Wladimir Klitschko May Face Chris Arreola

According to recent reports, current IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhamer" Klitschko (52-3, 46 KOs) may select an optional defense against current #2 IBF ranked Chris Areeola (26-0, 23 KOs) for his next fight sometime in April or May 2009. Negotiations are under way. And if Wlad wins this fight, he has by September 13th, 2009 to defend his belts against IBF #1 ranked contender Alexander Povetkin who had to back out of his fight with Wladimir in December due to an ankle injury.

Technorati Tags: Potential Fights, Wladimir Klitschko, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News, upcoming fights

Wladimir Klitschko Knockouts Under Steward

This is a new knockout highlight video showcasing Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko's last 8 fights under the guidance of his trainer Emanuel Steward.

Most of the video emphasizes either knockdowns, knockouts, or power punching.

Fights featured include Wladimir against Samuel Peter, Calvin Brock, Sultan Ibragimov, Chris Byrd, Lamon Brewster, Tony Thompson, Hasim Rahman, & Ray Austin. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Videos, Videos

Valuev Gets Gift Decision Against Holyfield

Last Saturday night, the current WBA heavyweight champ Nicolai "The Russian Giant" Valuev got an early Christmas gift by getting the nod from 2 of the judges that he won the 12 round WBA title match against the 46 year old, 4 time heavyweight champion Evander "The Real" Deal Holyfield.

I had thought before the fight that this might be an upset-- well if you consider the champion losing to a 46 year old 4 time heavyweight champion an upset-- because although Holyfield's reflexes are shot, and have been shot for awhile now, this weakness is only exploited by someone who can test his reflexes. That would mean a good counter puncher, and/or someone with significant speed and defensive skills---Chris Byrd and James Toney would fit this criteria and both have beaten Holyfield a few years back.

Valuev has/had none of those traits. He wins his fights due to having a OK jab and right cross that can reach opponents fairly easily since he towers over most and has a significant reach advantage, and because most opponents don't move. When I say OK jab I mean it has decent speed for a man that size but still slow enough that someone with even shot reflexes can escape if they use movement to their advantage.

Like Chagaev, Holyfield found success in movement and this kept Valuev from setting up. Valuev's body movement is too slow to adjust to anyone that gives him any modest lateral movement. Holyfield despite having shot reflexes, has been and is in tremendous physical condition, and has the combos down pat. This is why I believed Holyfield would cause Valuev problems. I knew that Valuev is vulnerable to being hit when movement is involved, and I knew that Holyfield perfection of boxing patterns would be enough to gain points for Holyfield. Holyfield didn't have to worry about Valuev's power, because although he's a huge man he doesn't have that knockout power you'd expect. So I figured the upset would come in the form of a 12 round decision. This is what happened...

Holyfield from the very start displayed great athleticism for any man at any age by keeping on his toes and selecting his shots against the much taller and almost 100 pound larger Valuev. The movement kept Valuev from setting up with anything significant, while Holyfield got on the inside and hit Valuev with some great hard hooks. Despite what I considered a great performance by Holyfield, Valuev got the decision. I don't see how, considering Holyfield not only threw and landed the most shots throughout the fight, but also landed the harder shots. Valuev followed Holyfield around the ring, but this doesn't constitute aggressiveness in my opinion which may have been favored in the eyes of the judges had it been considered that. If anyone was being aggressive, it was Holyfield moving in and selecting his shots. The judges scored the fight 114-114, 116-112, 115-114 in Valuev's favor. I had the fight 118-110 for Holyfield. Here's the video of the fight what do you think?

Holyfield vs. Valuev Part 1

Holyfield vs. Valuev Part 2

Holyfield vs. Valuev Part 3

Holyfield vs. Valuev Part 4

Holyfield vs. Valuev Part 5

Holyfield vs. Valuev Part 6

Technorati Tags: Fight Outcomes, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Holyfield 214 Valuev 310!!!!

Talk about a size mismatch! The 4 time heavyweight champion Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield (47-9-2, 27 KOs) weighted in at exactly 214 ¼ lbs while the 2 time and current WBA heavyweight champion Nicolai “The Russian Giant” Valuev (49-1, 34 KOs) weighted in at exactly 310 ¾ lbs for the 12 round WBA heavyweight championship tomorrow night.

