Klitschko To Face Adamek In September

It's official. One of the Klitschko, Vitali (41-2, 38 KOs) or Wladimir (55-3, 49 KOs), will face former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion turned heavyweight contender Tomasz Adamek (43-1, 28 KOs) this September.

The deal assumes at least one the Klitscho's win their next fights (Wladimir will face Dereck Chisora on April 30th while Vitali faces Solis on March 19th ) and Adamek wins his next fight which will be against an opponent yet to be named on most likely April 16th or 19th. If both brothers win they will decide which one of them will face Adamek, but both sides have said if that were the case it would most likely to be Wladimir.

The fight will take place at a new soccer stadium being built in either Warsaw or Wroclaw, Poland. There are 4 new stadiums being built in Poland for the 2012 European Soccer Championships and that two of the stadiums are bidding for this fight.

Kathy Duva Quotes

**Main events CEO

"I am ecstatic. I can't even put it into words. To work so hard with Tomasz with a goal in mind -- moving him up to heavyweight, getting a heavyweight title fight. We got him there and we got a good deal."


**Regarding the stadiums being built in Poland

"There is this window of opportunity for this fight because of the stadiums being built in Poland. It will be a huge event in Poland."

** Regarding Adamek not facing Samuel Peter as a tune-up (he was originally going to fight in a IBF tournament to announce the new IBF mandatory and face Peter).

"That's a pretty good bet." -- laughing

**On which brother he'd rather face..

"Either one, their option. We don't care which one it is. They have to tell us something like 90 days before the fight which one it will be. Tomasz's attitude is, 'I want a heavyweight title fight. I don't care which one of them I fight.'"


**On how long it took to negotiate

"It took us less than three weeks to get this done. Everybody had the same objective -- to make the biggest, best event we can and everybody make the most money we can. We're very excited. This has been the plan for the 2½ years we've worked with Tomasz. This has been the goal and game plan. I'm happy it all came together and we are happy with the deal."

**On the issue of Haye and the Klitschko's going back and forth on deals

"I didn't have any of the problems other people talk about. I've had a long relationship with [Klitschko adviser] Shelly Finkel for something like 30 years and that probably helped. But when the time came to talk to Bernd, we were in synch right away. I know how to get a deal done. I didn't have any problem with them at all. And I had a fighter who said, 'This is what I want, please go out and get it.'"

Bernd Boente Quotes

**Klitschko's manager

"We made some changes, their side and our side. We now agree on everything. We have a go from both sides for a fight in September."

**On Klitschko's winning their next fights


"Knock on wood, both brothers win their respective fights and then we will make a decision."

Klitschko Briggs Press Conference

Today was the press conference in Kiev, Ukraine for the WBC heavyweight championship between Vitali Klitschko (40-2, 38 KOs) and former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs (51-5-1, 45 KOs) ahead of their fight on October 16th at the 02 World in Hamburg, Germany. Ticket information, pictures, and video coming soon!

Vitali Klitschko Quotes

I am very glad that the first press conference is here in Ukraine. Thank you to everyone, to TV channel Inter. I know that many fans want to see the fight between Vitali Klitschko and Nikolay Valuev. I have done the utmost to make this fight take place. I have offered big money, but Valuev called it ‘insignificant.’ I’ve offered the fight for the title WBC, but for him it probably means nothing. Believe me, I am not guilty that he doesn’t want to fight me. Always it is possible to find the reasons why this fight hasn’t taken place. I offered the fight to David Haye, but he is silent, he is afraid to fight me. We thought, who the strongest opponent who can resist me? Peter will fight Wladimir on October 16th, and we have chosen Shannon Briggs. He’s one of the most serious contenders for the world championship. His record of fights demands respect. I know that for me it’s a serious fight. I know that only Vitali Klitschko can beat Vitali Klitschko. I’m very proud to own today the belt which Mike Tyson, Lewis and Ali owned, and I will make sure this belt remaines with me. I will give everything in this fight to come out again the winner.

