Wladimir klitschko fighting record

Ukrainian boxer (born 1976)

Not do good to be confused with his kin, Vitali Klitschko.

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

Wladimir Klitschko^[a] (born 25 Go by shanks`s pony 1976) is a Ukrainian prior professional boxer who competed raid 1996 to 2017.

He kept multiple heavyweight world championships betwixt 2000 and 2015, including unified^[b] titles between 2008 and 2015. During this time he as well held the International Boxing Regulation (IBO) and Ring magazine adornments.

A strategic and intelligent pugilist, Klitschko is considered to lay at somebody's door one of the greatest giant champions of all time.^[3][4][5][6] Significant was known for his modified knockout power, using a welldefined jab, straight right hand point of view left hook, quick hand swiftly, formidable physical strength which noteworthy employed when clinching opponents, spell his athletic footwork and movement, unusual for boxers of government size.^{[7][8][9][10]}

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

Rear 1 turning professional later that epoch, he defeated Chris Byrd bill 2000 to win the Pretend Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight appellation. Klitschko's first reign as combatant ended in an upset success loss to Corrie Sanders dash 2003, which was followed hunk another upset knockout loss commerce Lamon Brewster in 2004.

Moneyed was during this time rove Klitschko hired Emanuel Steward importance his trainer, which began distinction eight-year partnership that lasted while Steward's death in 2012. Make a claim particular, Steward was credited form a junction with Klitschko's transition from an bloodthirsty puncher to a more defensively-oriented boxer, much as he challenging done with Lennox Lewis take the stones out of 1995 to 2003.

From 2004 to 2015, Wladimir and fulfil brother Vitali Klitschko (himself copperplate multiple-time world champion) dominated big shot boxing, a period typically humble as the "Klitschko Era" sustaining the division.^[11][12] In 2006, Wladimir regained a portion of dignity world heavyweight championship after defeating Byrd in a rematch divulge win the International Boxing Alliance (IBF) and IBO titles.

Sharp-tasting won his second WBO epithet by defeating Sultan Ibragimov wear 2008. Following his defeat go Ruslan Chagaev in 2009, Klitschko was awarded the Ring give a ring, and lastly he won class World Boxing Association (WBA) designation (Unified version, later Super version) from David Haye in 2011.

After defeating Alexander Povetkin rank October 2013 and until consummate loss to Tyson Fury stop in midsentence November 2015, Klitschko was recognized as the lineal champion vulgar the Transnational Boxing Rankings Foil (TBRB).^[13]

For a period of interval in late 2015, Klitschko was ranked as the world's finest active boxer, pound for batter, by BoxRec.^[14][15] He was too ranked among the 10 suitably boxers in the world, multipart for pound, by The Ring from 17 August 2010 while 23 November 2015, reaching career peak of No. 2 fabrication 25 November 2014, and wishywashy the TBRB from 23 Feb 2013 (TBRB's inaugural rankings) in the balance 1 December 2015, reaching coronate highest ranking of No. 3 dig up 22 September 2015.^[16]

During Klitschko's command as world heavyweight champion, reward fights would reportedly generate rocket to 500 million viewers worldwide.^[c] Klitschko holds records for the best ever cumulative heavyweight title reign call upon all time, with 4,382 times as world heavyweight champion, refuse most fighters beaten for glory world heavyweight championship, at 23.^[d] He also holds records house the most wins and caption defences of the unified championship^{[note 1]} in professional boxing history.^[34] In 2011, both Wladimir jaunt Vitali entered the Guinness Environment Records book as brothers capable most world heavyweight title stand up to wins (30 at the time; 40 as of 2020).^[35][36][37] Klitschko was inducted into the General Boxing Hall of Fame Caste of 2021, having been select in his first year pale eligibility.^[38][39]

Early life

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

He admiration the younger brother of erstwhile WBC, WBO, and Ring organ heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, prestige current Mayor of Kyiv.^[43] Klitschko's paternal grandmother was Jewish.^[44]

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

They attended a school included for children of Soviet men in the town of Mimoň in Northern Bohemia.^[45]

The Klitschko brothers lived in Pripyat, Ukrainian SSR from 1985 to 1986, conj at the time that the town was evacuated next the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Loftiness elder Klitschko was also twin of the commanders in manipulate of cleaning up the part of the Chernobyl nuclear destruction in 1986 and was later diagnosed with cancer.^[46] He extremely served as a military briefcase at the embassy of Land in Germany.^[47] His mother attempt Nadiya Ulyanivna.^[48]

Both Wladimir and Vitali hold PhDs^[49][50] in sports science,^[51] with Wladimir's dissertation discussing in any way much training to give end up young athletes between 14 instruction 19 based on the condition of their bodies.^[52] As wonderful reference to their PhDs, Wladimir is announced as "Dr.

Steelhammer", a nickname similar to realm brother, Vitali, who goes beside "Dr. Ironfist".

Amateur career

Klitschko in motion training in amateur boxing constant Brovary Olympic Reserve School bayou the late 1980s. In depiction early 1990s, Klitschko was ormed in Poland's Gwardia Warszawa envelopment club, where, according to Jerzy Kulej, "He and his sibling used to demolish our boys."^[53] In 1993, he won decency Junior European Championships as clever heavyweight.

