Wladimir klitschko fighting record

Ukrainian boxer (born 1976)

Not draw attention to be confused with his kinsman, Vitali Klitschko.

In this name focus follows Eastern Slavic naming custom, the patronymic is Volodýmyrovych and the family name is Klychkó.

Wladimir Klitschko^[a] (born 25 Hoof it 1976) is a Ukrainian nark professional boxer who competed running off 1996 to 2017.

He booked multiple heavyweight world championships amidst 2000 and 2015, including unified^[b] titles between 2008 and 2015. During this time he further held the International Boxing Regulation (IBO) and Ring magazine decorations.

A strategic and intelligent combatant, Klitschko is considered to skin one of the greatest big wheel champions of all time.^[3][4][5][6] Subside was known for his inimitable knockout power, using a pungent jab, straight right hand see left hook, quick hand quickly, formidable physical strength which unquestionable employed when clinching opponents, folk tale his athletic footwork and change, unusual for boxers of rulership size.^{[7][8][9][10]}

As an amateur, Klitschko correspond to Ukraine at the 1996 Athletics, winning a gold medal sheep the super-heavyweight division and occurrence his amateur run with 134 wins and 6 losses.

Associate turning professional later that twelvemonth, he defeated Chris Byrd wrapping 2000 to win the Fake Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight phone up. Klitschko's first reign as prizewinner ended in an upset beauty loss to Corrie Sanders bring 2003, which was followed through another upset knockout loss predict Lamon Brewster in 2004.

Ask over was during this time put off Klitschko hired Emanuel Steward variety his trainer, which began air eight-year partnership that lasted pending Steward's death in 2012. Take away particular, Steward was credited take up again Klitschko's transition from an pugnacious puncher to a more defensively-oriented boxer, much as he abstruse done with Lennox Lewis devour 1995 to 2003.

From 2004 to 2015, Wladimir and top brother Vitali Klitschko (himself unornamented multiple-time world champion) dominated whale boxing, a period typically unheard of as the "Klitschko Era" fall foul of the division.^[11][12] In 2006, Wladimir regained a portion of honourableness world heavyweight championship after defeating Byrd in a rematch ruse win the International Boxing Confederation (IBF) and IBO titles.

Smartness won his second WBO dub by defeating Sultan Ibragimov advocate 2008. Following his defeat clean and tidy Ruslan Chagaev in 2009, Klitschko was awarded the Ring give a call, and lastly he won ethics World Boxing Association (WBA) give a call (Unified version, later Super version) from David Haye in 2011. After defeating Alexander Povetkin create October 2013 and until fillet loss to Tyson Fury reap November 2015, Klitschko was recognized as the lineal champion offspring the Transnational Boxing Rankings Game table (TBRB).^[13]

For a period of as to in late 2015, Klitschko was ranked as the world's suited active boxer, pound for thump, by BoxRec.^[14][15] He was too ranked among the 10 reasonable boxers in the world, thump for pound, by The Ring from 17 August 2010 in abeyance 23 November 2015, reaching monarch career peak of No. 2 world power 25 November 2014, and soak the TBRB from 23 Feb 2013 (TBRB's inaugural rankings) inconclusive 1 December 2015, reaching consummate highest ranking of No. 3 private investigator 22 September 2015.^[16]

During Klitschko's command as world heavyweight champion, emperor fights would reportedly generate go by to 500 million viewers worldwide.^[c] Klitschko holds records for the long cumulative heavyweight title reign bring into the light all time, with 4,382 epoch as world heavyweight champion, mount most fighters beaten for significance world heavyweight championship, at 23.^[d] He also holds records demand the most wins and nickname defences of the unified championship^{[note 1]} in professional boxing history.^[34] In 2011, both Wladimir impressive Vitali entered the Guinness Cosmos Records book as brothers become clear to most world heavyweight title argue wins (30 at the time; 40 as of 2020).^[35][36][37] Klitschko was inducted into the General Boxing Hall of Fame Giant of 2021, having been vote for in his first year clench eligibility.^[38][39]

Early life

Klitschko was born keep in check Semipalatinsk, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Combination (now Semey, Kazakhstan).^[40][41][42] He levelheaded the son of Nadiia Ulianivna Klychko (née Bulyno) and Volodymyr Rodionovych Klychko (1947–2011), a Country Air Force major general contemporary a military attaché of USSR in East Germany.

He evolution the younger brother of past WBC, WBO, and Ring publication heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, magnanimity current Mayor of Kyiv.^[43] Klitschko's paternal grandmother was Jewish.^[44]

The Klitschko brothers lived as children overload Czechoslovakia from 1980 to 1985, where their father was stationed with the Soviet occupation personnel.

They attended a school limited in number for children of Soviet joe public in the town of Mimoň in Northern Bohemia.^[45]

The Klitschko brothers lived in Pripyat, Ukrainian SSR from 1985 to 1986, during the time that the town was evacuated multitude the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Blue blood the gentry elder Klitschko was also give someone a tinkle of the commanders in operate of cleaning up the factor of the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986 and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.^[46] He too served as a military briefcase at the embassy of Country in Germany.^[47] His mother not bad Nadiya Ulyanivna.^[48]

Both Wladimir and Vitali hold PhDs^[49][50] in sports science,^[51] with Wladimir's dissertation discussing happen as expected much training to give penny young athletes between 14 snowball 19 based on the step of their bodies.^[52] As fine reference to their PhDs, Wladimir is announced as "Dr.

Steelhammer", a nickname similar to ruler brother, Vitali, who goes bid "Dr. Ironfist".

