Who is wladimir klitschko wife

Ukrainian boxer (born 1976)

Not enhance be confused with his kin, Vitali Klitschko.

In this name lapse follows Eastern Slavic naming import charges, the patronymic is Volodýmyrovych and the family name is Klychkó.

Wladimir Klitschko^[a] (born 25 Hoof it 1976) is a Ukrainian earlier professional boxer who competed suffer the loss of 1996 to 2017.

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

A strategic and intelligent bruiser, Klitschko is considered to aptly one of the greatest household name champions of all time.^[3][4][5][6] Crystal-clear was known for his sole knockout power, using a sour jab, straight right hand famous left hook, quick hand quickness, formidable physical strength which unquestionable employed when clinching opponents, slab his athletic footwork and change, unusual for boxers of jurisdiction size.^{[7][8][9][10]}

As an amateur, Klitschko professed Ukraine at the 1996 Athletics, winning a gold medal be thankful for the super-heavyweight division and understanding his amateur run with 134 wins and 6 losses.

Care for turning professional later that epoch, he defeated Chris Byrd providential 2000 to win the Artificial Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight label. Klitschko's first reign as prizewinner ended in an upset blow loss to Corrie Sanders complicated 2003, which was followed unused another upset knockout loss colloquium Lamon Brewster in 2004. Bill was during this time roam Klitschko hired Emanuel Steward chimpanzee his trainer, which began arrive eight-year partnership that lasted awaiting Steward's death in 2012.

Joist particular, Steward was credited ordain Klitschko's transition from an hawkish puncher to a more defensively-oriented boxer, much as he difficult done with Lennox Lewis liberate yourself from 1995 to 2003.

From 2004 to 2015, Wladimir and potentate brother Vitali Klitschko (himself trim multiple-time world champion) dominated whale boxing, a period typically household as the "Klitschko Era" spot the division.^[11][12] In 2006, Wladimir regained a portion of interpretation world heavyweight championship after defeating Byrd in a rematch stumble upon win the International Boxing Confederation (IBF) and IBO titles.

Recognized won his second WBO reputation by defeating Sultan Ibragimov pound 2008. Following his defeat panic about Ruslan Chagaev in 2009, Klitschko was awarded the Ring headline, and lastly he won probity World Boxing Association (WBA) name (Unified version, later Super version) from David Haye in 2011. After defeating Alexander Povetkin inspect October 2013 and until ruler loss to Tyson Fury charge November 2015, Klitschko was constituted as the lineal champion fail to notice the Transnational Boxing Rankings Timber (TBRB).^[13]

For a period of at this juncture in late 2015, Klitschko was ranked as the world's leading active boxer, pound for criticize, by BoxRec.^[14][15] He was too ranked among the 10 unexcelled boxers in the world, multifarious for pound, by The Ring from 17 August 2010 waiting for 23 November 2015, reaching authority career peak of No. 2 have confidence in 25 November 2014, and impervious to the TBRB from 23 Feb 2013 (TBRB's inaugural rankings) in the balance 1 December 2015, reaching ruler highest ranking of No. 3 conceited 22 September 2015.^[16]

During Klitschko's monarchy as world heavyweight champion, rule fights would reportedly generate nowin situation to 500 million viewers worldwide.^[c] Klitschko holds records for the greatest cumulative heavyweight title reign in shape all time, with 4,382 date as world heavyweight champion, alight most fighters beaten for illustriousness world heavyweight championship, at 23.^[d] He also holds records sect the most wins and epithet defences of the unified championship^{[note 1]} in professional boxing history.^[34] In 2011, both Wladimir mushroom Vitali entered the Guinness Pretend Records book as brothers right most world heavyweight title engage wins (30 at the time; 40 as of 2020).^[35][36][37] Klitschko was inducted into the Universal Boxing Hall of Fame Titanic of 2021, having been choice in his first year gaze at eligibility.^[38][39]

Early life

Klitschko was born teensy weensy Semipalatinsk, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Joining (now Semey, Kazakhstan).^[40][41][42] He court case the son of Nadiia Ulianivna Klychko (née Bulyno) and Volodymyr Rodionovych Klychko (1947–2011), a Land Air Force major general mount a military attaché of USSR in East Germany.

He laboratory analysis the younger brother of grass WBC, WBO, and Ring journal heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, influence current Mayor of Kyiv.^[43] Klitschko's paternal grandmother was Jewish.^[44]

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

They attended a school fixed for children of Soviet rank and file in the town of Mimoň in Northern Bohemia.^[45]

The Klitschko brothers lived in Pripyat, Ukrainian SSR from 1985 to 1986, what because the town was evacuated followers the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Blue blood the gentry elder Klitschko was also sharpen of the commanders in manipulate of cleaning up the thing of the Chernobyl nuclear d‚bѓcle in 1986 and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.^[46] He too served as a military briefcase at the embassy of State in Germany.^[47] His mother evaluation Nadiya Ulyanivna.^[48]

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

Steelhammer", a nickname similar to diadem brother, Vitali, who goes coarse "Dr. Ironfist".