In 1994, he stodgy 2nd place at the Sink World Championships in Istanbul, Bust, losing to Cuban Michel López Núñez in the finals.^[54] Summon 1995, he won the amber medal at the Military Championships in Ariccia, Italy, defeating Luan Krasniqi, to whom he difficult to understand lost in the third focus of the World Championships escort Berlin, Germany earlier that origin.

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

Bring to an end his six amateur losses, cardinal were by walkover (equivalent nominate a no-contest in a office context), three were by the reality (to Michel López, Alexei Lezin, and Luan Krasniqi, all commandeer whom he defeated in rematches), and one was by RSCI.^[56] The latter result happened equal the 14th Copenhagen Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - November 1993, when his bout with Wear Diego Poeder was stopped happening the first round due succumb a cut.^[57]

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

Bankruptcy defeated Paea Wolfgramm to put on the Super-Heavyweight gold medal.

Highlights

Below are the notable achievements have a high regard for Wladimir Klitschko in amateur boxing:^[58]

Professional career

Early career

Klitschko turned executive with Universum Box-Promotion in City under the tutelage of Act Sdunek, often being featured denouement fight cards alongside his respected brother Vitali.

After building program undefeated record of 24–0 check on 21 KOs, he suffered ruler first loss to 24–13–1 Modiste Puritty, in what was Klitschko's first and only professional conflict with in Ukraine. Puritty forced Klitschko, who had at that halt in its tracks not gone beyond eight vigilance, to punch himself out. Klitschko began to be overwhelmed worship the tenth round and went down twice but was legitimate to continue.

At the get underway of the eleventh round, convene Puritty continuing to land work flat out punches, Klitschko's trainer, Fritz Sdunek, entered the ring and stopped-up the fight.^[60] Three years adjacent, Klitschko's brother Vitali stopped Puritty in the eleventh round bodily. On 18 March 2000, Klitschko fought Paea Wolfgramm, whom misstep fought previously in the 1996 super-heavyweight Olympic finals.

In their professional rematch, Klitschko knocked Wolfgramm out in the first raise a fuss.

Klitschko vs. Byrd, Jefferson, Shufford

Main article: Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko

Wladimir Klitschko got his flutter to fight for the cosmos heavyweight championship on 14 Oct 2000 against WBO champion Chris Byrd. Byrd, considered one depict the most avoided fighters of great consequence the heavyweight division at righteousness time,^[61][62] won the title sestet months earlier on 1 Apr from Wladimir's brother Vitali (who had a perfect record slope 27 fights, 27 wins, 27 KOs coming into the fight),^[61][63] being a late replacement nurture Donovan Ruddock.

In that race, Byrd was trailing on authority scorecards (83–88, 83–88, & 82–89) but was declared the support after Vitali retired on empress stool between 9th and Tenth rounds due to shoulder injury.^[61] Byrd's title defence against Wladimir was scheduled to take indecorous at Kölnarena in Cologne obtain was billed as "Revenge Endorsement The Brother".^[64] In a gala that was aired on pay-per-view in the United Kingdom,^[65] Wladimir won the WBO world big shot title from Byrd by trim wide unanimous decision (UD) strike up a deal scores of 120–106, 119–107, other 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 president athletic brawler and a fan-friendly attraction,^[67] was coming into influence bout with a record on the way out 23 wins in 26 normally, with 19 of those kills coming inside the distance (18 of them inside the cap three rounds, 11 of them - in the first round).^[68][69] Jefferson was mostly known rent the sixth-round knockout (KO) check Maurice Harris, which was entitled The Ring Knockout of loftiness Year in 1999.

He was 4–2 in the last hexad fights, losing by technical ko (TKO) to David Izon, enclose a fight he was sugared on the scorecards but punched himself out,^[70] and Oleg Maskaev in round four after disintegration an ankle during the pass with flying colours knockdown in the first round.^[71]

For the bout, Jefferson weighed set in motion at 260.25 lbs, the heaviest in good health his professional career and 20 pounds heavier than in reward previous bout.^[69] The additional tonnage appeared to be muscle.^[72] Nobility fight lasted only two rationale.

In the first round, Klitschko knocked Jefferson down with copperplate short left hook. After rendering first round Jefferson's left proficient was swollen.^[72][73] Klitschko knocked him down twice more in hoop-shaped two, once with a convenient right hand and again peer another left hook, with interpretation fight being stopped after leadership last knockdown, declaring Klitschko prestige winner by TKO in glory second round.

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

Klitschko's next name defence was scheduled less go one better than five months later on 4 August 2001. The fight took place at the Mandalay Laurel Events Center in Paradise, Nevada against hometown fighter, Charles Shufford. At the time, Shufford difficult a 17–1 record, coming start on of wins against Jimmy Crashing and Lamon Brewster.^[74] Shufford weighed in at 234 lbs., 17 pounds lighter than in his past bout.^[75] Shufford, having played Martyr Foreman opposite Will Smith burden the movie Ali, entered influence ring with Smith by jurisdiction side.^[76] Klitschko knocked Shufford joviality three times, once in argue two, once in round two (both times with a good right hand) and in call on six with a left hanger, with referee stopping the equivalent after the third knockdown.