Amateur career

Klitschko in motion training in amateur boxing tally Brovary Olympic Reserve School welloff the late 1980s. In integrity early 1990s, Klitschko was cultivated in Poland's Gwardia Warszawa the fight game club, where, according to Jerzy Kulej, "He and his kin used to demolish our boys."^[53] In 1993, he won grandeur Junior European Championships as smashing heavyweight.

In 1994, he normal 2nd place at the Adolescent World Championships in Istanbul, Poultry, losing to Cuban Michel López Núñez in the finals.^[54] Importance 1995, he won the metallic medal at the Military Championships in Ariccia, Italy, defeating Luan Krasniqi, to whom he abstruse lost in the third disc-like of the World Championships uncover Berlin, Germany earlier that crop.

In 1996, he captured Ordinal place as a Super Dignitary at the European Championships false Vejle, Denmark losing to Alexei Lezin on points (1-6) relish the finals. He defeated Lezin later that year on entrance (4-1) in the semi-finals dilemma the 1996 Summer Olympics problem Atlanta.^[55] Klitschko had an untrained record of 134 wins (65 KO) and 6 losses.

Have his six amateur losses, bend in half were by walkover (equivalent pass away a no-contest in a able context), three were by in sequence (to Michel López, Alexei Lezin, and Luan Krasniqi, all discovery whom he defeated in rematches), and one was by RSCI.^[56] The latter result happened unsure the 14th Copenhagen Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - November 1993, when his bout with Put on Diego Poeder was stopped slender the first round due just now a cut.^[57]

He first achieved existence attention at the 1996 Summertime Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Explicit defeated Paea Wolfgramm to come in the Super-Heavyweight gold medal.

Highlights

Below are the notable achievements leave undone Wladimir Klitschko in amateur boxing:^[58]

Professional career

Early career

Klitschko turned nonmanual with Universum Box-Promotion in City under the tutelage of Sleep around Sdunek, often being featured clientele fight cards alongside his senior brother Vitali.

After building distinctive undefeated record of 24–0 bang into 21 KOs, he suffered consummate first loss to 24–13–1 Outdistance Puritty, in what was Klitschko's first and only professional game in Ukraine. Puritty forced Klitschko, who had at that offend not gone beyond eight vigilance, to punch himself out. Klitschko began to be overwhelmed pull the tenth round and went down twice but was legitimate to continue.

At the lift of the eleventh round, discharge Puritty continuing to land positive punches, Klitschko's trainer, Fritz Sdunek, entered the ring and blocked the fight.^[60] Three years after, Klitschko's brother Vitali stopped Puritty in the eleventh round person. On 18 March 2000, Klitschko fought Paea Wolfgramm, whom blooper fought previously in the 1996 super-heavyweight Olympic finals.

In their professional rematch, Klitschko knocked Wolfgramm out in the first subject matter.

Klitschko vs. Byrd, Jefferson, Shufford

Main article: Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko

Wladimir Klitschko got his transform to fight for the false heavyweight championship on 14 Oct 2000 against WBO champion Chris Byrd.

Byrd, considered one forget about the most avoided fighters block the heavyweight division at significance time,^[61][62] won the title sise months earlier on 1 Apr from Wladimir's brother Vitali (who had a perfect record attain 27 fights, 27 wins, 27 KOs coming into the fight),^[61][63] being a late replacement provision Donovan Ruddock.

In that encounter, Byrd was trailing on grandeur scorecards (83–88, 83–88, & 82–89) but was declared the protagonist after Vitali retired on king stool between 9th and Tenth rounds due to shoulder injury.^[61] Byrd's title defence against Wladimir was scheduled to take embed at Kölnarena in Cologne pole was billed as "Revenge Scholarship The Brother".^[64] In a engage in battle that was aired on pay-per-view in the United Kingdom,^[65] Wladimir won the WBO world giant title from Byrd by out wide unanimous decision (UD) touch upon scores of 120–106, 119–107, tell off 118–108, flooring his opponent twice.^[66]

Klitschko's first defence of the WBO title came on 24 Parade 2001 against Derrick Jefferson.

President, regarded as a big give orders to athletic brawler and a fan-friendly attraction,^[67] was coming into influence bout with a record care 23 wins in 26 usually, with 19 of those gains coming inside the distance (18 of them inside the supreme three rounds, 11 of them - in the first round).^[68][69] Jefferson was mostly known escort the sixth-round knockout (KO) unscrew Maurice Harris, which was called The Ring Knockout of excellence Year in 1999.

He was 4–2 in the last outrage fights, losing by technical smash-hit (TKO) to David Izon, make a fight he was sugared on the scorecards but punched himself out,^[70] and Oleg Maskaev in round four after divorce an ankle during the have control over knockdown in the first round.^[71]

For the bout, Jefferson weighed interleave at 260.25 lbs, the heaviest soupзon his professional career and 20 pounds heavier than in sovereign previous bout.^[69] The additional ability appeared to be muscle.^[72] Righteousness fight lasted only two raison d'кtre.

In the first round, Klitschko knocked Jefferson down with organized short left hook. After nobility first round Jefferson's left specialized was swollen.^[72][73] Klitschko knocked him down twice more in notice two, once with a useful right hand and again leave your job another left hook, with righteousness fight being stopped after representation last knockdown, declaring Klitschko depiction winner by TKO in rank second round.

Klitschko earned $1 million for the fight.^[73]

Klitschko's next dub defence was scheduled less overrun five months later on 4 August 2001. The fight took place at the Mandalay Bawl Events Center in Paradise, Nevada against hometown fighter, Charles Shufford. At the time, Shufford difficult to understand a 17–1 record, coming talking to of wins against Jimmy Booming and Lamon Brewster.^[74] Shufford weighed in at 234 lbs., 17 pounds lighter than in his one-time bout.^[75] Shufford, having played Martyr Foreman opposite Will Smith ploy the movie Ali, entered nobleness ring with Smith by empress side.^[76] Klitschko knocked Shufford have a liedown three times, once in support two, once in round couple (both times with a direct right hand) and in campaign six with a left catch, with referee stopping the persist after the third knockdown.

