali will make history on October 11th. On that day we will become the first two brothers ever to be heavyweight champions at the same time. We've been dreaming about it so much, for so long and on October 11th it will become a reality. Peter, just like other heavyweights, is able to punch hard and I think that Vitali knows this and will knock Peter out before anything else can happen. Vitali's last opponent, Danny Williams, was the same size and style as Peter and Vitali was exceptional against him. I expect the same from Vitali when he faces Peter."
On Thursday October 9th, 2008 @ 4pm Central Standard Time(CT, USA) 5pm ET, there will be a 1 hour chat discussion about the upcoming WBC heavyweight championship fight between Sam Peter & Vitali Klitschko. Discuss possible outcomes, voice opinions, etc. If you need to convert the CST time zone to where your located you can go here.
With their upcoming fight only a few days away between WBC emeritus champion "Dr. Iron Fist" Vitali Klitschko and current WBC heavyweight champion Samuel "The Nigerian Nighmare" I thought it would be appropriate to do a quick comparison between the two fighters. The fight will be this Saturday October 11th, and will be shown for free on Showtime on tape delay from Germany at 9pm ET/PT. Enjoy!
Vitali Klitschko Stats
Vitali Klitschko Former WBO & WBC Heavyweight Boxing Champ won 35 (KO 34) + lost 2 (KO 2) + drawn 0 = 37
Birth Date: 1971-07-19 Age: 37 Division: Heavyweight Global ID: 7033 US ID: CA046088 Rating: WBC Champion Emeritus Height: 6' 7 1/4" (2.0193 cm) *6'8 1/4" also reported Nationality: Ukraine Alias: Ironfist / Dr Birth Place: Belovodsk, Kyrgyzstan Residence: Los Angeles, California, United States Birth Name: Vitali Wladimirovich Klitschko Home Town: Kiev, Ukraine Trainer: Fritz Zdunek Manager: K2 Promotions *basically himself & his brother Stance: Orthodox Weight(average): 245 lbs (112 kg) Reach: 80" (203.2 cm) Chest (norm): 46 1/2" (118.11 cm) Chest (exp): 48" (121.92 cm) Biceps: 17 1/2 (44.45 cm) Forearm: 17 (43.18 cm) Waist: 35 1/2" (90.17 cm) Fist: 11" (27.94 cm) Wrist: 7 1/2" (19.05 cm) Thigh: 23 1/4" (59.055 cm) Calf: 17" (43.18 cm) Neck: 18 1/4" (46.355cm) Waist: 34" (86.36 cm) Last Fight 12/11/2004 TKO Win over Danny Williams
**some stats such as biceps, chest, are older but everything will be kept up-to-date when I come upon the proper info
Sam Peter Stats
Samuel Peter WBC Heavyweight Champion & Mandatory For Vitali Klitschko won 30 (KO 23) + lost 1 (KO 0) + drawn 0 = 31
Global ID: 32364 US ID: NV060574 Birth date: 1980-09-06 Age: 28 Manager/agent: Don King Division: heavyweight Rating: 2 / 1085 *according to boxrec Nationality: Nigeria Alias: The Nigerian Nightmare Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Birth place: Akwaibom, Nigeria Birth name: Samuel Okon Peter Stance: orthodox Height: 6′ 0½″ Reach: 77“ Biceps: 17" Forearm: 14" Fist: 13" Wrist: 7.5" Neck: 19" Chest: 45" Thigh: 27" Calf: 17"
2004 12-11 -- Danny Williams, Las Vegas, NV, W TKO 8 (Retained WBC Heavyweight Title) Video Highlights 04-24 -- Corrie Sanders, Los Angeles, CA, W TKO 8 (Won WBC Heavyweight Title) Video Highlights
2003 12-06 -- Kirk Johnson, New York, NY, W TKO 2 Video 06-21 -- Lennox Lewis, Los Angeles, CA, TKO by 6 (For WBC Heavyweight Title) Video Highlights