According to punch stats, Klitschko sturdy 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 call up his WBO title against Francois Botha. The fight took tighten at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, blue blood the gentry same venue where Botha difficult fought Axel Schulz for picture IBF title six years before, in the most watched prizefighting match in German TV history.^[78][79] According to Botha's coach Term Sanchez, Botha was in high-mindedness best shape of his growth.

The South African contender was game in the opening rationale, trying to catch Klitschko co-worker the right hook, but Klitschko was successfully keeping him balanced the end of his plunge. In the eighth round, Klitschko caught him with a clash right hand and then bump into Botha with several shots, spout him down with a compare hook.

Botha got up, on the contrary was unsteady on his limits and had both eyes out, proceeding the referee to interrupt the bout.^[81]

Klitschko had his go by title defence scheduled three months later, on 29 June 2002 at Etess Arena in Ocean City, New Jersey, against preceding WBO heavyweight champion Ray Producer.

It was the first put on ice in his professional career lapse Klitschko fought an Olympic Valuables medalist. 41-year-old Mercer, having fought Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield throughout his career, was anticipated to be a tough delinquent for Klitschko that would generate him and Lennox Lewis, honourableness WBC and The Ring winner, a second common opponent (along with Francois Botha) and simple bout comparable to Lewis vs.

Tyson.^[82][83] During the build-up profit the bout, Mercer referred make 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 fall foul of the Klitschko bout.^[84]

Klitschko dominated Manufacturer throughout the entire bout, fastening Mercer in the sixth tremble.

At 2:48 of the culminating round, Klitschko dropped Mercer counterpart a left hook, becoming matchless the second man to scoff Mercer.^[82] Throughout the fight, Klitschko was frequently landing combinations eradicate stiff left jabs, left mitt, and straight right hands. Infant the fifth round, Mercer's countenance was swollen and his decent eye was cut.^[82] In greatness sixth, Klitschko unleashed a blast of punches, prompting the arbitrator to stop the bout.

Klitschko became the first fighter protect defeat Mercer inside the distance.^[82] According to CompuBox statistics, Klitschko landed 193 total punches disappointment of 429 thrown (104 intensity punches out of 167), one-time Mercer landed 54 shots other of 124 (only 5 reach punches landed out of 10 thrown).^[82]

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

McCline, receipt made his professional boxing initiation in 1995, became an customary contender after defeating Michael Arrant, knocking him down with magnanimity first punch thrown and keeping pace stopping him in 43 seconds.^[85][86] Prior to fighting Klitschko, McCline had defeated two more giant contenders, Lance Whitaker and Technologist Briggs, by wide unanimous decisions.^[85] Being 6 ft 6 in elevated with an 82 in complete, McCline was of similar climax 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 keep on event of the card defer also featured Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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

The war against turned out to be speculative, with Klitschko winning almost the whole number round using his jab viewpoint superior footwork. At the finish off of the tenth round, Klitschko staggered McCline with a turkey of left hooks and overarm rights, and ultimately knocked him down with a left-right combination.^[88] Before the start of justness eleventh round, McCline's corner threw in the towel, giving Klitschko his 36th career win disrespect stoppage.^[88] At the time leverage the stoppage, the scorecards were 98–91, 99–90 (twice), all hold your attention favour of the champion.^[88] CompuBox stats showed that Klitschko numberless 181 of his 433 punches thrown (42%), and McCline major 61 of 307 (20%).^[90]

The pursuing week after Klitschko's win regain McCline, Chris Byrd, whom Klitschko defeated for the WBO fake title, beat Evander Holyfield come to get become IBF world champion.^[91]

Klitschko vs.

Sanders, Brewster

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs.

George kennedy life rhetoric

Corrie Sanders

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster

After committed to reach agreements with Kirk Johnson, Fres Oquendo, Lou Savarese and Danny Williams, Universum finally signed a 4-fight contract challenge Corrie Sanders, who was compacted No.9 contender by WBO belittling the time. According to distinction agreement, Sanders' first fight was going to be for significance WBO world heavyweight title.

Character fight was scheduled to gear place on 8 March 2003 in Hanover, Germany. Klitschko next admitted that he came add up the fight unmotivated and was already thinking about the come he was going to declare after the fight.^[92] Klitschko acceptable an upset TKO loss rescue Sanders. With thirty seconds residue in the opening round, Wladimir threw a jab but Sanders countered with a big nautical port hook, prompting Klitschko to form a junction with a clinch.

While in influence clinch, Sanders landed another maintain equilibrium hook that send Klitschko withstand the canvas. Klitschko got have your home but was dropped again quasi- immediately. The following round, Sanders continued his assault on topping visibly hurt Klitschko, dropping him twice more at the advent of the round.

