Vitali Klitschko Will Use Byrd and Thompson For Sparring

In order to prepare for his heavyweight championship fight this March 21st against WBC #1 mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Gomez, WBC heavyweight champion "Dr. Ironfist" Vitali Klitschko has brought in former 2 time heavyweight champion Chris Byrd and former title challenger Tony "The Tiger" Thompson.

Byrd is a slick southpaw who should allow Vitali to work on an opponent who has some speed. It should also be noted that Vitali suffered 1 of his only 2 losses to Chris Byrd during their championship fight back in 2000, but the loss was due to being unable to continue in the 9th round due to a shoulder injury. Vitali was ahead on all scorecards.

Tony Thompson is a rugged fighter who went 11 rounds before being stopped with Vitali's brother Wladimir last year in July for the WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight championship. This should allow him to work with a experienced fighter who can take a punch.

The combination of Byrd and Thompson should make for great training and preparation for Vitali for his fight in March.

It's also been reported that Vitali's opponent Gomez has brought in Vladimir Virchis as his training partner. Virchis is the man Gomez beat to get his mandatory status with the WBC.

Stay tuned here for more up-to-date info on the Klitschko/Gomez fight.

Technorati Tags: Fight Preparations, upcoming fights, Vitali Klitschko, Vitali Klitschko Opponents