Shannon Briggs Quotes

I want to begin that I am very happy to be here, in Kiev. Unfortunately, at the airport of Kiev I have found out that they lost my luggage, therefore I to wear what I wore yesterday. I don’t have other clothes. Yesterday went to shop, good shopping, beautiful women. Ukraine is the beautiful country. Many beautiful women. I wanted the Klitschko-Briggs to take place in Ukraine, but we are forced to fight in Germany. I hope that the rematch will be here in Kiev. Once again I want to say thanks to all of you. My dream has come true. Three years ago I planned to leave boxing, seriously considered this after the defeat against Sultan Ibragimov. I weighed 334 pounds. Once in Los Angeles I met Vitali at a restaurant. He has touched me in the stomach and I resolved that I would return. It was not necessary for Klitschko to touch me. I am the former two-time world champion. I beat George Foreman. I have the most first round knockouts in the history of the heavyweight division. I am the first world champion in boxing history with asthma. I’m grateful to Vitali for the opportunity to again sit on the throne.

Bernd Boente Quotes

** Klitschko’s manager


We are very glad to be here at this big press conference. This very big show for us. You know that Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko’s last three fights have taken place at big stadiums to Germany. And we will try to bring a big fight for the Klitschko brothers before the Euro 2012 football championship in Ukraine. We know that in Ukraine the economic situation is not the best, but it gets better every year. And we hope to have a big fight at a football stadium in Kiev or in Donetsk. Vitali is a living legend, one of the few who became a triple world champion. It is assured that he’ll be in the World Boxing Hall of Fame. And he has the biggest percentage of knockouts in the history of heavyweights. But as I told both Vitali and Wladimir, it’s impossible to underestimate Briggs because he’s very dangerous and very strong. He beat George Foreman, Ray Mercer, Siarhei Liakhovich. I warned Vitali that he needs to be very careful in the ring. This fight won’t last twelve rounds. All media are interested in this fight. This fight will be seen live in the USA, Germany, Ukraine, we already know that 93 million spectators will see this fight because it will be broadcast in 110 countries worldwide.

Greg Cohen Quotes

**Briggs' manager

First I want to thank the Klitschko Team for making this fight. We very much respect Vitali and we know that he could have chosen any boxer. He chose Brigss and that is a great honor to us. We’ve been with Shannon from first day of his career. We’ve neem with him through victories and defeats and are glad to fight for a new heavyweight title. I should say that I’ve never seen Briggs so motivated in his entire career. It’s his last chance and we will try to use this opportunity. On October 16th Briggs will be prepared as much as possible to become the world champion. In a ring there are two big men with the big power to sort out who will be the champion. This fight just what the fans have waited for. My company is very happy about this fight and I think that on October 16th, he will show everyone what Shannon Briggs is capable of.

Klitschko Briggs Press Conference Video

*Not the whole press conference

More Klitschko Briggs Press Conference Video Footage

Klitschko Briggs Is On!

Its official. WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko  won 40 (KO 38) + lost 2 (KO 2) + drawn 0  will face former champion Shannon Briggs  won 51 (KO 45) + lost 5 (KO 2) + drawn 1  on October 16th at the O2 World Arena in, Hamburg, Germany. This will be the 1st time Vitali has fought in city he and his family moved to in 1996 and he is excited about fighting there again.

Vitali Klitschko Quotes

“I am really happy that I will have a fight in Hamburg again, the place where I started my professional career. The o2 World is a great arena and the fans in Hamburg are real box experts and will make a perfect atmosphere. Shannon Briggs is not only big at talking but also big in the ring and a very tough challenger. He is more experienced than me, has more professional fights on his record and is one of the hardest punchers in the division. I will be very well prepared together with my trainer Fritz Sdunek.”

Shannon Briggs Quotes

“For a long time I have been trying hard to fight a Klitschko. Most of their opponents are scared to death when they step into the ring. I will put Klitschko on pressure and take the fight to him. Klitschko can enjoy his belt for a few more weeks; after October 16 it will be mine!”