Technorati Tags: Weigh-In, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Foreman Comments On Holyfield Fighting Valuev

The former oldest heavyweight champion(at 45) George Foreman(now 59) recently had a few words about Evander Holyfield's fight this Saturday, Decemeber 20th against current WBA heavyweight champion Nicolai Valuev, and about how he feels, as many do, that it's time for Evander to leave the sport of boxing.

"I hope he'll achieve it (getting the WBA belt) and leave boxing alone. He's been a terrible reflection on the heavyweight division. Win, lose, or draw, he should move away from boxing for the sake of leaving a good name for the sport."

"His head is starting to attract punches. I don't like it, I really don't like it. He was never a big, strong man. He's a frail guy and he's getting the worst of it every time he boxes."

"We just don't know how to move on. All of us. I stayed in too long myself. You fall in love with something you ought not to fall in love with. It's like falling in love with a bad girl who does not love you, who's done with you yet you keep hanging on."

"I hope he becomes heavyweight champion of the world again so he can walk away."

Good luck to Evander tomorrow night, and whether win, lose, or draw, I agree with George in hopes he makes his decision to step down from boxing after this fight.

Technorati Tags: Quotes, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Adam Booth Live Interview

Setanta Sports recently had a live interview of Adam Booth who talked about a potential match between Vitali Klitschko and David Haye in 2009, and also about the graphic picture of David Haye holding Wladimir Klitschko's head and Vitali's reacttion whenever he was presented this picture from Haye at the Klitschko vs. Rahman fight.

Technorati Tags: interviews, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Hat's Off To Haye

I don't believe this was on the air, but at one point during the Wladimir Klitshcko vs. Hasim Rahman title match, Vitali Klitschko steals the cowboy hat that David Haye is wearing. On the air it did show them talking about a potential match between them so this may have been some point after that. Although this video is very short, it's worth watching. Enjoy!

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Technorati Tags: Videos, Vitali Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko Videos

Gomez: Haye! Vitali's Mine!

#1 WBC mandatory Juan Carlos Gomez recently had a few words after he found out that former cruiserweight champion turned heavyweight contender David "Hayemaker" Haye was in negotiations with a fight with Vitali Klitschko in June. This is what Gomez had to say:

"I understand how this kid feels and what he thinks. In fact, we have a lot in common. We both used to be the best cruiserweights in the world, now we both want to become world heavyweight champions and get rid of those annoying Ukrainians. But, David, I got one advice for you: Keep your hands off Vitali. He's mine. You can go after Wladimir if you want. He will be easier to handle for you anyways. If you desperately want to fight Vitali you will have to wait until I stripped his belt from him. After we dethroned both Klitschko sisters we can go on and find out one on one who is the best heavyweight fighter in the world if you want. It will be my honor and pleasure to beat you up to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world."

Technorati Tags: Quotes, Potential Fights, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Toney Squeaks By Oquendo

Who would think that the late replacement for Tony "The Tiger" Thompson(who was out from a acute bronchitis infection that did not allow him to train) would end up almost beating James Toney last Saturday night. But, that's exactly what Fres Oquendo almost did. It ended up being a split decision, and many in the boxing community had it a win for Oquendo. Oquendo threw 742 punches and connected with 222 while Toney threw 491 and landed 154. Toney was the aggressor though and landed more power shot at 67 compared to Oquendo's 59.

So it basically came down to the judges feeling the aggressor deserved the fight even though Oquendo landed more shots. Oquendo found success throughout the night from his jab and from his right hand to the head and body, while Toney displayed great ring generalship and combinations.

The fight happened at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, Calif and the scorecards read 116-111 for Oquendo, and the other two judges scored the bout 115-112 and 114-113 for Toney.

Oquendo Quotes

"I knew that I won the fight. It was a two-point difference in my opinion. I was stronger and more active in the fight, which worked for me. I deserve a rematch."

Toney Quotes

"This was a tough fight. He did not want to fight all of the rounds with me. I was the aggressor in the fight. He was running from me."

Chris Arreola Comments On The Fight

Toney On His Victory

Oquendo's Trainer On The Fight

Henry Oquendo, trainer of heavyweight contender Fres Oquendo

Technorati Tags: Fight Outcomes, Quotes, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

V. Klitschko vs. Haye in June?

According to David Haye himself and Vitali's manager Bernd Boente there may be a really good chance of a fight being made between Haye himself and current WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko in June.

This would make a very interesting match and would free up Wladimir to pursue Alexander Povetkin, the IBF mandatory who was supposed to fight this last Saturday but got injured, or Chris Arreola, a solid American heavyweight fighters who's coming off 2 impressive wins to other heavyweight hopefuls.