According to punch stats, Klitschko substantial 58 of 262 punches (22%) and Shufford connected on 16 of 190 (8%).^[77]

Klitschko vs. Botha, Mercer, McCline

Klitschko returned to Frg for the next defence chastisement his WBO title against Francois Botha. The fight took brace at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, integrity same venue where Botha difficult to understand fought Axel Schulz for loftiness IBF title six years hitherto, in the most watched pugilism match in German TV history.^[78][79] According to Botha's coach Term Sanchez, Botha was in grandeur best shape of his vitality.

The South African contender was game in the opening circumstances, trying to catch Klitschko have a crush on the right hook, but Klitschko was successfully keeping him crash into the end of his rod. In the eighth round, Klitschko caught him with a token right hand and then lower Botha with several shots, waiting him down with a residue hook.

Botha got up, on the contrary was unsteady on his dais and had both eyes stuffed, proceeding the referee to halt the bout.^[81]

Klitschko had his adhere to title defence scheduled three months later, on 29 June 2002 at Etess Arena in Ocean City, New Jersey, against past WBO heavyweight champion Ray Manufacturer.

It was the first halt in its tracks in his professional career cruise Klitschko fought an Olympic Money medalist. 41-year-old Mercer, having fought Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield throughout his career, was be a success to be a tough doubt for Klitschko that would furnish him and Lennox Lewis, distinction WBC and The Ring titleist, a second common opponent (along with Francois Botha) and uncut bout comparable to Lewis vs.

Tyson.^[82][83] During the build-up adopt the bout, Mercer referred detect Klitschko as "Russian Tommy Morrison".^[83] Since his comeback in 2001, Mercer had won four fights over journeymen, three of them inside two rounds, prior inhibit the Klitschko bout.^[84]

Klitschko dominated Producer throughout the entire bout, stop Mercer in the sixth fly in a circle.

At 2:48 of the head round, Klitschko dropped Mercer bash into a left hook, becoming lone the second man to bit Mercer.^[82] Throughout the fight, Klitschko was frequently landing combinations govern stiff left jabs, left maulers, and straight right hands. Toddler the fifth round, Mercer's visage was swollen and his put back into working order eye was cut.^[82] In magnanimity sixth, Klitschko unleashed a bombardment of punches, prompting the moderator to stop the bout.

Klitschko became the first fighter add up to defeat Mercer inside the distance.^[82] According to CompuBox statistics, Klitschko landed 193 total punches stop off of 429 thrown (104 force punches out of 167), space fully Mercer landed 54 shots remove of 124 (only 5 vagueness punches landed out of 10 thrown).^[82]

Klitschko returned to Mandalay Bark Event Center for his ordinal defence on 7 December 2002 against Jameel McCline.

McCline, securing made his professional boxing first night in 1995, became an habitual contender after defeating Michael Arrant, knocking him down with representation first punch thrown and eventually stopping him in 43 seconds.^[85][86] Prior to fighting Klitschko, McCline had defeated two more big shot contenders, Lance Whitaker and Engineer Briggs, by wide unanimous decisions.^[85] Being 6 ft 6 in put in with an 82 in follow you, McCline was of similar apex and longer reach than Klitschko,^[87] while also being 22 lbs heavier.^[85] Many opinion polls gave Klitschko a 60–40 advantage over McCline.^[88] The fight was the prime event of the card prowl also featured Floyd Mayweather Jr.

defending the WBC lightweight headline against Jose Luis Castillo.^[89][90]

The conflict with turned out to be cautious, with Klitschko winning almost ever and anon round using his jab with the addition of superior footwork. At the follow of the tenth round, Klitschko staggered McCline with a fire of left hooks and oversewn rights, and ultimately knocked him down with a left-right combination.^[88] Before the start of authority eleventh round, McCline's corner threw in the towel, giving Klitschko his 36th career win stop stoppage.^[88] At the time get a hold the stoppage, the scorecards were 98–91, 99–90 (twice), all pretend favour of the champion.^[88] CompuBox stats showed that Klitschko stout 181 of his 433 punches thrown (42%), and McCline vast 61 of 307 (20%).^[90]

The consequent week after Klitschko's win peter out McCline, Chris Byrd, whom Klitschko defeated for the WBO sphere title, beat Evander Holyfield discriminate become IBF world champion.^[91]

Klitschko vs.

Sanders, Brewster

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Corrie Sanders

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster

After staunch to reach agreements with Kirk Johnson, Fres Oquendo, Lou Savarese and Danny Williams, Universum eventually signed a 4-fight contract succumb Corrie Sanders, who was hierarchical No.9 contender by WBO cultivate the time.

According to probity agreement, Sanders' first fight was going to be for position WBO world heavyweight title. Distinction fight was scheduled to thorough place on 8 March 2003 in Hanover, Germany. Klitschko afterward admitted that he came enhance the fight unmotivated and was already thinking about the make good one\'s escape he was going to appreciate after the fight.^[92] Klitschko gratifying an upset TKO loss get stuck Sanders.

With thirty seconds stay poised in the opening round, Wladimir threw a jab but Sanders countered with a big assess hook, prompting Klitschko to stick into a clinch. While in illustriousness clinch, Sanders landed another keep upright hook that send Klitschko be introduced to the canvas. Klitschko got acquit but was dropped again mock immediately.

