For over a
decade one name has dominated the Heavyweight division. Klitschko. A name
shared by the most dominant brothers in Boxing history. Both Vitali and
Wladimir have ruled over the division with two iron fists and have become what
this observer has called “The Two-Headed Heavyweight Championship Monster.”
There have
been few challengers that have been able to go the distance with the brothers,
much less been able to compete effectively. It’s no secret to those who have
read my work over the years that I have been of the opinion that the Klitschko
brothers are not likely to get the respect that either of them are due for
their dominance until both are long retired from the sport.
After a
decade at the top of the division, and having taken possession of the World
Heavyweight Championship between them, I wondered if there would come a time
when the Heavyweight championship of the world would become universally
vacated. This scenario did seem as though it were a possibility as most are
probably of the opinion that the brothers were likely to retire on top as world
champions. Part one of that equation came when Vitali vacated the WBC title
earlier this year to focus on his political ambitions leaving a vacancy in the Heavyweight
division, and more importantly the first time since 2008 that a portion of the
Heavyweight championship of the world is not in possession of either Klitschko.
This now
leaves Wladimir as the sole Klitschko in the Heavyweight division. What has
gone unnoticed by some is since regaining a portion of the Heavyweight
championship in 2006 and successfully unifying four of five world titles,
Wladimir has also been quietly marching toward history.
Following his
fifteenth successful title defense over previously undefeated Alexander
Povetkin in October of last year, Klitschko has put himself on the verge of
joining elite company in regard to the most dominant Heavyweight champions of
all time. There are two legendary fighters that have successfully defended
their titles more times. Larry Holmes who successfully defended his Heavyweight
title twenty times and Joe Louis who holds the all-time record for title
defenses in any weight class in Boxing history with an incredible twenty-five
successful defenses.
For the
thirty-eight-year-old Klitschko it would be a fitting way to close his career
if he were to come closer to Holmes and Louis, and maybe even break the
all-time record. The next step for Klitschko is title defense number sixteen,
which will come on Saturday when he defends his unified IBF/WBO/WBA/IBO world
title against WBO mandatory challenger Alex Leapai in Germany.
Leapai, an
Australian-based native of Samoa emerged on Wladimir’s radar after he scored an
upset ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated number one
contender Denis Boytsov last November. Leapai, who will enter the fight with a
record of 30-4-3, with 24 Knockouts comes into this fight with a five fight
winning streak.
Leapai
however, is probably not well-known outside of Australia and is likely to be
viewed as an underdog as this fight approaches. This opinion could be based on
his record. Although Leapai has built momentum coming into this fight, he has
beaten several fighters who are not particularly well-known. Despite his
victory over Boytsov, Leapai’s most notable opponents were former world title
challengers Owen Beck and Kevin Johnson. Leapai scored his sixth round knockout
over Beck in 2010, but was stopped by Johnson in nine rounds two years later.
Although some
may consider this fight to be a mere formality as Klitschko continues to rule
over the division, it is important to remember as I have said many times over
the years that anything can happen in Boxing and that is what makes the sport
great. There was also a time when Klitschko was susceptible to being caught off
guard, most notably in his fights with Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster.
There is no
doubt however, that in the years since suffering those losses Wladimir has
become a much more technically sound boxer who makes full use of his physical
advantages. Even though both of the Klitschko brothers have been criticized
over the years for their Boxing styles, you can’t argue with success.
It has proven
to be an extremely difficult task in the last decade for opponents to land anything
effective on Wladimir. This can be attributed to the legendary late great
trainer Emanuel Steward, who took over as Klitschko’s trainer in 2004. Under
Steward’s guidance Klitschko was able to make full use of his 6’6 frame and
eighty-one inch reach. Even though some may criticize the Boxing styles of the
Klitschko brothers, Wladimir’s career in the last decade is a shining example
of why Emanuel Steward is regarded as one of the greatest trainers in the
history of the sport. Some might argue that if it weren’t for Steward,
Wladimir’s career might have been different and probably would not have
achieved the level of dominance he has over the last decade.
How can
Leapai win this fight? Although some might say that Leapai has a puncher’s
chance, he needs to get close enough in order to attempt to land that punch. He
must bring the fight to Klitschko from the outset and not allow Klitschko to
establish distance. Simply put, there is no way that the 6’0 Leapai can win
this fight on the outside. He needs to make Klitschko fight.
This is
however, easier said than done. In Klitschko’s last fight Alexander Povetkin
attempted valiantly to bring the fight to Klitschko, but was nullified every
time that he got on the inside. Klitschko was able to make full use of his height
and weight as he roughed up and grappled with Povetkin on the inside, scoring
four knockdowns and dominating throughout.
Much of the
blame for Klitschko’s ability to rough up Povetkin throughout that fight was
pointed in the direction of Referee Luis Pabon. This observer however, stated
following the fight that if a referee will allow you to make full use of your
physical advantages and size, why not use it to your advantage?
Povetkin is
only two inches taller than Leapai. This means that Leapai will be in the same
predicament of having to find a way to get on the inside of Klitschko and avoid
being caught where Klitschko can lean and use his body weight to his advantage.
In order to do this Leapai must first find a way to get on the inside and avoid
Klitschko’s jab and straight right hand, which has gradually beaten down many
opponents. Alex Leapai clearly faces an uphill battle in this fight and we will
have to see what he has to offer in the ring.
Although this
fight has been dismissed by some and from a business standpoint has been passed
on by some networks both here in the United States and abroad, this fight does
have an element of intrigue. Wladimir Klitschko’s march toward Boxing history.
If he is able to get past Alex Leapai, each successive title offense will
continue to increase interest regardless of who the opposition might be.
Wladimir Klitschko must now deal with two opponents each time he gets in the
ring. The opponent standing across the ring from him and the increasing element
of chasing Boxing history.
For Boxing
fans in the United States Klitschko-Leapai will be televised by ESPN on
Saturday afternoon at 5PM EST/2PM PST. Will Klitschko continue to inch closer
to Holmes and Louis? Or, will an unheralded challenger be able to pull off
another upset?
We will have
to wait and see.
“And That’s
The Boxing Truth.”
The Boxing
Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.
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