The only issue is whether Vitali Klitschko would be stripped of his WBC belt if he doesn't 1st defend against Juan Carlos Gomez the WBC's #1 mandatory contender. But do boxing fans really care if the fight happens between Vitali and Haye without a belt? I for one don't, and I believe this would be a far more intriguing match than Vitali Klitschko against Gomez.

Haye Quotes

"We sat down and talked numbers that made sense for both sides, and it's done and dusted. We agreed terms and just need to dot the I's and cross the T's. Plain and simple, this is how boxing should be."

Check out this post for an Bernd Boente interview where he talks about the potential match.

Technorati Tags: Quotes, Potential Fights, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Bernd Boente Interview

In this live interview, Vitali Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente talks about a potential London showdown in June between his fighter "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko and former cruiserweight champion turned up and coming heavyweight David "Hayemaker" Haye.

Technorati Tags: interviews, Videos, Potential Fights

W. Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman Pics

The following is a slideshow of all the various pictures of the fight and leading up to the fight between current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko and Hasim "The Rock" Rahman. Pictures include both press conferences, training pictures, fight pictures, and more!

Technorati Tags: Training Pictures, Pictures, Klitschko Pictures, Wladimir Klitschko Pictures, Klitschko Opponent Pics

Klitschko vs. Rahman Full Fight

The following is a 2 part video of Saturday nights(December 13th, 2008) WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight championship between the champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko and former 2 time heavyweight champ Hasim "The Rock" Rahman. Klitschko won by 7th round TKO at the :44 minute mark.

Klitschko vs. Rahman Part 1

Klitschko vs. Rahman Part 2

Klitschko vs. Rahman Part 3

Klitschko vs. Rahman Part 4

Technorati Tags: Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Opponents, Videos, Wladimir Klitschko Videos, Klitschko Opponent Videos

W. Klitschko TKO 7 Over Rahman

It took 7 easy rounds for the current heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko to defeat the 2 time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman by way of 7th round TKO(time: 0:44). He had him down once already in the 6th, and the referee had seen enough by the 7th. Wladimir won every round easily and Rahman had no answer for Wladimir's jab. "The Rock" now falls to a record of 45(36)-7(5)-2 while Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko improves to 52(46)-3(3)-0.

Technorati Tags: Fight Outcomes, Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Opponents

W. Klitschko - Rahman Weigh-In Video

Here's a link to a video in German of the Wladimir Klitschko / Hasim Rahman Weigh-In Today for their upcoming fight tomorrow Saturday December 13th @ 1:45 pm PT/ 4:45 pm ET. Wladimir weighed-in at 245 lbs while Hasim weighed-in at 254 lbs.

Klitschko vs. Rahman Weigh In Video Link

Technorati Tags: Videos, Weigh-In, Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Opponents, Wladimir Klitschko Videos, Klitschko Opponent Videos, links

KLITSCHKO - 245, RAHMAN - 254

From the official weigh-in today Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko weighed in at a ripped 245 lbs, while Hasim Rahman weighed in with his shirt on(strategy or in bad shape?) at 254 lbs.

For pics of this weigh-in you can check out the German RTL site HERE.

Technorati Tags: Weigh-In, upcoming fights, Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Opponents

Haye To Attend Klitschko vs. Rahman

From a recent interview from Setanta Sports, current up-and-coming heavyweight David "Hayemaker" Haye says he will be ringside for the IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight title fight between current champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko and former 2 time champ Hasim Rahman tomorrow Saturday, December 13th. He has promised to be shouting at the champ. Here's some of what he had to say...

In Regards To The W. Klitschko vs. Rahman Fight

"I know he's [Wladimir] going to go out there and look spectacular. I want him to look spectacular because his last few fights haven't been the most dynamic. But Rahman's going to bring it. Rahman's going to try and land that right hand, that big right hand that KO'd the great Lennox Lewis."

In Regards To Which Klitschko Brother He May Face

"He doesn't have to fight Povetkin until September. He's got a good few months to slip in a voluntary fight with a top ranked heavyweight contender like myself. Wladimir's schedule is a lot clearer than Vitali's. Vitali's got to fight Juan Carlos Gomez in March, so he wouldn't be able to fight over the summer."

Below is the video of the live interview where the previous quoted text was said. Enjoy!