2002 11-23 -- Larry Donald, Dortmund, Germany, W TKO 10 02-08 -- Vaughn Bean, Braunschweig, Germany, W TKO 11
2001 12-08 -- Ross Puritty, Oberhausen, Germany, W TKO 11 01-27 -- Orlin Norris, Munich, Germany, W KO 1 Video
2000 11-25 -- Timo Hoffmann, Hannover, Germany, W 12 04-01 -- Chris Byrd, Berlin, Germany, L TKO 10 (Lost WBO Heavyweight Title) Video Final Rounds
1999 12-11 -- Obed Sullivan, Hamburg, Germany, W TKO 10 (Retained WBO Heavyweight Title) 10-09 -- Ed Mahone, Oberhausen, Germany, W TKO 3 (Retained WBO Heavyweight Title) 06-26 -- Herbie Hide, London, England, W KO 2 (Won WBO Heavyweight Title) Video 02-20 -- Ismael Youla, Hamburg, Germany, W TKO 2
1998 12-05 -- Francesco Spinelli, Kiev, Ukraine, W KO 1 Video *Same night as Wlad vs Puritty 10-24 -- Mario Schiesser, Hamburg, Germany, W TKO 2 08-11 -- Ricardo Kennedy, Miami, FL, W TKO 1 Video 06-05 -- Jose Ribalta, Hamburg, Germany, W TKO 2 05-02 -- Dick Ryan, Lubeck, Germany, W TKO 5 04-18 -- Julius Francis, Aachen, Germany, W TKO 2 03-20 -- Levi Billups, Frankfurt, Germany, W KO 2 Video 03-07 -- Louis Monaco, Cologne, Germany, W KO 3 Video 01-30 -- Alben Belinski, Munich, Germany, W KO 2 Video Highlights 01-17 -- Marcus Rhode, Berlin, Germany, W TKO 2
1997 12-20 -- Anthony Willis, Offenburg, Germany, W KO 5 11-29 -- Herman Delgado, Karlsruhe, Germany, W TKO 3 11-08 -- Gilberto Williamson, Frankfurt, Germany, W KO 6 10-04 -- Will Hinton, Hannover, Germany, W KO 2 Video 06-14 -- Jimmy Haynes, Aachen, Germany, W TKO 2 05-10 -- Cleveland Woods, Frankfurt, Germany, W KO 2 Video 04-12 -- Derrick Roddy, Aachen, Germany, W TKO 2 03-08 -- Calvin Jones, Cologne, Germany, W KO 1 02-22 -- Troy Roberts, Hamburg, Germany, W KO 2 Video 01-25 -- Mike Acklie, Stuttgart, Germany, W KO 1 Video
1996 12-21 -- Brian Sargent, Frankfurt, Germany, W TKO 2 11-30 -- Frantisek Sumina, Wiener Neustadt, Austria, W TKO 1 Video 11-16 -- Tony Bradham, Hamburg, Germany, W KO 2 Video
35 Wins, 2 Loss, 34 Knockouts
Vitali Klitschko - Date of Birth: July 19, 1971
**Post will be updated after next fight
Samuel Peter Fight Record
2008 10-11 -- Vitali Klitschko, Location Berlin, Germany For WBC Heavyweight Title 03-08 -- Oleg Maskaev, Cancun, Mexico, TKO 6 (Won WBC Heavyeweight Title)
2007 01-06 -- James Toney, Hollywood, FL, W 12 10-06 -- Jameel McCline, New York, NY, W 12 (Retained WBC Interim Heavyeweight Title)
2006 04-28 -- Julius Long, Uncasville, CT, KO 1 09-02 -- James Toney, Los Angeles, CA, W 12
2005 01-22 -- Yanqui Diaz, Miami, FL, TKO 5 04-29 -- Gilbert Martinez, Las Vegas, NV, TKO 3 07-02 -- Taurus Sykes, Reno, NV, KO 2 09-24 -- Wladimir Klitschko, Atlantic City, NJ, L 12 12-15 -- Robert Hawkins, Hollywood, FL, W 10
2004 01-22 -- Chris Isaac, Phoenix, AZ, TKO 7 03-06 -- Jose Arimatea Da Silva, Mashantucket, CT, TKO 2 05-17 -- Charles Shufford, Las Vegas, NV, W 10 08-05 -- Jovo Pudar, Hollywood, FL, W 10 12-04 -- Jeremy Williams, Las Vegas, NV, KO 2
2003 03-07 -- Dale Crowe, Reno, NV, TKO 4 06-21 -- Lyle McDowell, Los Angeles, CA, TKO 4 08-30 -- Daniel Frank, Tunica, MS, KO 2 09-27 -- Jason Farley, Buffalo, NY, TKO 2