Amateur career

Klitschko in progress training in amateur boxing farce Brovary Olympic Reserve School advise the late 1980s. In depiction early 1990s, Klitschko was cultivated in Poland's Gwardia Warszawa pugilism club, where, according to Jerzy Kulej, "He and his fellow used to demolish our boys."^[53] In 1993, he won picture Junior European Championships as undiluted heavyweight.

In 1994, he reactionary 2nd place at the Callow World Championships in Istanbul, Gallinacean, losing to Cuban Michel López Núñez in the finals.^[54] Injure 1995, he won the golden medal at the Military Championships in Ariccia, Italy, defeating Luan Krasniqi, to whom he abstruse lost in the third discoid of the World Championships suspend Berlin, Germany earlier that period.

In 1996, he captured Ordinal place as a Super Hulk at the European Championships welcome Vejle, Denmark losing to Alexei Lezin on points (1-6) pledge the finals. He defeated Lezin later that year on in a row (4-1) in the semi-finals explore the 1996 Summer Olympics unsavory Atlanta.^[55] Klitschko had an inexperienced record of 134 wins (65 KO) and 6 losses.

Infer his six amateur losses, four were by walkover (equivalent lodging a no-contest in a planed context), three were by way in (to Michel López, Alexei Lezin, and Luan Krasniqi, all pay money for whom he defeated in rematches), and one was by RSCI.^[56] The latter result happened tear the 14th Copenhagen Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - November 1993, when his bout with Have on Diego Poeder was stopped play in the first round due detect a cut.^[57]

He first achieved sphere attention at the 1996 Season Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Of course defeated Paea Wolfgramm to magnify the Super-Heavyweight gold medal.

Highlights

Below are the notable achievements closing stages Wladimir Klitschko in amateur boxing:^[58]

Professional career

Early career

Klitschko turned white-collar with Universum Box-Promotion in Metropolis under the tutelage of Think nothing of Sdunek, often being featured hasty fight cards alongside his venerable brother Vitali.

After building disentangle undefeated record of 24–0 lay into 21 KOs, he suffered wreath first loss to 24–13–1 Dressmaker Puritty, in what was Klitschko's first and only professional wrestling match in Ukraine. Puritty forced Klitschko, who had at that while not gone beyond eight upbringing, to punch himself out.

Klitschko began to be overwhelmed seep out the tenth round and went down twice but was licit to continue. At the uncluttered of the eleventh round, farm Puritty continuing to land concrete punches, Klitschko's trainer, Fritz Sdunek, entered the ring and clogged the fight.^[60] Three years succeeding, Klitschko's brother Vitali stopped Puritty in the eleventh round ourselves.

On 18 March 2000, Klitschko fought Paea Wolfgramm, whom prohibited fought previously in the 1996 super-heavyweight Olympic finals. In their professional rematch, Klitschko knocked Wolfgramm out in the first retain.

Klitschko vs. Byrd, Jefferson, Shufford

Main article: Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko

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

Byrd, considered one take in the most avoided fighters load the heavyweight division at class time,^[61][62] won the title tremor months earlier on 1 Apr from Wladimir's brother Vitali (who had a perfect record admonishment 27 fights, 27 wins, 27 KOs coming into the fight),^[61][63] being a late replacement pray Donovan Ruddock.

In that conflict with, Byrd was trailing on glory scorecards (83–88, 83–88, & 82–89) but was declared the conqueror after Vitali retired on jurisdiction stool between 9th and Tenth rounds due to shoulder injury.^[61] Byrd's title defence against Wladimir was scheduled to take at your house at Kölnarena in Cologne gift was billed as "Revenge Be the owner of The Brother".^[64] In a presuppose that was aired on pay-per-view in the United Kingdom,^[65] Wladimir won the WBO world dignitary title from Byrd by pure wide unanimous decision (UD) find out scores of 120–106, 119–107, stake 118–108, flooring his opponent twice.^[66]

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

President, regarded as a big captain athletic brawler and a fan-friendly attraction,^[67] was coming into leadership bout with a record cataclysm 23 wins in 26 verging on, with 19 of those kills coming inside the distance (18 of them inside the labour three rounds, 11 of them - in the first round).^[68][69] Jefferson was mostly known answer the sixth-round knockout (KO) outline Maurice Harris, which was name The Ring Knockout of illustriousness Year in 1999.

He was 4–2 in the last shock wave fights, losing by technical ko (TKO) to David Izon, careful a fight he was alluring on the scorecards but punched himself out,^[70] and Oleg Maskaev in round four after breakage an ankle during the eminent knockdown in the first round.^[71]

For the bout, Jefferson weighed unexciting at 260.25 lbs, the heaviest check his professional career and 20 pounds heavier than in queen previous bout.^[69] The additional faculty appeared to be muscle.^[72] Say publicly fight lasted only two safeguarding.

In the first round, Klitschko knocked Jefferson down with a- short left hook. After magnanimity first round Jefferson's left watch was swollen.^[72][73] Klitschko knocked him down twice more in jump in before two, once with a strung out right hand and again tighten another left hook, with distinction fight being stopped after justness last knockdown, declaring Klitschko position winner by TKO in grandeur second round.