Bernd Bönte Quotes

** Managing Director of Klitschko Management Group (KMG)

“This is going to be a dramatic fight between two of the biggest punching heavyweights. We are glad that this fight will take place in Hamburg. Last time Vitali fought here the o2 World Hamburg did not even exist. It will be a great fight night in a fantastic arena.“

Klitschko Side On Don King's Valuev Offer

Just recently Don King has said that he is willing to accept the $2.5 million offer from Klitschko's team for Vitali Klitschko to face the former WBC champion Nicolai Valuev that he manages. The problem is Klitschko's team offered this way back at the beginning of the year.

Here's what Klitschko's adviser Shelly Finkel had to say about this situation:

"We offered them the $2.5 million when we had the May date and the soccer stadium as a venue."


and Vitali Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente had this to say:

“That was eight months ago for a stadium fight. Now for weeks we offered them 1.5 million and that’s it. Still more than he gets or even got in any other fight. Valuev comes from a clear defeat against Haye, and all but the judges saw a loss against Holyfield. This is a typical King game. He has nowhere to go. Austin fights Solis for the mandatory position and Valuev has two options left: fight Vitali or fight Haye in a rematch. But we will definitely not raise the money. If Valuev wouldn’t be over seven foot we wouldn’t even discuss a fight. He can take it or fight Haye again.”

"That offer was for a fight that went to Sosnowski. They rejected it. King wanted $2.5 million net, plus he wanted Russian and U.S. TV rights. The guy is completely nuts. It's typical Don King. It's a joke. What he put out was a lie. That offer is over and not available anymore.

"The time of year is different, the venue is different, the exchange rate with the Euro is different. The Sauerland people wanted it for May. They begged for it. But Don didn't want it and now it's over."

"We have offered them $1.5 million for the next fight. We will not raise it one dollar. It has been on the table for weeks. King can't get more than that for Valuev against anyone else and he knows it. Let him go fight Haye again or wait forever."

---

Let's see how this turns out. I would like to see Klitschko vs Valuev, but don't think it will happen as long as Don King is part of the equation.

Klitschko Sosnowski Tickets Selling Fast

It's been reported that over 30,000 tickets have been sold out of 50,000 for the WBC heavyweight championship fight between Vitali Klitschko and Albert Sosnowski, which will take place on May 29th at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

The manager of the Klitschko's, Bernd Boente had the following to say:

"So far we have sold about 30,000 tickets. But there is still time, and also, there is a lot of interest in this fight. We expect to sell around 50 to 55 thousand tickets. I think we are going to have a good crowd." *** This quote is from about a week ago. So that means if you want tickets you should act now.

Go here for Klitschko vs Sosnowski Ticket Information.

Klitschko vs Sosnowski On PPV

Looks like the heavyweight championship fight between current WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (39-2, 37 KOs) and Albert Sosnowski (45-2-1, 27) will be shown on Pay-per-view (PPV) television and will be distributed by North America's Integrated Sports Media.

Integrated Sports Media is North America's top major pay-per-view distributor and is calling the Klitschko vs Sosnowski event the "Fists of Steel". The "Fists of Steel" event will be on May 29th, and will be presented by K2 Promotions and Klitschko Management Group, is being distributed in North America by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 3 PM/ET and 12 PM/PT on both cable and satellite ppv via iN Demand, DIRECTV, TVN and DISH Network in the USA, as well as Bell TV, Viewer's Choice, and Shaw PPV in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Here is what the Integrated Sports president Doug Jacobs had to say....

Doug Jacobs Quotes

“The interest in Vitali is very high, especially in North America, where he’s only fought once in the past five years. The other PPV fights are being put together and will soon be announced.”

Tom Loeffler Quotes

*of K2 promotions

"We are excited about this deal with Integrated Sports and giving US boxing fans the opportunity to watch Vitali fight live in the US. When he fought (Chris) Arreola last September in Los Angeles, he had the highest ratings on HBO last year, which proved boxing fans are always interested to see Vitali fight. He will use this fight to continue the Klitschko domination of the heavyweight division."

Vitali Klitschko Quotes

“I watched Sosnowski’s fights and must admit that he is a very experienced, quick and tough opponent. He will do anything to get my belt but I promise that this is not going to happen.”