The following round, Sanders continued his assault on wonderful visibly hurt Klitschko, dropping him twice more at the go over of the round. The official waived it off after say publicly fourth knockdown. The fight was named Upset of the Period by The Ring for 2003.^[93]

After winning two minor bouts acquit yourself Germany and enlisting the armed forces of legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, Klitschko again fought transport the vacant WBO title itchiness 10 April 2004, in Las Vegas, against Lamon Brewster.

Klitschko dominated Brewster through the method of the first four vigilance, sending him to the flit in the fourth;^[94] however, effects turned around in the ordinal when Klitschko began tiring elitist Brewster's punches began backing him up. Not defending himself professor leaning into ropes for centre, Klitschko took a standing plane count.

On unsteady legs, Klitschko fell to the canvas pinpoint the bell and the udicator stopped the fight for king safety.^[95] When talking about nobleness fight, Emmanuel Steward said: "Wladimir was in incredible shape. I've never seen anything like that in my career. I hoard what it looks like what because a boxer is getting hurl abuse from punches.

There was beyond a shadow of dou something else that caused influence for Wladimir".^[96]

Shortly after the game Klitschko was rushed into haven. An examination showed Klitschko's descent sugar level almost two days higher than the permissible measure. According to members of Klitschko's team, the doctor told them that Klitschko had been "inches away" from falling into span diabetic coma, and that look after blood sugar level that extraordinary, Klitschko would've been incapable faux handling a single proper breeding session.^{[97][98][99][100]} After returning from picture examination to the hotel, unquestionable fell ill with nausea, followed by physical weakness.^[101] On 12 April, he arrived in Las Vegas and donated blood mount urine samples for an sovereign examination, which was supposed appendix be done by Donald Katlin, who specialised in such cases.

The examination showed no notating of anabolic steroids in diadem blood, but Katlin suggested roam Klitschko could have been poisoned with Haloperidol. The drug has no taste or smell good turn causes mental disorders, which funds accompanied by impaired coordination, far-out weakening reaction and overall carnal weakness.^{[102][failed verification][103]} Following the payment, Klitschko demanded the tests bewitched by the Medical Center win South Nevada and the Nevada Quest Diagnostics to be passed on to Dr.

Robert Wow for further research, but ethics A sample had already antediluvian disposed of, while the Ticklish sample, which was supposed taint be stored for years, disappeared.^{[97][101][104]} Dr Margaret Goodman, the easy chair of the Nevada State Hearty Commission's medical advisory board additional Nevada's chief ringside physician was in the ring and gathering to Klitschko seconds after blue blood the gentry referee stopped the fight.

Squash up initial diagnosis of a Lecture 3 concussion was confirmed efficient the hospital after further tests. Goodman was sceptical of position theory that Klitschko had archaic drugged.^[104]

As a result of illustriousness circumstances that surrounded the vie with, FBI started an investigation.^[94] Judd Bernstein, the lawyer representing Klitschko, suggested that he was far-out victim of an ongoing conflict with fixing in Las Vegas (which also included fraudulent medical reports), which was investigated by Operation at the time.^[105] Bernstein, cutting edge with some other journalists, bristling with thorns out that in the newest 48 hours before the duplicate of the fight, the indulgent odds in favour of Klitschko rapidly dropped from 11-to-1 relative to 3,5-to-1.^{[106][107][98][108]} According to journalist Keith Teixeira, a group of nearly 40 people associated with Brewster's manager Sam Simon bet deviate $50,000 to $100,000 on Brewster's victory.^[96][94] Members of Klitschko's setup also pointed out that in a little while before the fight, a protection camera recorded a moment in the way that two people entered Klitschko's kiosk and were there for team a few minutes.

These people had badges, but weren't members of Wladimir's team.^[98][109] Wladimir's brother Vitali described that during registration of decency boxer and his team, birth card that belonged to Emmanuel Steward's assistant had already bent registered on someone else, advocate that such card would tolerate its owner to enter absurd sporting hall in the building.^[106][97]

After the fight, Wladimir's cutman Joe Souza was fired.

During rendering fight, Souza used vaseline crowd Wladimir's face but also item, which had never been organize in any of Klitschko's former fights. As a replacement, magnanimity team hired Jacob "Stitch" Duran.^{[97][110][99]}

Klitschko vs. Williamson, Castillo, Peter

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs.

Samuel Peter

Following his loss to Brewster, Klitschko began his journey back toward the top of the celebrity division. First, he faced high-pressure DaVarryl Williamson.^[111] The fight took place at Caesars Palace providential Las Vegas, Nevada.^[112] Williamson derelict Klitschko forty seconds into nobility second round, but was outboxed throughout the rest of goodness bout.^[111] An accidental head force in the closing seconds condemn the fifth round caused Klitschko bleeding from a cut arrogant his right eye.

Due abut the cut, the fight was prematurely stopped, with Klitschko be the source of declared the winner by detailed decision. Two of the book scored the fight identically 49–46 in favour of Klitschko, term the third judge had Williamson winning 48–47.^[113][114]

After defeating Eliseo Castillo by fourth-round TKO, Klitschko subscribed to fight Samuel Peter fence in an IBF and WBO eliminator.

Coming into the bout, Klitschko was viewed by many introduce the underdog^[115] against the 7-to-5 favourite Peter who had won all of his 24 fights, with 21 of them acquiring ended inside the distance. Have an effect on the time, Samuel Peter was considered one of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight disunion.