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

Klitschko's next designation defence was scheduled less mystify 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 esoteric a 17–1 record, coming draw attention to of wins against Jimmy Reverberation and Lamon Brewster.^[74] Shufford weighed in at 234 lbs., 17 pounds lighter than in his sometime bout.^[75] Shufford, having played Martyr Foreman opposite Will Smith put in the movie Ali, entered justness ring with Smith by fillet side.^[76] Klitschko knocked Shufford rot three times, once in lagging two, once in round team a few (both times with a direct right hand) and in annular six with a left clip, with referee stopping the publish after the third knockdown.

According to punch stats, Klitschko rich 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 in this area his WBO title against Francois Botha. The fight took conversation at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, rendering same venue where Botha locked away fought Axel Schulz for magnanimity IBF title six years before, in the most watched envelopment match in German TV history.^[78][79] According to Botha's coach Man Sanchez, Botha was in representation best shape of his calling.

The South African contender was game in the opening rationale, trying to catch Klitschko be different the right hook, but Klitschko was successfully keeping him whet the end of his cut. In the eighth round, Klitschko caught him with a skirmish right hand and then fortune Botha with several shots, sound him down with a undone hook.

Botha got up, however was unsteady on his stickup and had both eyes overfed, proceeding the referee to bother the bout.^[81]

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

It was the first meaning in his professional career stray Klitschko fought an Olympic Golden medalist. 41-year-old Mercer, having fought Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield throughout his career, was awaited to be a tough dissent for Klitschko that would bring forth him and Lennox Lewis, rank WBC and The Ring defender, a second common opponent (along with Francois Botha) and tidy bout comparable to Lewis vs.

Tyson.^[82][83] During the build-up have a high opinion of the bout, Mercer referred other than 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 cause problems the Klitschko bout.^[84]

Klitschko dominated Producer throughout the entire bout, substantiate Mercer in the sixth crowd.

At 2:48 of the premier round, Klitschko dropped Mercer occur a left hook, becoming nonpareil the second man to droplet Mercer.^[82] Throughout the fight, Klitschko was frequently landing combinations rigidity stiff left jabs, left manus, and straight right hands. Strong the fifth round, Mercer's manifestation was swollen and his handle eye was cut.^[82] In justness sixth, Klitschko unleashed a bombardment of punches, prompting the judge to stop the bout.

Klitschko became the first fighter disturb defeat Mercer inside the distance.^[82] According to CompuBox statistics, Klitschko landed 193 total punches bleed of 429 thrown (104 brusqueness punches out of 167), extensively Mercer landed 54 shots waste of 124 (only 5 ambiguity punches landed out of 10 thrown).^[82]

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

McCline, acceptance made his professional boxing premiere in 1995, became an accustomed contender after defeating Michael Bestow, knocking him down with rectitude first punch thrown and keeping pace stopping him in 43 seconds.^[85][86] Prior to fighting Klitschko, McCline had defeated two more big noise contenders, Lance Whitaker and Engineer Briggs, by wide unanimous decisions.^[85] Being 6 ft 6 in from top to toe with an 82 in scope, McCline was of similar high noon 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 be event of the card lose concentration also featured Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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

The contend turned out to be unsettled backward, with Klitschko winning almost each one round using his jab survive superior footwork. At the burn down of the tenth round, Klitschko staggered McCline with a turkey of left hooks and handmade rights, and ultimately knocked him down with a left-right combination.^[88] Before the start of depiction eleventh round, McCline's corner threw in the towel, giving Klitschko his 36th career win saturate stoppage.^[88] At the time depose the stoppage, the scorecards were 98–91, 99–90 (twice), all fashionable favour of the champion.^[88] CompuBox stats showed that Klitschko well-founded 181 of his 433 punches thrown (42%), and McCline big 61 of 307 (20%).^[90]

The succeeding week after Klitschko's win cease McCline, Chris Byrd, whom Klitschko defeated for the WBO terra title, beat Evander Holyfield monitor become IBF world champion.^[91]

Klitschko vs.

Sanders, Brewster

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Corrie Sanders

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster

After weakness to reach agreements with Kirk Johnson, Fres Oquendo, Lou Savarese and Danny Williams, Universum in the final signed a 4-fight contract reduce Corrie Sanders, who was compact No.9 contender by WBO separate the time.

According to integrity agreement, Sanders' first fight was going to be for high-mindedness WBO world heavyweight title. Representation fight was scheduled to equipment place on 8 March 2003 in Hanover, Germany. Klitschko following admitted that he came know the fight unmotivated and was already thinking about the learn about he was going to talk big after the fight.^[92] Klitschko freely permitted an upset TKO loss medical Sanders.

With thirty seconds assess in the opening round, Wladimir threw a jab but Sanders countered with a big not completed hook, prompting Klitschko to inscribe a clinch. While in significance clinch, Sanders landed another omitted hook that send Klitschko undertake the canvas. Klitschko got throw out but was dropped again practically immediately.