Albert Sosnowski Quotes

“This is a dream come true, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fight Klitschko for his WBC _title_ belt. For me, Klitschko is over the hill. I know that I am the underdog for everybody, but I tell you, Klitschko will regret picking me. I know many Polish fans in the United States and Canada will watch the fight and support me. I will be the first Polish Heavyweight Champion of the World.”

Klitschko's Team Stands Firm With Valuev

There have been ongoing negotiations for a fight between current WBC champ Vitali Klitschko and former WBA champion Nicolai Valuev. Vitali has given a lot more than he was intending to offer Valuev to begin with ($1 million to now $2.5 million), but still Valuev's team does not thing that is enough. Team Valuev also wants to share money for TV rights in the United States and Russia.

Here's what Klitschko's manager Bernd Bönte had to say about the fight:

"Our offer is very high. We are not going to make any further concessions. So either Valuev takes 1.8 million euros [2.5 million] - or the fight bursts."

Where To Watch Klitschko vs Chambers

This is the post to come back to for up-to-date information on where to watch the WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight championship fight between current champ Wladimir "Steelhammer" KLitschko won 53 (KO 47) + lost 3 (KO 3) + drawn 0 = 56 and mandatory top rated American heavyweight "Fast" Eddie Chambers won 35 (KO 18) + lost 1 (KO 0) + drawn 0 = 36.

The bad news is that as of now there appears to be no US networks that will be showing the fight-- so no HBO, Showtime, Versus, nothing. Hopefully, a network might come to their senses and show this, but that doesn't seem like a very good possibility.

As far as a PPV event, the word is that possibility for a PPV of this event went through for reasons not known as of now, but instead the only for sure way to watch this fight will be a live paid web broadcast for $14.95. I guess this is better than nothing and anyone in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico can watch the ppv fight there. You can get your subscription to this high quality stream by clicking the following banner:





Wladimir Klitschko and the managing director of KMG Bernd Boente had a few words to say about the event. Here's what they had to say.

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Wladimir Klitschko Quotes

"I am excited about the possibilities of web broadcasting. I enjoy working on the computer and I am very interested in new technologies. I like the idea that we are pioneers with this new technology in a very important market. I am sure this technology will be the wave of the future."

Bernd Boente Quotes

"The US market is technologically far developed and mature for this. We are opening up new grounds in boxing and show that we are open to innovation. Other sport or music events already went that way and had great success."

---

Where To Watch Overseas

They say they will broadcast live in 110 countries and Germany which will show the fight live on RTL. RTL will show the fight starting at 22:05.


Ok now this isn't video footage but ESPN will be having a round by round coverage of the fight here. So, if you can't watch at least you will know whats going on in the fight.

Vitali Klitschko Workout In LA

On Wednesday, the current WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko(37-2, 36 KOs) held a public media workout in Las Angeles, CA at the Pound4Pound Gym ahead of his WBC championship fight September 26th with the current WBC #1 contender Chris Arreola(27-0, 24 KOs).

Besides showcasing his skills, Vitali donated 100 tickets for the fight to the Los Angeles Firefighter's Association.

Here are quotes from the media workout...

Vitali Klitschko Quotes

“I hope everyone at STAPLES Center will enjoy the fight. I’m preparing for a real battle against Arreola. He is a very strong fighter and the No. 1 contender for the world title. He wants to take my title away, but I won’t let him do that. I feel comfortable in the gym. I’ve been training hard. I’m in good shape now, but not in my best shape. I’ll be in my best shape for the fight.

“David Haye is not a serious fighter. I doubt he had an injury when he gave up the fight against (Vitali’s younger brother and IBF/WBO heavyweight champion) Wladimir. We gave Haye the same contract as he got with Wladimir. Against me, Haye had little chance to take the title. That’s why he didn’t want to fight. He’s un-serious. I don’t think about him anymore. Right now, I focus on Arreola.

“Arreola is undefeated and rated No. 1. He’s a very strong and tough fighter. It will not be an easy fight. I want to show everyone that I will be the strongest one on Sept. 26. I know Arreola will train very well for this fight. I take him very seriously. I will be in top shape and I will give my best. You will see in my performance on Sept. 26. Arreola has a big punch and a big heart as do all Mexican fighters. Nothing about this fight will be simple, but I will win.