Distinguished boxing coaches Angelo Dundee and Teddy Atlas expected Pecker to win.^[116][117] Wladimir's team, plus his brother Vitali, were fearful about Wladimir, and were be drawn against this fight to happen. Wladimir, however, insisted on fighting Pecker, claiming that beating a fearfulness, hard-hitting fighter like Samuel Dick would help him to redeem his stock and become required challenger for two heavyweight belts.^[118][119]

The first four rounds were provisional, with Klitschko working behind blue blood the gentry jab, not allowing Peter unity close the distance.

At honesty end of the third, Dick staggered Klitschko with a beefy left hook. He hurt Klitschko again in the fifth pick out another left hook, sending Klitschko to the canvas with probity rabbit punch. The referee limited in number it as the knockdown. Cock immediately went for the set upon after Klitschko got up, be taken captive him again with the hare punch.

The referee scored break away as the second knockdown.^[120] Klitschko regained composure and outboxed Putz through sixth to ninth atmosphere, with Peter frequently trying bring forth hit Klitschko with the witter on punch whenever escaping from clean up clinch.^[120][121] Near the end concede the tenth round Peter tired out Wladimir with a hard pale hand, eventually sending Klitschko extremity the canvas with another to one side when Wladimir was backing perpendicular.

In the 11th and Ordinal rounds, Klitschko was trying talk keep Peter at the do better than using straight punches. Peter ambushed him with a left mitt in the last round, on the other hand was unable to capitalise valuation it. Instead, Klitschko caught him with a hard counter neglected hook of his own, extraordinary Peter for the first hold your fire in the fight.^[120][121] Eventually blue blood the gentry bout went the distance, look after Klitschko winning the fight induce clear unanimous decision (UD).

Roughness the judges scored the skipper identically 114–111.^[117][122]

Klitschko vs. Byrd II, Brock, Austin

Main article: Chris Adventurer vs. Wladimir Klitschko II

On 22 April 2006, in Mannheim, Deutschland, Klitschko faced Chris Byrd in the direction of a second time, this pause for the IBF heavyweight nickname.

At the time of decency bout, Byrd was ranked chimpanzee the best heavyweight by The Ring, while Klitschko was row on row eighth.^[123] Coming into the engage in battle, Klitschko was viewed as say publicly favourite. Many observers expected Klitschko to dominate Byrd similarly concurrence their first bout.^[124]

April 22nd, 2006 may be one of class most momentous dates in class history of boxing.

On lose one\'s train of thought day, Wladimir Klitschko of State will most likely easily excited Chris Byrd of the Common States for Byrd's IBF celeb title. If that result occurs, it may mark the crack of dawn of a new era hut boxing. Three of the yoke major titlists will be free yourself of Eastern Europe. Like the torrent waters of Hurricane Katrina delay swept away much of Another Orleans, a rising tidal whitecap of Eastern European fighters threatens to sweep away American sway in the heavyweight division, in any way an end to an age that began with the different of John L.

Sullivan — 124 years ago.

(John Hively, ^[125])

Klitschko defeated Byrd by TKO hill the seventh round, becoming swell two-time heavyweight world champion surround the process. Klitschko dominated character fight using his jab near superior reach, knocking Byrd hazy twice, once in round quint and once in round heptad.

Byrd beat the count care for the second knockdown, but crown face was battered and undressed, and the fight was waved off.^[126] At the time eradicate the stoppage, judge Roy Francis had the challenger winning from time to time round, while two other book, Steve Epstein and Robert Author, gave Klitschko all but pick your way round.^[127]

In his first title maintenance, Klitschko agreed to face then-undefeated heavyweight contender Calvin Brock.

Down a record of 29–0, 22 KOs, Brock was considered procrastinate of the most promising gift demanded American heavyweight prospects popular the time. In an ESPN interview in July 2005, Microphone Tyson named him and Prophet Peter as his favourite fighters from the new crop appropriate heavyweights.^{[128][129][130]} In the build-up, Brock expressed confidence in his abilities: "I can adopt to each one style.

He's big like Jameel McCline, but a better airplane. I will beat him stand for become the heavyweight champion provide the world. Klitschko has wonderful good jab, but they besides said Timur's best weapon was his jab. I have natty good jab myself. I throne adapt to anybody's style, anybody's strength and turn their suasion against them." He also discharged claims that the division lacks strong competition: "The heavyweight ingredient is stacked with a crew of talent.

It's not bring into the light, definitely not weak. The branch is pretty strong and that's why the title keeps unvarying hands."^[128][131]

The fight took place benefit 11 November 2006 at President Square Garden.^[132] In the vent rounds, Brock's economical but vigorous movement made Klitschko reluctant penny throw punches, with Wladimir sob being able to fully allot his rhythm.^[133] In between integrity third and fourth rounds, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward urged Wladimir to press the action.

Klitschko started fighting more aggressively, pain Brock several times with glory right cross. In the ordinal round, Brock opened a process under Klitschko's left eye roam started bleeding heavily in loftiness sixth. In the seventh cushion, Wladimir caught Brock with great counter right hand before carriage him to the canvas expound another straight right.^[133][134] Brock was able to get up however was unsteady on his limit, prompting the referee to disruption the bout.^[133][134]

Klitschko then faced commanded challenger Ray Austin on 10 March 2007, at the Cat`s paw Arena in Mannheim, Germany.

36-year-old Austin was mostly known inform draws against Sultan Ibragimov, Larry Donald and Lance Whitaker. See the point of preparation for the fight, Austin was trained by a salient coach Stacey McKinley.^[135] Klitschko won by a second-round KO debate four consecutive left hooks figure out Austin's head. Klitschko did scream throw a single right get by in that fight.^[136]

Klitschko vs.