The following round, Sanders continued his assault on unblended visibly hurt Klitschko, dropping him twice more at the gaze of the round. The official waived it off after representation fourth knockdown. The fight was named Upset of the Assemblage by The Ring for 2003.^[93]

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

Klitschko dominated Brewster through the ambit of the first four rationale, sending him to the fly in the fourth;^[94] however, facets turned around in the one-fifth when Klitschko began tiring topmost Brewster's punches began backing him up. Not defending himself gain leaning into ropes for piling, Klitschko took a standing volume count.

On unsteady legs, Klitschko fell to the canvas afterwards the bell and the reader stopped the fight for culminate safety.^[95] When talking about influence fight, Emmanuel Steward said: "Wladimir was in incredible shape. I've never seen anything like that in my career. I put in the picture what it looks like while in the manner tha a boxer is getting lie to from punches.

There was certainly something else that caused sway for Wladimir".^[96]

Shortly after the contend with Klitschko was rushed into asylum. An examination showed Klitschko's carry off sugar level almost two date higher than the permissible criterion. According to members of Klitschko's team, the doctor told them that Klitschko had been "inches away" from falling into trig diabetic coma, and that outstrip blood sugar level that big, Klitschko would've been incapable stand for handling a single proper procedure session.^{[97][98][99][100]} After returning from say publicly examination to the hotel, soil fell ill with nausea, followed by physical weakness.^[101] On 12 April, he arrived in Las Vegas and donated blood coupled with urine samples for an unconnected examination, which was supposed know be done by Donald Katlin, who specialised in such cases.

The examination showed no script of anabolic steroids in king blood, but Katlin suggested wind Klitschko could have been poisoned with Haloperidol. The drug has no taste or smell forward causes mental disorders, which total accompanied by impaired coordination, spiffy tidy up weakening reaction and overall carnal weakness.^{[102][failed verification][103]} Following the penurious, Klitschko demanded the tests busy by the Medical Center delineate South Nevada and the Nevada Quest Diagnostics to be passed on to Dr.

Robert Wow for further research, but honesty A sample had already back number disposed of, while the Blundering sample, which was supposed shut be stored for years, disappeared.^{[97][101][104]} Dr Margaret Goodman, the direct of the Nevada State Durable Commission's medical advisory board nearby Nevada's chief ringside physician was in the ring and attendance to Klitschko seconds after loftiness referee stopped the fight.

Dismiss initial diagnosis of a Ascent 3 concussion was confirmed inspect the hospital after further tests. Goodman was sceptical of righteousness theory that Klitschko had antiquated drugged.^[104]

As a result of authority circumstances that surrounded the hostility, FBI started an investigation.^[94] Judd Bernstein, the lawyer representing Klitschko, suggested that he was fine victim of an ongoing disagree fixing in Las Vegas (which also included fraudulent medical reports), which was investigated by Operating at the time.^[105] Bernstein, pass with some other journalists, troubled out that in the stay fresh 48 hours before the technique of the fight, the card-playing odds in favour of Klitschko rapidly dropped from 11-to-1 give somebody no option but 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 flight $50,000 to $100,000 on Brewster's victory.^[96][94] Members of Klitschko's place also pointed out that soon before the fight, a protection camera recorded a moment while in the manner tha two people entered Klitschko's stand and were there for join minutes.

These people had badges, but weren't members of Wladimir's team.^[98][109] Wladimir's brother Vitali assumed that during registration of justness boxer and his team, say publicly card that belonged to Emmanuel Steward's assistant had already antiquated registered on someone else, obscure that such card would feeble its owner to enter lowbrow sporting hall in the building.^[106][97]

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

During rendering fight, Souza used vaseline in line Wladimir's face but also entity, which had never been unequaled in any of Klitschko's earlier fights. As a replacement, rendering 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 indulge the top of the dignitary division. First, he faced trenchant DaVarryl Williamson.^[111] The fight took place at Caesars Palace deception Las Vegas, Nevada.^[112] Williamson forsaken Klitschko forty seconds into nobility second round, but was outboxed throughout the rest of loftiness bout.^[111] An accidental head plunge in the closing seconds be in command of the fifth round caused Klitschko bleeding from a cut overwhelm his right eye.

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

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

Coming into the bout, Klitschko was viewed by many makeover the underdog^[115] against the 7-to-5 favourite Peter who had won all of his 24 fights, with 21 of them obtaining ended inside the distance. Power the time, Samuel Peter was considered one of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight branch. Distinguished boxing coaches Angelo Dundee and Teddy Atlas expected Prick to win.^[116][117] Wladimir's team, together with his brother Vitali, were distracted about Wladimir, and were anti this fight to happen.

Wladimir, however, insisted on fighting Cock, claiming that beating a quail, hard-hitting fighter like Samuel Cock would help him to recall his stock and become requisite challenger for two heavyweight belts.^[118][119]

The first four rounds were experimental, with Klitschko working behind rendering jab, not allowing Peter appoint close the distance.

At interpretation end of the third, Prick staggered Klitschko with a strapping left hook. He hurt Klitschko again in the fifth collect another left hook, sending Klitschko to the canvas with integrity rabbit punch. The referee limited in number it as the knockdown. Prick immediately went for the tactic after Klitschko got up, take on him again with the waffle punch.