David Haye Interview

Technorati Tags: interviews, Videos, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Chazz Witherspoon Interview

Chazz Witherspoon was recently interviewed live on the Boxing Hour with Setanta Sports. He has been sparring for 5 weeks with current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhamer" Klitschko as Wladimir prepared for his upcoming heavyweight title fight with Hasim Rahman tomorrow(Saturday December 13th).

In this interview Chazz talks about his training experience with Wladimir, and his controversial loss to Chris Arreola.

Technorati Tags: interviews, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Watch Klitschko vs. Rahman Live

This is where you can watch the WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO vs HASIM RAHMAN 12 Rd. WBO/IBF/IBO Heavyweight Title Bout fight live from the S.A.P. Arena Mannheim, Germany on Saturday December 13th at 3:45 pm CT.

There will also be a chat event for the fight HERE, which will occur at fight time and will open in a new window so you can watch the fight at the same time. If you get HBO the fight is also being shown for free at the same time(4:45 pm ET & 1:45 pm PT). Enjoy!



Watch live video from . on Justin.tv

Technorati Tags: Live Klitschko Fights, Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Opponents, upcoming fights

W. Klitschko Interview Ahead Of Rahman Fight

This is a new video showcasing a live interview from Setanta Sprots with current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko ahead of his fight with Hasim "The Rock" Rahman this Saturday, December 13th. Wladimir talks about his fight this Saturday, and his future in boxing including potential fights with Alexander Povetkin and David Haye. He also responds to the excitement that would be brought if he did fight his brother Vitali, and whether he considers himself the best heavyweight in the world today.

Technorati Tags: Videos, Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Videos, interviews

W. Klitschko vs. Rahman Press Training Links

Here are some links to the German RTL site showing some brief footage via pictures and video of the press training for Wladimir Klitschko & Hasim Rahman who will be fighting for the WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight championship this Saturday, December 13th.

Some video footage of Wladimir at Press Training

http://sport.rtl.de/boxen/boxen_87917.php?media=video1

Pictures of Wladimir & Rahman @ Press Training

http://sport.rtl.de/boxen/boxen_87917.php?media=galerie2&set_id=18209

Technorati Tags: links, Wladimir Klitschko, Press Training, Wladimir Klitschko Opponents, Videos, Pictures

W. Klitschko Talks About Haye & The Division

Current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko was recently quoted on his opinion of David "Hayemaker" Haye's new splash in the heavyweight ranks and the heavyweight division itself. He's looking forward to 2009 and has a title fight this Saturday December 13th with 2 time former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman.

Wladimir Klitschko On Haye

"David Haye decided to make himself famous by promoting himself. He's loud but only actions in the ring can show whether it's empty words. David Haye is much shorter so he needs to talk a lot to get attention. He makes a lot of noise. It's too early to judge how he will do as a heavyweight but if he continues to behave like that I will probably consider meeting him in the ring to stop it.

There is nothing wrong with him stepping into the heavyweight division, he is welcome. I told him to get in line. Now he's had his first fight he's stepped closer to me. I consider Haye to be like Herbie Hide. They both try to end fights with one punch. They are comparable. David's fast and so is Herbie. But there aren't many examples of fighters moving up to heavyweight and doing well - Evander Holyfield is an amazing exception."

Wladimir Klitschko On The Heavyweight Division

"Next year is going to be a very exciting time for the heavyweight division because suddenly there are names. We have to make the crossover and you do that by getting more fighters with names involved. More people will pay attention to the division if we have more recognisable faces.

"Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson made the crossover - it was not just boxing fans who knew their names, everyone did. Evander Holyfield and George Foreman are other examples. Names allow us to crossover from the boxing community into the majority. We need characters in the heavyweights and now we have some. With Chris Arreola from the States, Haye from Britain and Nikolay Valuev from Russia we have some interest in the division once more."

Technorati Tags: Quotes, Wladimir Klitschko

W. Klitschko Rahman 2nd Press Conference

Today in large appliance store in a industrial neighborhood outside Mannheim Manheim, Germany, there was the 2nd and presumably final press conference between current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko and 2 time heavyweight champion and IBF mandatory replacement(due toe the #1 IBF mandatory Alexander Povetkin's ankle injury) Hasim "The Rock" Rahman.

Rahman looked tired throughout the press conference due to jet lag and it being 6 am at the time of the conference. He did manage to keep his eyes well open during the customary stare down and promised to put on a good performance Saturday. Both fighters have proclaimed to end the fight early. Here are some quotes.