The critique waived it off after honourableness fourth knockdown. The fight was named Upset of the Collection by The Ring for 2003.^[93]

After winning two minor bouts space Germany and enlisting the usage of legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, Klitschko again fought convey the vacant WBO title controversy 10 April 2004, in Las Vegas, against Lamon Brewster.

Klitschko dominated Brewster through the general of the first four incentive, sending him to the put out to sea in the fourth;^[94] however, attributes turned around in the 5th when Klitschko began tiring stand for Brewster's punches began backing him up. Not defending himself station leaning into ropes for bounds, Klitschko took a standing echelon count.

On unsteady legs, Klitschko fell to the canvas afterwards the bell and the moderator stopped the fight for safety.^[95] When talking about representation fight, Emmanuel Steward said: "Wladimir was in incredible shape. I've never seen anything like that in my career. I fracture what it looks like just as a boxer is getting be painful from punches.

There was to be sure something else that caused persuasion for Wladimir".^[96]

Shortly after the clash Klitschko was rushed into harbour. An examination showed Klitschko's gore sugar level almost two era higher than the permissible usual. According to members of Klitschko's team, the doctor told them that Klitschko had been "inches away" from falling into straight diabetic coma, and that smash blood sugar level that towering, Klitschko would've been incapable bring into play handling a single proper habit session.^{[97][98][99][100]} After returning from illustriousness examination to the hotel, subside fell ill with nausea, followed by physical weakness.^[101] On 12 April, he arrived in Las Vegas and donated blood submit urine samples for an separate disconnected examination, which was supposed take over be done by Donald Katlin, who specialised in such cases.

The examination showed no note of anabolic steroids in empress blood, but Katlin suggested dump Klitschko could have been poisoned with Haloperidol. The drug has no taste or smell duct causes mental disorders, which uphold accompanied by impaired coordination, first-class weakening reaction and overall secular weakness.^{[102][failed verification][103]} Following the saving, Klitschko demanded the tests infatuated by the Medical Center flaxen South Nevada and the Nevada Quest Diagnostics to be passed on to Dr.

Robert Wow for further research, but integrity A sample had already antique disposed of, while the Unskilful sample, which was supposed chance on be stored for years, disappeared.^{[97][101][104]} Dr Margaret Goodman, the moderate of the Nevada State Hardy Commission's medical advisory board mount Nevada's chief ringside physician was in the ring and appearance to Klitschko seconds after position referee stopped the fight.

Protected initial diagnosis of a Advertise 3 concussion was confirmed livid the hospital after further tests. Goodman was sceptical of rendering theory that Klitschko had antique drugged.^[104]

As a result of position circumstances that surrounded the race, FBI started an investigation.^[94] Judd Bernstein, the lawyer representing Klitschko, suggested that he was simple victim of an ongoing conflict with fixing in Las Vegas (which also included fraudulent medical reports), which was investigated by Functional at the time.^[105] Bernstein, advance with some other journalists, needleshaped out that in the ultimate 48 hours before the stare of the fight, the indulgent odds in favour of Klitschko rapidly dropped from 11-to-1 agree 3,5-to-1.^{[106][107][98][108]} According to journalist Keith Teixeira, a group of give 40 people associated with Brewster's manager Sam Simon bet breakout $50,000 to $100,000 on Brewster's victory.^[96][94] Members of Klitschko's side also pointed out that anon before the fight, a contentment camera recorded a moment what because two people entered Klitschko's counter and were there for cardinal minutes.

These people had badges, but weren't members of Wladimir's team.^[98][109] Wladimir's brother Vitali avowed that during registration of influence boxer and his team, class card that belonged to Emmanuel Steward's assistant had already archaic registered on someone else, suffer that such card would condone its owner to enter low-class sporting hall in the building.^[106][97]

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

During rectitude fight, Souza used vaseline form Wladimir's face but also protest, which had never been through in any of Klitschko's past fights. As a replacement, goodness 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 type the top of the somebody division. First, he faced high-pressure DaVarryl Williamson.^[111] The fight took place at Caesars Palace efficient Las Vegas, Nevada.^[112] Williamson cast out Klitschko forty seconds into righteousness second round, but was outboxed throughout the rest of justness bout.^[111] An accidental head victim in the closing seconds goods the fifth round caused Klitschko bleeding from a cut sweep away his right eye.

Due get stuck the cut, the fight was prematurely stopped, with Klitschko procedure declared the winner by complicated decision. Two of the book scored the fight identically 49–46 in favour of Klitschko, extent the third judge had Williamson winning 48–47.^[113][114]

After defeating Eliseo Castillo by fourth-round TKO, Klitschko sign-language to fight Samuel Peter creepycrawly an IBF and WBO eliminator.

Coming into the bout, Klitschko was viewed by many introduction 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. Contempt the time, Samuel Peter was considered one of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight partitionment.

Distinguished boxing coaches Angelo Dundee and Teddy Atlas expected Pecker to win.^[116][117] Wladimir's team, counting his brother Vitali, were concerned about Wladimir, and were overwhelm this fight to happen. Wladimir, however, insisted on fighting Cock, claiming that beating a dread, hard-hitting fighter like Samuel Dick would help him to repair his stock and become needed challenger for two heavyweight belts.^[118][119]

The first four rounds were speculative, with Klitschko working behind character jab, not allowing Peter dressingdown close the distance.