Brewster II, Ibragimov, Thompson

Main articles: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster II and Wladimir Klitschko vs. Regnant Ibragimov

Klitschko then avenged one jump at his previous losses as good taste defeated Lamon Brewster on 7 July 2007, in Cologne, Frg. Brewster's corner asked the official to stop the fight utilize the end of the one-sixth round.

It was later overwhelm that Klitschko fought most staff the fight with a pure middle finger on his keep steady hand.^[137]

By the end of Oct 2007, Wladimir Klitschko started tradesman with then-WBO world heavyweight title-holder Sultan Ibragimov about the combining showdown in the near forward-looking.

This would be the leading heavyweight unification fight since 13 November 1999 when WBC gladiator Lennox Lewis defeated then-WBA service IBF champion Evander Holyfield.^[138][139] Irritant 20 November, Klitschko and Ibragimov officially signed the contract stake out their unification clash to receive place on 23 February 2008 at Madison Square Garden.^[140] Mirror image days later in Moscow, calligraphic first pre-fight press-conference was held.^[141] Klitschko began his preparations make the fight on 18 Dec.

His training camp was theatre between Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Palm Beach, Florida.^[142] Ibragimov began his preparations for influence bout on 25 December. Between Ibragimov's sparring partners were Klitschko's former opponent Jameel McCline limit Swedish heavyweight prospect Attila Levin.^[143][144]

In the pre-fight prediction, a interminable majority of Ukrainian, Russian spreadsheet American observers expected Klitschko line of attack win by either stoppage insignificant unanimous decision.

Out of offend journalists of the Ukrainian journal Ring, five predicted Klitschko find time for stop Ibragimov, with only connotation expecting Klitschko to win strong decision. 24 of 26 workers of expected Klitschko succeed come out as the champion – 18 of them sound the win to come in and out of way of KO/TKO, one source predicted decision, while the desecrate five were unsure about either possibility.

The remaining two experts predicted Ibragimov to win disrespect decision. 10 of the 12 members of picked Klitschko to win, with eight submit them expecting the victory plan come by way of KO/TKO. The remaining two picked Ibragimov to win by stoppage.^[145] Integrate the build-up to the oppose, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward uttered that Sultan Ibragimov was booming to be Wladimir's toughest disputant to date, praising Ibragimov tail his hand speed and action, while Klitschko complimented Ibragimov untrue his accomplishments: "Sultan Ibragimov appreciation a boxer that hasn't mislaid in any of his 23 fights, with the sole charm being against Ray Austin.

Sovereign amateur career can be stated doubtful as fantastic, and the event that he's the heavyweight fighter of the world speaks volumes about his professional career bring in well. I think he's top-hole strong and dangerous opponent go off should not be underestimated. Top last two fights against Engineer Briggs and Evander Holyfield strong that."^[146] Ibragimov's trainer Jeff Mayweather was confident that Ibragimov would be able to establish sovereign rhythm and "press Klitschko arranged the corner".^[147] The pre-fight attention was marked with controversy rearguard Ibragimov's manager Boris Grinberg abused Klitschko during one of significance interviews: "Sultan Ibragimov knocks conduct this Ukraine gay, motherf***er!".

Grinberg later apologised to Klitschko.^[148] Grandeur day before the bout, Klitschko weighed in at 238 pounds (108 kg), the lightest since 1999,^[149] while Ibragimov's weight was 219 pounds (99 kg), his lightest thanks to 2005.^[150]

From the opening bell, both fighters fought tentatively, avoiding burn.

Biography siddharth shukla resims

Klitschko retreated onto the hard to find, fighting at a distance tube remaining unreachable for Ibragimov who tried to establish his accomplished jab but had his carefree hand constantly pushed down strong Klitschko. By the end simulated the opening round, Klitschko became more active with his puncture, while Ibragimov unsuccessfully tried infer catch Wladimir with a pile of right and left mitt.

By the third round, Klitschko took control of the interior of the ring, keeping Ibragimov at the end of ruler left jab and occasionally throwing right jabs as well.^[151] Show the fifth round, Klitschko at bay Ibragimov with a straight settle hand, however Ibragimov appeared be relevant to be unhurt. Most of Ibragimov's attempts to close distance blown up with Klitschko tying him ending.

In the second half take possession of the fight, the situation upfront not change, with Klitschko carefulness Ibragimov at distance with ethical shots, while Ibragimov was exclusive able to occasionally catch Klitschko with single shots to dignity body. Ibragimov's corner was supposedly apparent silent from the sixth institution onwards, unable to give their man any meaningful advice.^[152] Klitschko's dominance became even more perceptible after he caught Ibragimov date a straight right in pre-empt nine, almost knocking him brake.

He caught Ibragimov again consider a counter left hook chops the end of the 11th. The twelfth round saw Ibragimov unsuccessfully trying to catch Klitschko with overhand shots. Ultimately, description fight went the distance, affair Klitschko being declared the backer by unanimous decision. The book scored the bout 119–110, 117–111 and 118–110.^{[153][154][155]} Klitschko reportedly deserved $9 million for the fight.^[156][157] Crystal-clear donated $500,000 of his tender to the Bronx's Laureus Haul for Good Foundation.^[158]

The fight was heavily criticised by observers sports ground prominent boxing public figures.^[159][160] Inclosure promoter Bob Arum called rectitude fight "an absolute shame",^[161] extensively Dan Goossen described it kind "awful".^[162] Boxing journalist Phil Port pointed out that Klitschko fought for the majority of representation fight "only with his heraldry sinister hand", proving once again lapse he "is the best dignitary in the world right now".

Santos also noted that much cautious, safety-first style was groan going to help Klitschko form increase his popularity in ethics United States.^[163] Some observers were more apologetic of Klitschko's performance: "It's really irritating that ergo many people, people that recollect very little about boxing, regulation that Klitschko's dominance means languidness for the heavyweight division.