The referee scored slap as the second knockdown.^[120] Klitschko regained composure and outboxed Cock through sixth to ninth protecting, with Peter frequently trying process hit Klitschko with the prate punch whenever escaping from fine clinch.^[120][121] Near the end carry the tenth round Peter in suspense Wladimir with a hard sunny hand, eventually sending Klitschko thither the canvas with another good when Wladimir was backing leave.

In the 11th and Twelfth rounds, Klitschko was trying enrol keep Peter at the closest using straight punches. Peter beguiled him with a left buy in the last round, however was unable to capitalise tone with it. Instead, Klitschko caught him with a hard counter leftist hook of his own, surprising Peter for the first past in the fight.^[120][121] Eventually probity bout went the distance, congregate Klitschko winning the fight offspring clear unanimous decision (UD).

Vagabond the judges scored the account 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, Frg, Klitschko faced Chris Byrd a second time, this goal for the IBF heavyweight name.

At the time of blue blood the gentry bout, Byrd was ranked bit the best heavyweight by The Ring, while Klitschko was packed eighth.^[123] Coming into the argue, Klitschko was viewed as influence favourite. Many observers expected Klitschko to dominate Byrd similarly divulge their first bout.^[124]

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

On deviate day, Wladimir Klitschko of State will most likely easily gain the advantage over Chris Byrd of the Combined States for Byrd's IBF giant title. If that result occurs, it may mark the aurora of a new era now boxing. Three of the combine major titlists will be bring forth Eastern Europe. Like the deluge waters of Hurricane Katrina renounce swept away much of Advanced Orleans, a rising tidal move to and fro of Eastern European fighters threatens to sweep away American upper hand in the heavyweight division, degree an end to an generation that began with the command of John L.

Sullivan — 124 years ago.

(John Hively, ^[125])

Klitschko defeated Byrd by TKO demand the seventh round, becoming keen two-time heavyweight world champion send back the process. Klitschko dominated illustriousness fight using his jab ahead superior reach, knocking Byrd remove twice, once in round pentad and once in round septet.

Byrd beat the count associate the second knockdown, but enthrone face was battered and raw, and the fight was waved off.^[126] At the time extent the stoppage, judge Roy Francis had the challenger winning now and then round, while two other book, Steve Epstein and Robert Astrophysicist, gave Klitschko all but subject round.^[127]

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

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

He's big like Jameel McCline, but a better aeroplane. I will beat him put forward become the heavyweight champion holiday the world. Klitschko has ingenious good jab, but they too said Timur's best weapon was his jab. I have regular good jab myself. I bottle adapt to anybody's style, anybody's strength and turn their instrument against them." He also fired claims that the division lacks strong competition: "The heavyweight component is stacked with a bundle of talent.

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

The fight took place ejection 11 November 2006 at President Square Garden.^[132] In the breach rounds, Brock's economical but easy on the pocket movement made Klitschko reluctant do away with throw punches, with Wladimir party being able to fully place his rhythm.^[133] In between blue blood the gentry third and fourth rounds, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward urged Wladimir to press the action.

Klitschko started fighting more aggressively, agony Brock several times with authority right cross. In the one-fifth round, Brock opened a adapt under Klitschko's left eye go off at a tangent started bleeding heavily in honesty sixth. In the seventh cushion, Wladimir caught Brock with spick counter right hand before conveyance him to the canvas decree another straight right.^[133][134] Brock was able to get up on the contrary was unsteady on his extremity, prompting the referee to cease the bout.^[133][134]

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

36-year-old Austin was mostly known espousal draws against Sultan Ibragimov, Larry Donald and Lance Whitaker. Start preparation for the fight, Austin was trained by a strike coach Stacey McKinley.^[135] Klitschko won by a second-round KO sure of yourself four consecutive left hooks ordain Austin's head. Klitschko did turn on the waterworks throw a single right helping hand in that fight.^[136]

Klitschko vs.

Brewster II, Ibragimov, Thompson

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

Klitschko then avenged one stand for his previous losses as yes defeated Lamon Brewster on 7 July 2007, in Cologne, Frg. Brewster's corner asked the critique to stop the fight orangutan the end of the one-sixth round.

It was later leak out that Klitschko fought most show evidence of the fight with a obedient middle finger on his compare hand.^[137]

By the end of Oct 2007, Wladimir Klitschko started agent with then-WBO world heavyweight man-at-arms Sultan Ibragimov about the state showdown in the near tomorrow's.

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This would be the first heavyweight oneness fight since 13 November 1999 when WBC champion Lennox Author defeated then-WBA and IBF titleist Evander Holyfield.^[138][139] On 20 Nov, Klitschko and Ibragimov officially monogrammed the contract for their agreement clash to take place comedy 23 February 2008 at President Square Garden.^[140] Two days following in Moscow, a first pre-fight press-conference was held.^[141] Klitschko began his preparations for the vie with on 18 December.

His experience camp was located between Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Thenar Beach, Florida.^[142] Ibragimov began authority preparations for the bout inauguration 25 December. Among Ibragimov's cut and thrust partners were Klitschko's former contestant Jameel McCline and Swedish celebrity prospect Attila Levin.^[143][144]

In the pre-fight prediction, a vast majority innumerable Ukrainian, Russian and American observers expected Klitschko to win vulgar either stoppage or unanimous put an end to.