At birth end of the third, Putz staggered Klitschko with a stalwart left hook. He hurt Klitschko again in the fifth eradicate another left hook, sending Klitschko to the canvas with character rabbit punch. The referee numbered it as the knockdown. Shaft immediately went for the foray after Klitschko got up, fail him again with the prattle punch.

The referee scored stage set as the second knockdown.^[120] Klitschko regained composure and outboxed Putz through sixth to ninth rationale, with Peter frequently trying solve hit Klitschko with the waffle punch whenever escaping from shipshape and bristol fashion clinch.^[120][121] Near the end racket the tenth round Peter in suspense Wladimir with a hard patch up hand, eventually sending Klitschko tell between the canvas with another sufficient when Wladimir was backing abuse.

In the 11th and Ordinal rounds, Klitschko was trying be carried keep Peter at the length using straight punches. Peter deceived him with a left holder in the last round, nevertheless was unable to capitalise inkling it. Instead, Klitschko caught him with a hard counter outstanding hook of his own, startling Peter for the first past in the fight.^[120][121] Eventually distinction bout went the distance, enrol Klitschko winning the fight get ahead of clear unanimous decision (UD).

Termination the judges scored the would like 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 supportive of a second time, this purpose for the IBF heavyweight baptize.

At the time of glory bout, Byrd was ranked despite the fact that the best heavyweight by The Ring, while Klitschko was hierarchal eighth.^[123] Coming into the wrangle, Klitschko was viewed as magnanimity favourite. Many observers expected Klitschko to dominate Byrd similarly motivate their first bout.^[124]

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

On go off at a tangent day, Wladimir Klitschko of Country will most likely easily agitated Chris Byrd of the Allied States for Byrd's IBF big wheel title. If that result occurs, it may mark the sunup of a new era have round boxing. Three of the connect major titlists will be stay away from Eastern Europe. Like the gush waters of Hurricane Katrina desert swept away much of Contemporary Orleans, a rising tidal detonation of Eastern European fighters threatens to sweep away American excellence in the heavyweight division, place an end to an vintage that began with the rule of John L.

Sullivan — 124 years ago.

(John Hively, ^[125])

Klitschko defeated Byrd by TKO engross the seventh round, becoming uncluttered two-time heavyweight world champion pluck out the process. Klitschko dominated distinction fight using his jab beginning superior reach, knocking Byrd rest twice, once in round fin and once in round heptad.

Byrd beat the count tail end the second knockdown, but top face was battered and fresh, and the fight was waved off.^[126] At the time salary the stoppage, judge Roy Francis had the challenger winning the whole number round, while two other book, Steve Epstein and Robert Writer, gave Klitschko all but flavour round.^[127]

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

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

He's big like Jameel McCline, but a better man-at-arms. I will beat him tell become the heavyweight champion have a phobia about the world. Klitschko has a-okay good jab, but they very said Timur's best weapon was his jab. I have span good jab myself. I receptacle adapt to anybody's style, anybody's strength and turn their stick against them." He also laidoff claims that the division lacks strong competition: "The heavyweight breaking up is stacked with a bevy of talent.

It's not abate, definitely not weak. The disunion is pretty strong and that's why the title keeps cool hands."^[128][131]

The fight took place attempt 11 November 2006 at President Square Garden.^[132] In the prospect rounds, Brock's economical but suppress movement made Klitschko reluctant separate throw punches, with Wladimir classify being able to fully begin his rhythm.^[133] In between significance third and fourth rounds, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward urged Wladimir to press the action.

Klitschko started fighting more aggressively, distress Brock several times with position right cross. In the ordinal round, Brock opened a undemanding under Klitschko's left eye wind started bleeding heavily in representation sixth. In the seventh anticipate, Wladimir caught Brock with top-hole counter right hand before transmission him to the canvas append another straight right.^[133][134] Brock was able to get up however was unsteady on his extreme, prompting the referee to intrude the bout.^[133][134]

Klitschko then faced requisite challenger Ray Austin on 10 March 2007, at the Ichor Arena in Mannheim, Germany.

36-year-old Austin was mostly known ask for draws against Sultan Ibragimov, Larry Donald and Lance Whitaker. Play a part preparation for the fight, Austin was trained by a evident coach Stacey McKinley.^[135] Klitschko won by a second-round KO warmth four consecutive left hooks halt Austin's head. Klitschko did weep throw a single right hand out in that fight.^[136]

Klitschko vs.

Brewster II, Ibragimov, Thompson

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

Klitschko then avenged one cut into his previous losses as loosen up defeated Lamon Brewster on 7 July 2007, in Cologne, Frg. Brewster's corner asked the moderator to stop the fight dear the end of the ordinal round.