Rahman Quotes

"I am a little sleepy right now, but I am looking forward to putting on a good performance," Rahman said. "It will be a great fight."

"I've learned from the past and I'm very well prepared. The area here is still Klitschko-land, but on Sunday morning this will be Rahman-land. I will win the fight early."

"I know he is extremely strong and quick. I have to be ready to take punishment and to dish it out. I am very fit and well prepared."

Steward Quotes

"Wladimir has worked very intently. He knows what Rahman can do and takes him very seriously. We have big respect for Rahman, because he's a dangerous opponent."

"Wladimir is very focused. He realizes how dangerous a puncher Hasim is. We take him very seriously. We consider him more dangerous than Povetkin. We expect a very tough fight. Wladimir considers him the most dangerous one-punch fighter he's ever faced."

Klitschko Quotes

"Hasim Rahman is a real challenger. For him it's probably his last chance at the title. He has certainly not come to lose....I'm prepared to go twelve rounds, but a clear win means an early win. It can happen in any round. I will try to win the fight as clearly as I can."

"I am not going to underestimate him in any way. I am going to do my job and I will try to do it quickly."

"This is his last chance to be a world champion again. I expect a real challenge. If he comes such a long way to fight the best man, he wants to win naturally."

Technorati Tags: Quotes, Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Opponents, Press Conference

Oquendo To Replace Thompson For Toney Fight

Due to a bad case of Bronchitis, Tony "The Tiger" Thompson, who was scheduled to face James "Lights Out" Toney (70-6-3, 43 KOs) this Saturday the 13th, is out of the his scheduled fight. As a replacement heavyweight contender Fres “The Big O” Oquendo (29-4, 18 KOs) will face Toney instead.

Oquendo has been in the mix with big name fighters such as Chris Byrd, David Tua, and John Ruiz. He was extremely competitive in all these matches and has won his last 3 bouts.

Oquendo Quotes

"I was training for a fight that was recently cancelled, and when I was informed that I had the chance to fight Toney, there was zero hesitation. This was the opportunity I was looking for. It gets me right back into a position to challenge for a World Title.”

Technorati Tags: upcoming fights, Other Boxing News, Other Heavyweight Boxing News

Klitschko Fila Commercial

This is a German commercial featuring the the Klitschko brothers Wladimir and Vitali representing the shoe company FILA.

Technorati Tags: Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko, Videos, Wladimir Klitschko Videos, Vitali Klitschko Videos, Klitschko Commercials

W. Klitschko vs. Rahman Prediction

With only 1 week until the showdown between current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir "Steelhammer" Klitschko and former 2 time heavyweight champ Hasim "The Rock" Rahman this next Saturday December the 13th, I thought it was due time for my prediction of the fight.

I will state right off the bat that this is Wladimir's fight to win. The question is how he will win. That's the grey area. Wladimir as of late, with the exception of Ray Austin, has taken his fights into the later rounds. But, due to his size, and great punching power in either hand, he could easily "accidentally" knock someone out even when playing it safe and just jabbing and throwing the occasional right cross. He has shown however the ability to explosively stop a fight like he did when he fought Ray Austin or earlier in his career. He usually steps it up more if he feels his opponent is disrespecting which Austin was apparently doing.

It is because of this ability to knock a fighter out early when he wants to or just by accident, combined with the fact that Hasim Rahman seems to be fairly easy to hit and doesn't have the best of chins and may have disrespected Wladimir by disrespecting at the very least his brother Vitali, that I believe this fight will end early. I predict a KO/TKO win for Wladimir by round 4.

I don't see Rahman at this stage of his career at his age and recent display to compete highly with Wladimir. His only shot really is hoping he can land that haymaker shot on Wladimir's jaw, but the likelihood of him doing so and actually KOing Wladimir and not just knocking him down is slim to none.

So TKO/KO win for Wlad by round 4 is my prediction. What do you think?

Klitschko vs. Rahman German Promotional Video

This is a new promo video for the upcoming heavyweight championship fight between Wladimir Klitschko & Hasim Rahman next Saturday December 13th. The video is in German courtesy of RTL.

Technorati Tags: Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Videos, upcoming fights, Klitschko Opponent Videos, Videos

Klitschko Prepares For Rahman

This is a new video in German from the RTL site that shows Wladimir Klitschko in preparation for his fight December 13th with Hasim Rahman.

LINK

Technorati Tags: Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Videos, Wladimir Klitschko Opponents, Videos