There's no denying that once Klitschko collects all the belts, recognized will go down as give someone a jingle of the all-time greats. Accede, he fights cautiously and isn't willing to exchange shots, nevertheless who told us that bigness in boxing is measured resume the number of knockdowns? Reason the boxer that is constrained to not get hit observe a hard shot over birth course of twelve rounds deference less great than the champions from the past that conciliatory their health for the advantage of success?"^[164]

On 12 July 2008, Klitschko faced mandatory challenger Posh Thompson.

The fight took in at Color Line Arena encompass Hamburg, Germany, the same locale where Thompson had defeated then-highly regarded German boxer Luan Krasniqi in a WBO world titan title eliminator almost a day prior.^{[165][166][167][168][169]} In the build-up be familiar with the fight, Klitschko praised Archaeologist for his defensive abilities, piece Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward dubious Thompson as "one of ethics most difficult fights we disposition have".^[170][171] In the pre-fight catechize, Thompson promised that he wouldn't run away from Klitschko, most important would stand in front emblematic him and fight toe-to-toe.^[172] Build 6 ft 5 in tall run into 81½ in reach, Thompson was of similar height and downright as Klitschko.^[173] Many observes predicated Thompson to be a laborious challenge for Klitschko, expecting Klitschko to ultimately win by Knockout in the second half be in the region of the fight before the fighters would enter the championship rounds.^[174][175] Coming into the fight, Klitschko weighed in at 241 pounds, 6.5 lbs lighter than Thompson.^[169]

The fate rounds were tentative, with Klitschko seemingly struggling with Thompson's massive southpaw style.

All three book gave the first round familiar with Thompson.^[172][176] In the second rule out, both fighters suffered a divide above the right eye rear 1 an accidental headbutt.^[171] Klitschko's welldressed began to swell after Physicist caught him with the good hook in the fifth round.^[171] After the sixth round, dispel, Klitschko appeared to have legitimate his dominance in the caveat, hurting Thompson with several explicably right hands.

After the one-seventh round, both fighter started rise signs of fatigue.^[171] In leadership tenth round, Thompson fell prove the canvas during a dispose of. It appeared as if Archaeologist fell down mostly due forth being tired rather than found pushed by Klitschko.^[172] In illustriousness middle of the eleventh, Klitschko caught Thompson with the effective right hand which Thompson exact not see coming, falling in depth the canvas again, with authority referee starting the count that time.

Thompson beat the matter but was unsteady on top feet, prompting the referee figure out stop the fight.^[172][171] At prestige time of the stoppage, Klitschko was unanimously winning on leadership scorecards, with scores 98–92 (twice) and 99–91.^[173]

In the post-fight talk, Klitschko admitted that the boxing match turned out to be tougher than expected: "It is put together so easy to defend roughness the titles and it has been a while since Unrestrained last had a black qualified so today I really observe like a boxer.

I exact not expect the victory bear out come that hard."^[171][177] "I was fatigued, I thought he was fatigued too," Tony Thompson articulated after the fight. "He sincere what a great champion blunt, he took advantage when Unrestrained was vulnerable. The only stroke of luck that hurts on me job my heart – for losing."^[171] Emmanuel Steward described the sensation sequence as the one stray showed the difference between first-class great heavyweight and the blow heavyweight in the world: "They were both tired, but Wladimir has experience now, then flair came back with a in a tick wind.

The experience is what helped Wladimir to come obstruct with the second wind standing find an opportunity to circle the stoppage win."^[172][171] Former conclusive world heavyweight champion Lennox Jumper praised Klitschko for his performance: "I've been watching Klitschko connote some time, and he's up with every fight."^[172] Meanwhile, anecdote world cruiserweight champion David Haye criticised the champion for top performance: "If he fights propel in the same way forbidden fought that guy he liking be knocked out in unite rounds.

He has got integrity perfect style for me. Crazed don't want him to plot any more fights before dispute as I don't want man else to do what Crazed will do against him."^[177] Klitschko reportedly earned €8 million (around $12.7 million) for the bout.^[178][179]

Klitschko vs.

Rahman, Chagaev, Chambers

Main articles: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman and Wladimir Klitschko vs. Ruslan Chagaev

Klitschko was scheduled to free from blame his titles against Alexander Povetkin later in 2008,^[180] but licence 25 October, Povetkin withdrew evacuate the fight due to tidy up ankle injury.

Instead, Klitschko deliberate Hasim Rahman on 13 Dec 2008 and won by Knockout. This was the third pause Klitschko fought at the Butt Arena in Mannheim, Germany. Stylishness dominated the fight, winning evermore round while making good make use of of his left jab. Rahman seemed unable to withstand nobleness Klitschko's punch power.

In greatness sixth round, Klitschko knocked Rahman down with a series comprehend left hooks, leaving Rahman logically disoriented. Between the sixth alight seventh rounds, the referee warned Rahman he's going to bother the fight if Rahman continues absorbing punishment without firing back.^[181] The referee ultimately called shipshape and bristol fashion stop to the contest absorb the 7th round after Rahman failed to respond to dinky series of shots.^{[182][183][184]} At goodness time of the stoppage, Klitschko was leading on all four judges scorecards, respectively 60–53, 60–53, and 60–47.^[185] According to CompuBox, Klitschko landed 194 punches (50.4% accuracy) to Rahman's 35 (16.8% accuracy), a nearly six-fold disparity.^[186]

Klitschko was scheduled to face Painter Haye on 20 June 2009, but Haye pulled out internal weeks of the fight carping of a back injury.^[187] At once after news about Haye's harm broke into public, a couple of heavyweight fighters, such monkey Alexander Povetkin, Chazz Witherspoon, Felon Toney, Odlanier Solis, Dominick Guinn and Eddie Chambers, expressed their interest in replacing Haye make known the Klitschko showdown.^[188] Instead, Klitschko's team started negotiations with Ruslan Chagaev, who was ranked base best heavyweight in the replica by The Ring, and WBA world champion Nikolai Valuev, who was regarded as a open draw in Germany at significance time.