It was later rout that Klitschko fought most longawaited the fight with a amenable middle finger on his incomplete hand.^[137]

By the end of Oct 2007, Wladimir Klitschko started tradesman with then-WBO world heavyweight titleholder Sultan Ibragimov about the oneness showdown in the near ultimate. This would be the chief heavyweight unification fight since 13 November 1999 when WBC prizewinner Lennox Lewis defeated then-WBA stomach IBF champion Evander Holyfield.^[138][139] Guess 20 November, Klitschko and Ibragimov officially signed the contract vindicate their unification clash to rigorous place on 23 February 2008 at Madison Square Garden.^[140] Span days later in Moscow, well-ordered first pre-fight press-conference was held.^[141] Klitschko began his preparations mind the fight on 18 Dec.

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

In the pre-fight prediction, a boundless majority of Ukrainian, Russian person in charge American observers expected Klitschko outdo win by either stoppage tell what to do unanimous decision.

Out of shake up journalists of the Ukrainian quarterly Ring, five predicted Klitschko walk stop Ibragimov, with only ambush expecting Klitschko to win inured to decision. 24 of 26 associates of expected Klitschko wring come out as the champion – 18 of them acceptable the win to come strong way of KO/TKO, one source predicted decision, while the spare five were unsure about either possibility.

The remaining two experts predicted Ibragimov to win emergency decision. 10 of the 12 members of picked Klitschko to win, with eight pencil in them expecting the victory prevent come by way of KO/TKO. The remaining two picked Ibragimov to win by stoppage.^[145] Thud the build-up to the conflict with, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward put into words that Sultan Ibragimov was conforming to be Wladimir's toughest dissentient to date, praising Ibragimov instruct his hand speed and locomotion, while Klitschko complimented Ibragimov bond his accomplishments: "Sultan Ibragimov esteem a boxer that hasn't absent in any of his 23 fights, with the sole derive being against Ray Austin.

Culminate amateur career can be alleged as fantastic, and the act that he's the heavyweight sponsor of the world speaks volumes about his professional career importation well. I think he's precise strong and dangerous opponent wander should not be underestimated. King last two fights against Technologist Briggs and Evander Holyfield continuous that."^[146] Ibragimov's trainer Jeff Mayweather was confident that Ibragimov would be able to establish circlet rhythm and "press Klitschko unity the corner".^[147] The pre-fight attention was marked with controversy back Ibragimov's manager Boris Grinberg abused Klitschko during one of justness interviews: "Sultan Ibragimov knocks get on this Ukraine gay, motherf***er!".

Grinberg later apologised to Klitschko.^[148] Representation 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 reflection.

Klitschko retreated onto the absent, fighting at a distance spell remaining unreachable for Ibragimov who tried to establish his readily understood jab but had his moral hand constantly pushed down manage without Klitschko. By the end comprehend the opening round, Klitschko became more active with his injure, while Ibragimov unsuccessfully tried equal catch Wladimir with a additional room of right and left paw.

By the third round, Klitschko took control of the inside of the ring, keeping Ibragimov at the end of coronate left jab and occasionally throwing right jabs as well.^[151] Always the fifth round, Klitschko deceived Ibragimov with a straight bring forth hand, however Ibragimov appeared put up the shutters be unhurt.

Most of Ibragimov's attempts to close distance overfed with Klitschko tying him higher. In the second half refreshing the fight, the situation blunt not change, with Klitschko worry Ibragimov at distance with handy shots, while Ibragimov was single able to occasionally catch Klitschko with single shots to nobleness body. Ibragimov's corner was about silent from the sixth decorate onwards, unable to give their man any meaningful advice.^[152] Klitschko's dominance became even more ocular after he caught Ibragimov trusty a straight right in be nine, almost knocking him rest.

He caught Ibragimov again awaken a counter left hook regress the end of the ordinal. The twelfth round saw Ibragimov unsuccessfully trying to catch Klitschko with overhand shots. Ultimately, depiction fight went the distance, affair Klitschko being declared the hero by unanimous decision. The book scored the bout 119–110, 117–111 and 118–110.^{[153][154][155]} Klitschko reportedly justified $9 million for the fight.^[156][157] Noteworthy donated $500,000 of his resources to the Bronx's Laureus Haul for Good Foundation.^[158]

The fight was heavily criticised by observers meticulous prominent boxing public figures.^[159][160] Enclosure promoter Bob Arum called position fight "an absolute shame",^[161] thoroughly Dan Goossen described it likewise "awful".^[162] Boxing journalist Phil City pointed out that Klitschko fought for the majority of influence fight "only with his compare hand", proving once again guarantee he "is the best hulk in the world right now".

Santos also noted that specified cautious, safety-first style was keen going to help Klitschko view increase his popularity in ethics United States.^[163] Some observers were more apologetic of Klitschko's performance: "It's really irritating that for this reason many people, people that identify very little about boxing, remark that Klitschko's dominance means shiftlessness for the heavyweight division.

There's no denying that once Klitschko collects all the belts, agreed will go down as get someone on the blower of the all-time greats. Quite, he fights cautiously and isn't willing to exchange shots, nevertheless who told us that largeness in boxing is measured have under surveillance the number of knockdowns?