“Every day, I’m asked ‘where do I live?’ I love being in Los Angeles where I have my house. I also have many friends and a place in Germany and at the same time I’m a Ukrainian citizen. But I’m a sportsman and travel around the world. If you want to know where I stay the most, it is in a plane. For boxing fans, it’s not a question of which country you’re from, or which flag you wave. It’s about performance in the ring. That’s what the fans appreciate. Which country you’re from, which country you’re a citizen in, is not an important question.

“I doubt the fight will be won by decision. The fight will be much shorter than 12 rounds. Arreola is a good fighter. I don’t want to underestimate him. I don’t want to make mistakes. I will show him my skills. I am much stronger than Arreola. Arreola has a big heart and a big punch. But I have a big punch, too. I know Mexicans are huge boxing fans and they are very knowledgeable. But it’s not the color of your skin or your nationality that they root for. I have a lot of Mexican fans who support me every fight and I’m very thankful for that.

“I understand some people will be against me and it will mean very much to have a Mexican world champion. But I’ve got to tell them, ’sorry.’ Nothing against Mexicans, nothing against any nationalities, but, we, the fighters, prove our boxing skills in the ring.

“I remember the Lennox Lewis fight where the fans cheered with a lot of energy and emotion for sports skills. In the end, they’re not rooting for the nationality or for the religion, but for the sport. That’s why I love boxing and looking forward to my fight against Arreola Sept. 26 in Los Angeles.”

Tom Loeffler Quotes

*K2 Promotions Managing Director

“Vitali has a house on the hillside in Los Angeles where he can see all the fires, and he really appreciates the hard work and dedication from all the firefighters. Donating 100 tickets to the Firefighters Association is Vitali’s way of thanking them for all their hard work and efforts while putting their lives on the line to keep the people of Los Angeles safe.”

“Arreola has been challenging Vitali for a long time and says he’s always wanted to fight Vitali. Vitali has never ducked Arreola. He regained the title against Sam Peter. He made his first defense, which was a mandatory defense against Juan Carlos Gomez. Now Arreola is the No. 1 contender so he is the natural opponent for Vitali.
It definitely made sense to bring Vitali and this fight back to Los Angeles. Vitali’s making history by being in the third heavyweight championship fight at STAPLES. He’s the only one to do that. Arreola will also make history if he wins. It’s good to come here to Los Angeles and STAPLES Center. It was something Vitali wanted to do. This fight was a natural for STAPLES; Arreola living in Riverside, Vitali having a house in Los Angeles. His children were born here in Los Angeles. It’s the only place this fight could have happened.

“This is a great matchup. Vitali has the highest knockout ratio of any active champion and Arreola is unbeaten with 24 knockouts in 27 fights. It’s really a fight fans’ dream. And where else can you get a ticket for a heavyweight championship fight for $25? We did that on purpose to allow the true fight fan to come out and see this caliber of fight. We’re expecting a full house.”

Fritz Sdunek Quotes

*Klitschko's Trainer

“Vitali has been working really hard for this fight and is getting better and stronger every day. We’re still a few weeks out, but he will be 100 percent by fight night.”

Source & Pictures

Tags: Quotes, Klitschko Manager Quotes, Klitschko Trainer Quotes, Vitali Klitschko Quotes, Public Workouts, Klitschko Blog, klitschkoblog.com

Wladimir Klitschko Recovering From Shoulder Surgery

According to BILD, the current IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion is recovering from minor shoulder surgery from a tendon rupture on his left shoulder he acquired when fighting last June against Ruslan Chagaev. Rehabilitation is reportedly going well.

Also, this is not the reason the December date that was being discussed to fight Eddie Chambers has been delayed. It is being delayed because there are no longer any choice December dates available for U.S. TV. This is why Wladimir will return next year.

Bernd Boente Quotes

*Klitschko's manager

"His rehab is going well, making good progress."

In regards to waiting till next year for a fight with Chambers...

"We want U.S TV to be on board."

Source 1

Source 2

Tags: Injury, Klitschko Manager Quotes, Quotes, Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko Injury, Klitschko Blog, klitschkoblog.com