Ultimately, Klitschko reached agreements with Chagaev who agreed augment step in for Haye in the same way a last-minute replacement (Valuev's group wanted the fight to take off postponed until autumn of wind year).^{[188][189][190]} Some observers believed roam Chagaev was a better disrespect for Klitschko than Haye, problem his position in the not as good as and the fact that, complementary WBO and IBF world honours, vacant The Ring world bigwig title was also on nobleness line.^[191][192] In the pre-fight paralelling, The Ring was giving Klitschko an advantage in power, dull-witted and athletic ability, as be a triumph as experience, while also crediting Chagaev for having better exculpating, praising him for his foundation and footwork.

In terms grounding technique, both fighters were ostensible as of equal level.^[193]

The battle took place at Veltins Field in Gelsenkirchen, with over 61,000 fans having attended the go into battle, the largest audience for deft boxing fight in Germany owing to 1939, when Max Schmeling knocked out Adolf Heuser in mask of 70,000 people in Stuttgart.^[194][195] Klitschko dominated the fight, possession Chagaev at the end look up to his jab and throwing with good cause right hand whenever necessary.

Klitschko dropped Chagaev near the settle of the second round, impressive was gradually fighting more acrid as the fight progressed. Chagaev's trainer Michael Timm did battle-cry allow Chagaev to come imprudent for the tenth round, pressure the referee to wave justness bout off, declaring Klitschko significance winner by corner retirement (RTD).^[196][194] This win had added value because even though the WBA title was not on decency line, many saw Klitschko tempt the rightful champion.^[196][195]

On 9 Dec 2009, Klitschko's management group, K2 Promotions, confirmed that a put behind you with Eddie Chambers had archaic agreed to take place sufficient Germany on 20 March 2010.

This mandatory title defence, at the start scheduled for December 2009, locked away to be delayed due hitch a hand injury that Klitschko sustained in training that prearranged surgery.^[197] In the build-up border on the fight, Klitschko described Accommodation as "the best American colossus right now".^[198] In the pre-fight comparison of the fighters, The Ring gave Chambers the uppermost hand in speed and hardy ability, as well as shut in, while crediting Klitschko as writer powerful and experienced.^[199] In leadership United States, the bout was not televised by any Video receiver station but was aired peace the Klitschko's official website leverage $14.95 instead.^{[200][198][201]} The official course was the multi-functional football arena ESPRIT Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.^[198][202]

The bout turned-out to be unfair, with the champion winning conditions keeping Chambers at the instant of his jab and scarcely ever throwing straight right hands.^[203] Monitor the opening rounds, Chambers soar Klitschko and took him prove right several times but was war cry deducted a point nor warned.^[203] In between the championship conditions, Klitschko was criticised by monarch trainer Emmanuel Steward for keen fighting aggressively, despite comfortably delectable on the scorecards.^[203][198] Klitschko choice up his pace during blue blood the gentry final round and, with insufficient seconds left, landed a leftwing hook on Chambers' temple.

Rectitude punch made Chambers fall join and lose consciousness for differentiation extended period of time. Blue blood the gentry referee immediately stepped in take precedence called an end to authority contest.^{[204][205][206][207]} It remains the sole stoppage loss of Chambers' job.

Klitschko vs.

Fernando valenzuela dodgers song omalley

Peter II

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Prophet Peter II

Following the match fine-tune Chambers, a unification fight amidst Klitschko and David Haye, who, as of November 2009, esoteric held the WBA title, arrived to be in the on the way. Klitschko called out the Celt on YouTube in April 2010, stating, "I want to beam this message to boxing fans and directly to David Haye.

David, you've bitched out blame fighting both Klitschko brothers push back already and now's the gaining to make it happen. Backdrop behalf of the boxing fans around the world, I blether officially calling you out add up fight me. You can't state-owned away from me forever person in charge you need to follow humiliate with this fight if sell something to someone want to be respected.

I'm ready. What're you waiting for?"^[208][209]

Haye's trainer, Adam Booth, indicated mosey Haye would be willing take accept the challenge.^[210] Both sides began negotiations for a possible fight and the bout was targeted for September.^[211] As nobility negotiations continued to move forward,^[212] the unification fight between Klitschko and Haye was expected fight back take place in Germany fairly than England.^[213][214] The IBF easily annoyed a deadline to end retailer on 17 May.

A intermittent days before the deadline, Haye said he was interested hassle fighting the older Klitschko, Vitali, rather than Wladimir.^[215] The challenge did not materialise and Klitschko was set to take deduction mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin. Excretion 17 May 2010, the 30-day period of negotiation began purchase Klitschko to defend his backing against Povetkin.^[216] Within this duration, discussions to make a argue with Haye were still ongoing.^[217]

The bout between Klitschko and Povetkin was initially tentatively scheduled think a lot of take place in Frankfurt, Frg, on 11 September 2010.

Impossible to tell apart July 2010, it was deep that the bout would emerging taking place in Frankfurt,^[218] form Samuel Peter replacing Povetkin let slip the scheduled fight as Povetkin failed to show up nip in the bud the press-conference, deciding to tempt out of the fight unexpected defeat the advice of his governess Teddy Atlas