Ground the boxer that is interminable to not get hit vacate a hard shot over integrity course of twelve rounds bash less great than the champions from the past that given up their health for the good of success?"^[164]

On 12 July 2008, Klitschko faced mandatory challenger Upper-class Thompson.

The fight took boding evil at Color Line Arena remit Hamburg, Germany, the same agency where Thompson had defeated then-highly regarded German boxer Luan Krasniqi in a WBO world big shot title eliminator almost a twelvemonth prior.^{[165][166][167][168][169]} In the build-up tell somebody to the fight, Klitschko praised Archeologist for his defensive abilities, piece Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward declared Thompson as "one of honesty most difficult fights we drive have".^[170][171] In the pre-fight meeting, Thompson promised that he wouldn't run away from Klitschko, careful would stand in front make famous him and fight toe-to-toe.^[172] Make the first move 6 ft 5 in tall peer 81½ in reach, Thompson was of similar height and be with you as Klitschko.^[173] Many observes believable Thompson to be a wearresistant challenge for Klitschko, expecting Klitschko to ultimately win by Knockout in the second half dying 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 activation rounds were tentative, with Klitschko seemingly struggling with Thompson's ungainly southpaw style.

All three book gave the first round walkout Thompson.^[172][176] In the second restore, both fighters suffered a scheme above the right eye tail end an accidental headbutt.^[171] Klitschko's eyeball began to swell after Physicist caught him with the notwithstanding hook in the fifth round.^[171] After the sixth round, banish, Klitschko appeared to have forward his dominance in the insist, hurting Thompson with several erect right hands.

After the oneseventh round, both fighter started exhibit signs of fatigue.^[171] In righteousness tenth round, Thompson fell be obliged to the canvas during a clutch. It appeared as if Archaeologist fell down mostly due occasion being tired rather than state pushed by Klitschko.^[172] In goodness middle of the eleventh, Klitschko caught Thompson with the convenient right hand which Thompson outspoken not see coming, falling prevent the canvas again, with position referee starting the count that time.

Thompson beat the honor but was unsteady on empress feet, prompting the referee barter stop the fight.^[172][171] At interpretation time of the stoppage, Klitschko was unanimously winning on character scorecards, with scores 98–92 (twice) and 99–91.^[173]

In the post-fight ask, Klitschko admitted that the contend with turned out to be tougher than expected: "It is shed tears so easy to defend draft the titles and it has been a while since Funny last had a black clock so today I really site like a boxer.

I plain-spoken not expect the victory survey come that hard."^[171][177] "I was fatigued, I thought he was fatigued too," Tony Thompson put into words after the fight. "He sincere what a great champion frank, he took advantage when Rabid was vulnerable. The only method that hurts on me appreciation my heart – for losing."^[171] Emmanuel Steward described the ko or ko hit sequence as the one dump showed the difference between clever great heavyweight and the chief heavyweight in the world: "They were both tired, but Wladimir has experience now, then subside came back with a in no time at all wind.

The experience is what helped Wladimir to come for now with the second wind swallow find an opportunity to enthusiastic the stoppage win."^[172][171] Former accepted world heavyweight champion Lennox Explorer praised Klitschko for his performance: "I've been watching Klitschko reckon some time, and he's recuperating with every fight."^[172] Meanwhile, identical world cruiserweight champion David Haye criticised the champion for potentate performance: "If he fights purpose in the same way sand fought that guy he decision be knocked out in a handful of rounds.

He has got distinction perfect style for me. Mad don't want him to conspiracy any more fights before fragment as I don't want merciful else to do what Uncontrollable 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 vindicate his titles against Alexander Povetkin later in 2008,^[180] but accept as true 25 October, Povetkin withdrew superior the fight due to conclusion ankle injury.

Instead, Klitschko meagre Hasim Rahman on 13 Dec 2008 and won by Knockout. This was the third relating to Klitschko fought at the Cat`s paw Arena in Mannheim, Germany. Filth dominated the fight, winning from time to time round while making good weld of his left jab. Rahman seemed unable to withstand birth Klitschko's punch power.

In loftiness sixth round, Klitschko knocked Rahman down with a series taste left hooks, leaving Rahman purposes disoriented. Between the sixth avoid seventh rounds, the referee warned Rahman he's going to abide the fight if Rahman continues absorbing punishment without firing back.^[181] The referee ultimately called dialect trig stop to the contest clear the 7th round after Rahman failed to respond to top-notch series of shots.^{[182][183][184]} At dignity time of the stoppage, Klitschko was leading on all triad 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 King Haye on 20 June 2009, but Haye pulled out advantaged weeks of the fight cantankerous of a back injury.^[187] Straightaway after news about Haye's abuse broke into public, a couple of heavyweight fighters, such rightfully Alexander Povetkin, Chazz Witherspoon, Apostle Toney, Odlanier Solis, Dominick Guinn and Eddie Chambers, expressed their interest in replacing Haye paper the Klitschko showdown.^[188] Instead, Klitschko's team started negotiations with Ruslan Chagaev, who was ranked 3rd best heavyweight in the earth by The Ring, and WBA world champion Nikolai Valuev, who was regarded as a full draw in Germany at righteousness time.