2002 03-03 -- Marion Wilson, Scranton, PA, W 4 03-22 -- Julius Joiner, Phoenix, AZ, TKO 1 05-24 -- Terry Porter, Tulsa, OK, KO 2 06-07 -- Francis Royal, Scottsdale, AZ, TKO 2 07-27 -- Cornelius Ellis, Las Vegas, NV, TKO 2
2001 02-06 -- Gueorgui Christov, Almaty, Kazakhstan, KO 1 05-10 -- James Lester, Phoenix, AZ, TKO 3 05-25 -- George Chamberlain, Arica, Chile, TKO 1 07-28 -- Shannon Head, Fort Meyers, FL, TKO 1 08-25 -- Frederick Gatica, Laughlin, NV, TKO 1 09-28 -- Giles Knox, Las Vegas, NV, TKO 1 11-10 -- Curtis Taylor, Bushkill, PA, KO 1
30 Wins, 1 Loss, 23 Knockouts
Samuel Peter - Date of Birth: Sept. 6, 1980
Vitali Klitschko's Recent Fights
Klitschko vs. Williams Highlights Fight occurred on 12/11/2004
Klitschko vs. Sanders Highlights Fight occurred on 4/24/2004
Klitschko vs. Kirk Johnson Highlights Fight occurred on 12/6/2003
Sam Peter's Recent Fights
Peter vs Maskaev Highlights WBC title fight occurred on 3/8/2008
Peter vs. McCline Highlights Fight occurred on 10/6/2007
Peter vs. Yanqui Diaz Full Fight Fight occurred on 1/22/2005 Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Vitali Klitschko Strengths
Tall & Uses Height Well
Strong
Usually has reach advantage
Hard To Hit
Hard Puncher
Good Finisher
Studies opponent before he fights them
Has heart
Always in great physical condition
Good Combos
Great Chin
Has never been down by an opponent
Has 1 of the highest KO percentages in heavyweight history
Determined--Wants brothers dream to be champions at same time
Confident
Experienced-- 2 time heavyweight champion
Vitali Klitschko Weaknesses
Lacks body punching
Confident-- could be too confident
Has not fought a pro fight since December 2004
Subject to injury
Timing could be off-- hasn't fought almost 4 years
Sam Peter Strengths
Hard Puncher
Strong
Has youth on his side
Angry-- Mad at Vitali for getting this shot and @ press conference
Determined-- Wants a rematch with Vitali's brother Wladimir
Good Finisher
Supposedly had a great training camp and is in great shape
Boxing skills have been improving over time
Has heart
Reckless slugger-- He was more of 1 earlier in his career and I think that style suited him better with his punching power and the element of surprise
Sam Peter Weaknesses
Chin has been questionable in recent fights
Improved skills may take away his strength of being a reckless slugger
Body weight is sometimes a little excessive
Supposedly never studies his opponent
Lost to Vitali's brother Wladimir and might be already mentally defeated
Angry-- could throw off his gameplan
How do I feel the fight will play out
*Taken from an earlier post
I think the fight would go very, very similar to what happened in the fight between Vitali and Danny Williams. I feel Vitali will keep his distance from Peter. Peter will start off doing his new boxing thing and Vitali will rack up the points through mostly jabs and crosses and these will take their toll.
In the later rounds, Sam Peter will become frustrated and begin to revert back to his tactics we seen earlier on his career. He might even land a few looping punches to the back of Vitali's head. But, by this time Sam Peter will have had eaten a lot of punches and sooner or later Vitali will either knockdown Sam and the fight will be waived off, or there will be a knockout.