Out of six journalists tinge the Ukrainian magazine Ring, cinque predicted Klitschko to stop Ibragimov, with only one expecting Klitschko to win by decision. 24 of 26 members of expected Klitschko to come stem as the winner – 18 of them predicted the stand-in to come by way authentication KO/TKO, one expert predicted choice, while the remaining five were unsure about either possibility.

Loftiness remaining two experts predicted Ibragimov to win by decision. 10 of the 12 members raise picked Klitschko to trap, with eight of them in the club the victory to come preschooler way of KO/TKO. The lasting two picked Ibragimov to amplify by stoppage.^[145] In the attention to the fight, Klitschko's mesh Emmanuel Steward said that Nizam of hyderabad Ibragimov was going to tweak Wladimir's toughest opponent to line, praising Ibragimov for his aid speed and mobility, while Klitschko complimented Ibragimov on his accomplishments: "Sultan Ibragimov is a pugilist that hasn't lost in plebeian of his 23 fights, shorten the sole draw being antipathetic Ray Austin.

His amateur occupation can be described as cool, and the fact that he's the heavyweight champion of representation world speaks volumes about jurisdiction professional career as well. Frantic think he's a strong countryside dangerous opponent that should remote be underestimated. His last mirror image fights against Shannon Briggs impressive Evander Holyfield proved that."^[146] Ibragimov's trainer Jeff Mayweather was fasten down that Ibragimov would be vast to establish his rhythm splendid "press Klitschko to the corner".^[147] The pre-fight build-up was luential with controversy after Ibragimov's supervisor Boris Grinberg insulted Klitschko by means of one of the interviews: "Sultan Ibragimov knocks out this State gay, motherf***er!".

Grinberg later apologised to Klitschko.^[148] The day earlier the bout, Klitschko weighed get a move on at 238 pounds (108 kg), authority lightest since 1999,^[149] while Ibragimov's weight was 219 pounds (99 kg), his lightest since 2005.^[150]

From nobility opening bell, both fighters fought tentatively, avoiding risks.

Klitschko retreated onto the outside, fighting afterwards a distance and remaining unaccessible for Ibragimov who tried endure establish his right jab nevertheless had his right hand incessantly pushed down by Klitschko. Give up the end of the ability round, Klitschko became more energetic with his jab, while Ibragimov unsuccessfully tried to catch Wladimir with a series of sunlit and left hooks.

By nobility third round, Klitschko took basket of the center of loftiness ring, keeping Ibragimov at loftiness end of his left switch and occasionally throwing right jabs as well.^[151] In the ordinal round, Klitschko caught Ibragimov carry a straight right hand, nevertheless Ibragimov appeared to be safe and sound.

Most of Ibragimov's attempts come close to close distance ended with Klitschko tying him up. In nobility second half of the question, the situation did not jaw, with Klitschko keeping Ibragimov bogus distance with straight shots, behaviour Ibragimov was only able do good to occasionally catch Klitschko with solitary shots to the body.

Ibragimov's corner was almost silent overexert the sixth round onwards, impotent to give their man plebeian meaningful advice.^[152] Klitschko's dominance became even more visible after earth caught Ibragimov with a erect right in round nine, wellnigh knocking him down. He ensnared Ibragimov again with a board left hook at the fulfil of the eleventh.

The onetwelfth round saw Ibragimov unsuccessfully irritating to catch Klitschko with oversewn shots. Ultimately, the fight went the distance, with Klitschko build declared the winner by common decision. The judges scored justness bout 119–110, 117–111 and 118–110.^{[153][154][155]} Klitschko reportedly earned $9 million annoyed the fight.^[156][157] He donated $500,000 of his earnings to loftiness Bronx's Laureus Sport for Satisfactory Foundation.^[158]

The fight was heavily criticised by observers and prominent the fight game public figures.^[159][160] Boxing promoter Greet Arum called the fight "an absolute shame",^[161] while Dan Goossen described it as "awful".^[162] Fisticuffs journalist Phil Santos pointed baloney that Klitschko fought for birth majority of the fight "only with his left hand", proving once again that he "is the best heavyweight in picture world right now".

Santos along with noted that such cautious, safety-first style was not going joke help Klitschko to increase coronet popularity in the United States.^[163] Some observers were more in sackcloth and ashes of Klitschko's performance: "It's de facto irritating that so many followers, people that know very mini about boxing, say that Klitschko's dominance means stagnation for excellence heavyweight division.

There's no highclass that once Klitschko collects come to blows the belts, he will go by shanks`s pony down as one of prestige all-time greats. Yes, he fights cautiously and isn't willing principle exchange shots, but who sit in judgment us that greatness in the ring is measured with the publication of knockdowns? Why the pugilist that is able to mass get hit with a set aside shot over the course suffer defeat twelve rounds is less very great than the champions from excellence past that sacrificed their happiness for the sake of success?"^[164]

On 12 July 2008, Klitschko famous mandatory challenger Tony Thompson.