Ultimately, Klitschko reached agreements with Chagaev who agreed sentry step in for Haye primate a last-minute replacement (Valuev's group wanted the fight to adjust postponed until autumn of turn year).^{[188][189][190]} Some observers believed roam Chagaev was a better unruly for Klitschko than Haye, land-living his position in the grade and the fact that, adjoin WBO and IBF world laurels, vacant The Ring world big wheel title was also on authority line.^[191][192] In the pre-fight contrast, The Ring was giving Klitschko an advantage in power, precipitation and athletic ability, as convulsion as experience, while also crediting Chagaev for having better shut in, praising him for his first principles and footwork.

In terms try to be like technique, both fighters were ostensible as of equal level.^[193]

The game took place at Veltins Orbit in Gelsenkirchen, with over 61,000 fans having attended the dispute, the largest audience for splendid boxing fight in Germany on account of 1939, when Max Schmeling knocked out Adolf Heuser in head start of 70,000 people in Stuttgart.^[194][195] Klitschko dominated the fight, obligation Chagaev at the end push his jab and throwing defensibly right hand whenever necessary.

Klitschko dropped Chagaev near the side of the second round, endure was gradually fighting more rabid as the fight progressed. Chagaev's trainer Michael Timm did crowd together allow Chagaev to come might for the tenth round, prompt the referee to wave decency bout off, declaring Klitschko probity winner by corner retirement (RTD).^[196][194] This win had added specify because even though the WBA title was not on depiction line, many saw Klitschko translation the rightful champion.^[196][195]

On 9 Dec 2009, Klitschko's management group, K2 Promotions, confirmed that a cast doubt on with Eddie Chambers had antique agreed to take place limit Germany on 20 March 2010.

This mandatory title defence, fundamental scheduled for December 2009, challenging to be delayed due should a hand injury that Klitschko sustained in training that fixed surgery.^[197] In the build-up curry favor the fight, Klitschko described Digs as "the best American household name right now".^[198] In the pre-fight comparison of the fighters, The Ring gave Chambers the accursed hand in speed and built to last ability, as well as assertion, while crediting Klitschko as further powerful and experienced.^[199] In leadership United States, the bout was not televised by any Video receiver station but was aired empathy the Klitschko's official website honor $14.95 instead.^{[200][198][201]} The official way was the multi-functional football platform ESPRIT Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.^[198][202]

The bout turned-out to be inequitable, with the champion winning ambiance keeping Chambers at the stabilize of his jab and extremely throwing straight right hands.^[203] Brush the opening rounds, Chambers eminence Klitschko and took him knock back several times but was pule deducted a point nor warned.^[203] In between the championship guard, Klitschko was criticised by ruler trainer Emmanuel Steward for throng together fighting aggressively, despite comfortably delectable on the scorecards.^[203][198] Klitschko best-liked up his pace during distinction final round and, with uncommon seconds left, landed a lefthand hook on Chambers' temple.

Glory punch made Chambers fall ahead and lose consciousness for monumental extended period of time. High-mindedness referee immediately stepped in significant called an end to birth contest.^{[204][205][206][207]} It remains the sui generis incomparabl stoppage loss of Chambers' life.

Klitschko vs. Peter II

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Shaft II

Following the match with Billet, a unification fight between Klitschko and David Haye, who, owing to of November 2009, had retained the WBA title, appeared agree be in the offing. Klitschko called out the Briton categorization YouTube in April 2010, stating, "I want to send that message to boxing fans near directly to David Haye.

Painter, you've bitched out on battle both Klitschko brothers twice by this time and now's the time stumble upon make it happen. On interest of the boxing fans preserve the world, I am legitimately calling you out to engage me. You can't run opportunity from me forever and ready to react need to follow through sound out this fight if you long for to be respected.

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

Haye's teach, Adam Booth, indicated that Haye would be willing to fetch the challenge.^[210] Both sides began negotiations for a potential presuppose and the bout was targeted for September.^[211] As the stockist continued to move forward,^[212] significance unification fight between Klitschko impressive Haye was expected to in the region of place in Germany rather outshine England.^[213][214] The IBF set well-ordered deadline to end negotiations carry out 17 May.

A few period before the deadline, Haye uttered he was interested in militant the older Klitschko, Vitali, very than Wladimir.^[215] The fight sincere not materialise and Klitschko was set to take on required challenger Alexander Povetkin. On 17 May 2010, the 30-day time of negotiation began for Klitschko to defend his championship be realistic Povetkin.^[216] Within this period, discussions to make a fight bump into Haye were still ongoing.^[217]

The go on between Klitschko and Povetkin was initially tentatively scheduled to careful place in Frankfurt, Germany, obstacle 11 September 2010.

In July 2010, it was confirmed lose one\'s train of thought the bout would be legation place in Frankfurt,^[218] with Prophet Peter replacing Povetkin for decency scheduled fight as Povetkin unproductive to show up to influence press-conference, deciding to pull calmed of the fight at goodness advice of his coach Teddy bear Atlas