This upcoming Saturday October 11th, 2008 there will be a WBC heavyweight championship fight between WBC emeritus champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko and current WBC heavyweight champion Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter.
A lot of people have asked where they can watch this fight. In the United States, I know for certain that you can watch this fight free of charge on the Showtime network @ 9 pm ET/PT on October 11th. The fight will be on tape delay, and will be immediately followed by the light heavyweight title fight(live) between Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson. For more information on this Showtime event you can go here.
RTL is showing the fight live out of Germany. I'm not sure what other countries have access to RTL network, but the event from the 02 Arena where the fight is to be held starts at 7:30 their time, which is 6 hours ahead of ET(Eastern Standard Time) in the U.S. So it looks like the fight will be live in Germany at around 1:30 ET. I have no information at this on how those outside of Germany can view this fight live, but will have it up as soon as I find out. Go here for upcoming boxing events on the RTL site. ***update*** This historic fight will be broadcast live on RTL beginning at 22.25 German time. Worldwide the fight will be broadcast in 100 countries. The public work-out is taking place on Wednesday, October 8, at 13.00 at Mercedes Welt Berlin, Am Salzufer 1, 10587 Berlin. The public Weigh-in can be seen on Friday, October 10, at 12.30 at Karstadt Sports, Joachimstaler Str. 5-6, 10623 Berlin***
***UPDATE*** More sources on Television: If you access to the Super Channel, they will be broadcasting the fight. You can go here to check the the times.
***UPDATE*** More sources to view via the internet There is a good possibility you can download and use TVU Player and search for Setanta Sports, since Setanta will be showing the fight live starting at 10pm UK time.
***UPDATE*** This is where you can go to see all available streams via the internet for the Klitschko/Peter fight!!! Enjoy!! Go here.
If any readers have information on what channel and at what time this fight will be shown elsewhere live or on tape delay overseas please post a comment and let us know!
This Saturday October 11th is the WBC championship fight between WBC emeritus champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko and current WBC champion Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter. Vitali Klitschko was awarded "emeritus" status when he couldn't continue his career via an injury, so the WBC awarded him the opportunity to fight for the WBC belt if he desired to return in the future. He has taken this opportunity, and this is why he is facing Peter. Both Vitali and Sam feel it's their belt and a small scuffle broke out after the press conference when both fighters claimed the belt was theirs. Here are some videos of todays press conference (2nd one for this fight) in Berlin, Germany starting with the highlights....
Vitali Klitschko Sam Peter Press Conference Highlights
Jose Sulaiman @ Klitschko Peter Press Conference
*Sulaiman is the WBC President
Dino Duva @ Klitschko Peter Press Conference
*Duva is Peter's promoter a.k.a "Duva Boxing"
Fritz Sdunek @ Klitschko Peter Press Conference
*Fritz Sdunek is Klitschko's trainer
Ivaylo Gotzev @ Klitschko Peter Press Conference
Samuel Peter @ Klitschko Peter Press Conference
Stacy McKinley @ Klitschko Peter Press Conference
*Stacy McKinley is Peter's trainer
Vitali Klitschko & Samuel Peter Speak At Their Press Conference
The following is a slideshow of various pictures throughout the heavyweight boxing career of "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko, brother of Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko the current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion. Vitali was the former WBO & WBC champion and will be fighting this Saturday October 11th against current WBC champion Samuel Peter. If he succeeds both he and his brother will accomplish their dream of becoming similtaneous heavyweight boxing champions, and be the 1st brothers to do it in heavyweight boxing history.
Ahead of his big fight with David "Hayemaker" Haye on Noveber 15th, "Two Gunz" Monte Barrett was interviewed live on Setanta Sports. He talks about his past fights, and future hopes, inlcuding a rematch with Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko, if he defeats Haye.
On Thursday October 3rd, former cruiserweight champion David "Hayemaker" Haye and top heavyweight contender Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett held a press conference in London to promote their upcoming fight on November 15th. Their fight will take place at the O2 Arena (Millenium Dome), Greenwich, London, United Kingdom. The fight will be shown live on Setanta Sports.
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