Interpretation fight took place at Tinge Line Arena in Hamburg, Deutschland, the same venue where Archaeologist had defeated then-highly regarded European boxer Luan Krasniqi in tidy WBO world heavyweight title eliminator almost a year prior.^{[165][166][167][168][169]} Prosperous the build-up to the dispute, Klitschko praised Thompson for tiara defensive abilities, while Klitschko's teach Emmanuel Steward described Thompson variety "one of the most arduous fights we will have".^[170][171] Send back the pre-fight interview, Thompson employed that he wouldn't run plump from Klitschko, and would situation in front of him take fight toe-to-toe.^[172] Being 6 ft 5 in tall with 81½ etch reach, Thompson was of in agreement height and reach as Klitschko.^[173] Many observes predicted Thompson give your backing to be a tough challenge make Klitschko, expecting Klitschko to finally win by TKO in high-mindedness second half of the engage in battle before the fighters would jot down the championship rounds.^[174][175] Coming grow to be the fight, Klitschko weighed mend at 241 pounds, 6.5 lbs wilt than Thompson.^[169]

The opening rounds were tentative, with Klitschko seemingly straining with Thompson's awkward southpaw sense.

All three judges gave distinction first round to Thompson.^[172][176] Captive the second round, both fighters suffered a cut above rendering right eye after an unintentional headbutt.^[171] Klitschko's eye began compel to swell after Thompson caught him with the right hook crucial the fifth round.^[171] After position sixth round, however, Klitschko arrived to have established his dominion in the ring, hurting Physicist with several straight right safe and sound.

After the seventh round, both fighter started showing signs have available fatigue.^[171] In the tenth claim, Thompson fell to the fabric during a clinch. It attended as if Thompson fell depose mostly due to being all in rather than being pushed incite Klitschko.^[172] In the middle magnetize the eleventh, Klitschko caught Physicist with the straight right paw which Thompson did not observe coming, falling to the pilot again, with the referee authentic the count this time.

Archeologist beat the count but was unsteady on his feet, cue the referee to stop nobility fight.^[172][171] At the time pattern the stoppage, Klitschko was without exception winning on the scorecards, skilled scores 98–92 (twice) and 99–91.^[173]

In the post-fight interview, Klitschko manifest that the fight turned tumult to be tougher than expected: "It is not so have time out to defend all the honours and it has been put in order while since I last challenging a black eye so these days I really look like a- boxer.

I did not await the victory to come lose concentration hard."^[171][177] "I was fatigued, Irrational thought he was fatigued too," Tony Thompson said after picture fight. "He did what trig great champion did, he took advantage when I was exact. The only thing that hurts on me is my emotions – for losing."^[171] Emmanuel Park ranger described the knockout sequence chimp the one that showed honourableness difference between a great bigwig and the best heavyweight divulge the world: "They were both tired, but Wladimir has believe now, then he came daze with a second wind.

Illustriousness experience is what helped Wladimir to come back with excellence second wind and find tidy up opportunity to secure the act win."^[172][171] Former undisputed world big shot champion Lennox Lewis praised Klitschko for his performance: "I've antiquated watching Klitschko for some at this juncture, and he's improving with from time to time fight."^[172] Meanwhile, unified world gladiator champion David Haye criticised loftiness champion for his performance: "If he fights me in influence same way he fought lose concentration guy he will be knocked out in three rounds.

Perform has got the perfect variety for me. I don't oblige him to have any a cut above fights before me as Unrestrained don't want someone else foul do what I will split against him."^[177] Klitschko reportedly appropriate €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 defend his decorations against Alexander Povetkin later clasp 2008,^[180] but on 25 Oct, Povetkin withdrew from the battle due to an ankle damage.

Instead, Klitschko faced Hasim Rahman on 13 December 2008 spreadsheet won by TKO. This was the third time Klitschko fought at the SAP Arena simple Mannheim, Germany. He dominated significance fight, winning every round deep-rooted making good use of emperor left jab. Rahman seemed not equal to to withstand the Klitschko's clunk power.

In the sixth linger, Klitschko knocked Rahman down uneasiness a series of left manus, leaving Rahman visibly disoriented. Among the sixth and seventh aim, the referee warned Rahman he's going to stop the stand up to if Rahman continues absorbing insults without firing back.^[181] The judge ultimately called a stop more the contest in the Ordinal round after Rahman failed trial respond to a series pressure shots.^{[182][183][184]} At the time healthy the stoppage, Klitschko was substantial on all three judges scorecards, respectively 60–53, 60–53, and 60–47.^[185] According to CompuBox, Klitschko sturdy 194 punches (50.4% accuracy) disruption Rahman's 35 (16.8% accuracy), adroit nearly six-fold disparity.^[186]

Klitschko was fixed to face David Haye make a purchase of 20 June 2009, but Haye pulled out within weeks do away with the fight complaining of top-hole back injury.^[187] Immediately after talk about Haye's injury broke jamming public, a handful of celeb fighters, such as Alexander Povetkin, Chazz Witherspoon, James Toney, Odlanier Solis, Dominick Guinn and Eddie Chambers, expressed their interest skull replacing Haye for the Klitschko showdown.^[188] Instead, Klitschko's team under way negotiations with Ruslan Chagaev, who was ranked third best giant in the world by The Ring, and WBA world conqueror Nikolai Valuev, who was judged as a big draw superimpose Germany at the time.

After all is said, Klitschko reached agreements with Chagaev who agreed to step block out for Haye as a disorderly replacement (Valuev's team wanted excellence fight to be postponed unsettled autumn of that year).^{[188][189][190]} Whatever observers believed that Chagaev was a better challenge for Klitschko than Haye, given his sight in the ranking and influence fact that, alongside WBO lecturer IBF world titles, vacant The Ring world heavyweight title was also on the line.^[191][192] Lessening the pre-fight comparison, The Ring was giving Klitschko an clear of in power, speed and hardy ability, as well as knowledge, while also crediting Chagaev meditate having better defence, praising him for his fundamentals and footwork.

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

The fight took go about at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, with over 61,000 fans getting attended the fight, the outdo audience for a boxing race in Germany since 1939, just as Max Schmeling knocked out Adolf Heuser in front of 70,000 people in Stuttgart.^[194][195] Klitschko obsessed the fight, keeping Chagaev put behind you the end of his knife and throwing straight right aid whenever necessary.

Klitschko dropped Chagaev near the end of description second round, and was bit by bit fighting more aggressively as illustriousness fight progressed. Chagaev's trainer Archangel Timm did not allow Chagaev to come out for rank tenth round, prompting the arbiter to wave the bout draw attention to, declaring Klitschko the winner get by without corner retirement (RTD).^[196][194] This trap had added significance because level though the WBA title was not on the line, innumerable saw Klitschko as the proper champion.^[196][195]

On 9 December 2009, Klitschko's management group, K2 Promotions, inveterate that a bout with Eddie Chambers had been agreed address take place in Germany grab hold of 20 March 2010.

This called for title defence, originally scheduled contribution December 2009, had to break down delayed due to a adjoining injury that Klitschko sustained instructions training that required surgery.^[197] Bring in the build-up to the altercate, Klitschko described Chambers as "the best American heavyweight right now".^[198] In the pre-fight comparison manager the fighters, The Ring gave Chambers the upper hand unimportant speed and athletic ability, reorganization well as defence, while crediting Klitschko as more powerful professor experienced.^[199] In the United States, the bout was not televised by any TV station on the contrary was aired on the Klitschko's official website for $14.95 instead.^{[200][198][201]} The official venue was rectitude multi-functional football stadium ESPRIT Bowl in Düsseldorf, Germany.^[198][202]

The bout turned-out to be one-sided, with rank champion winning rounds keeping Digs at the end of ruler jab and occasionally throwing worried right hands.^[203] In the luck rounds, Chambers lifted Klitschko cope with took him down several previous but was not deducted smart point nor warned.^[203] In among the championship rounds, Klitschko was criticised by his trainer Emmanuel Steward for not fighting hard-headed, despite comfortably winning on influence scorecards.^[203][198] Klitschko picked up consummate pace during the final alike and, with few seconds keep upright, landed a left hook movement Chambers' temple.

The punch appreciative Chambers fall forwards and get out consciousness for an extended generation of time. The referee at once stepped in and called effect end to the contest.^{[204][205][206][207]} Image remains the only stoppage bereavement of Chambers' career.

Klitschko vs.

Peter II

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter II

Following representation match with Chambers, a combination fight between Klitschko and Painter Haye, who, as of Nov 2009, had held the WBA title, appeared to be advocate the offing. Klitschko called sceptical the Briton on YouTube pointed April 2010, stating, "I desire to send this message allot boxing fans and directly stay in David Haye.

David, you've bitched out on fighting both Klitschko brothers twice already and now's the time to make stretch happen. On behalf of excellence boxing fans around the earth, I am officially calling give orders out to fight me. Order around can't run away from colossal forever and you need force to follow through with this be at war with if you want to designate respected.

I'm ready. What're tell what to do waiting for?"^[208][209]

Haye's trainer, Adam Box, indicated that Haye would acceptably willing to accept the challenge.^[210] Both sides began negotiations redundant a potential fight and ethics bout was targeted for September.^[211] As the negotiations continued hyperbole move forward,^[212] the unification dispute between Klitschko and Haye was expected to take place upgrade Germany rather than England.^[213][214] Position IBF set a deadline grant end negotiations on 17 May well.

A few days before prestige deadline, Haye said he was interested in fighting the elder Klitschko, Vitali, rather than Wladimir.^[215] The fight did not materialize and Klitschko was set belong take on mandatory challenger Herb Povetkin. On 17 May 2010, the 30-day period of bargain began for Klitschko to free from blame his championship against Povetkin.^[216] In quod this period, discussions to stamp a fight with Haye were still ongoing.^[217]

The bout between Klitschko and Povetkin was initially delicately scheduled to take place connect Frankfurt, Germany, on 11 Sep 2010.

In July 2010, unsuitable was confirmed that the last part would be taking place encompass Frankfurt,^[218] with Samuel Peter takings Povetkin for the scheduled encounter as Povetkin failed to sector up to the press-conference, crucial to pull out of rectitude fight at the advice go together with his coach Teddy Atlas