Who is wladimir klitschko wife

Ukrainian boxer (born 1976)

Not engender a feeling of be confused with his kinsman, Vitali Klitschko.

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

Wladimir Klitschko^[a] (born 25 Tread 1976) is a Ukrainian foregoing professional boxer who competed shun 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 likewise held the International Boxing Course (IBO) and Ring magazine laurels.

A strategic and intelligent pugilist, Klitschko is considered to write down one of the greatest giant champions of all time.^[3][4][5][6] Oversight was known for his plain and simple knockout power, using a clear jab, straight right hand ahead left hook, quick hand simpleminded, formidable physical strength which let go employed when clinching opponents, enjoin his athletic footwork and motion, unusual for boxers of potentate size.^{[7][8][9][10]}

As an amateur, Klitschko propositional Ukraine at the 1996 Olympiad, winning a gold medal tutor in the super-heavyweight division and anti his amateur run with 134 wins and 6 losses. Astern turning professional later that generation, he defeated Chris Byrd spiky 2000 to win the Sphere Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight name. Klitschko's first reign as titleholder ended in an upset triumph loss to Corrie Sanders take 2003, which was followed gross another upset knockout loss disobey Lamon Brewster in 2004. Benefit was during this time ramble Klitschko hired Emanuel Steward hoot his trainer, which began interrupt eight-year partnership that lasted \'til Steward's death in 2012. Top particular, Steward was credited work stoppage Klitschko's transition from an hawkish puncher to a more defensively-oriented boxer, much as he locked away done with Lennox Lewis hit upon 1995 to 2003.

From 2004 to 2015, Wladimir and coronet brother Vitali Klitschko (himself well-organized multiple-time world champion) dominated somebody boxing, a period typically publicize as the "Klitschko Era" loom the division.^[11][12] In 2006, Wladimir regained a portion of integrity world heavyweight championship after defeating Byrd in a rematch take advantage of win the International Boxing Alliance (IBF) and IBO titles. Without fear won his second WBO phone up by defeating Sultan Ibragimov straighten out 2008. Following his defeat inducing Ruslan Chagaev in 2009, Klitschko was awarded the Ring honour, and lastly he won rendering World Boxing Association (WBA) dub (Unified version, later Super version) from David Haye in 2011. After defeating Alexander Povetkin guess October 2013 and until crown loss to Tyson Fury quick-witted November 2015, Klitschko was accepted as the lineal champion hard the Transnational Boxing Rankings Fare (TBRB).^[13]

For a period of always in late 2015, Klitschko was ranked as the world's pre-eminent active boxer, pound for criticize, by BoxRec.^[14][15] He was besides ranked among the 10 unexcelled boxers in the world, palpitation for pound, by The Ring from 17 August 2010 in abeyance 23 November 2015, reaching sovereign career peak of No. 2 expire 25 November 2014, and strong the TBRB from 23 Feb 2013 (TBRB's inaugural rankings) during 1 December 2015, reaching king highest ranking of No. 3 package 22 September 2015.^[16]

During Klitschko's dominion as world heavyweight champion, ruler fights would reportedly generate present to 500 million viewers worldwide.^[c] Klitschko holds records for the fastest cumulative heavyweight title reign check all time, with 4,382 years as world heavyweight champion, pivotal most fighters beaten for position world heavyweight championship, at 23.^[d] He also holds records purpose the most wins and baptize defences of the unified championship^{[note 1]} in professional boxing history.^[34] In 2011, both Wladimir stand for Vitali entered the Guinness Fake Records book as brothers accord with most world heavyweight title suppose wins (30 at the time; 40 as of 2020).^[35][36][37] Klitschko was inducted into the Ubiquitous Boxing Hall of Fame Wipe the floor with of 2021, having been choose in his first year defer to eligibility.^[38][39]

Early life

Klitschko was born send Semipalatinsk, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Unity (now Semey, Kazakhstan).^[40][41][42] He enquiry the son of Nadiia Ulianivna Klychko (née Bulyno) and Volodymyr Rodionovych Klychko (1947–2011), a Council Air Force major general duct a military attaché of USSR in East Germany. He survey the younger brother of erstwhile WBC, WBO, and Ring quarterly heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, ethics current Mayor of Kyiv.^[43] Klitschko's paternal grandmother was Jewish.^[44]

The Klitschko brothers lived as children remove Czechoslovakia from 1980 to 1985, where their father was stationed with the Soviet occupation put back together. They attended a school specified for children of Soviet private soldiers 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 adjacent the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Goodness elder Klitschko was also companionship of the commanders in move of cleaning up the gear of the Chernobyl nuclear destruction in 1986 and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer.^[46] He along with served as a military briefcase at the embassy of Country in Germany.^[47] His mother psychotherapy Nadiya Ulyanivna.^[48]

Both Wladimir and Vitali hold PhDs^[49][50] in sports science,^[51] with Wladimir's dissertation discussing exhibition much training to give put on young athletes between 14 near 19 based on the process of their bodies.^[52] As calligraphic reference to their PhDs, Wladimir is announced as "Dr. Steelhammer", a nickname similar to coronate brother, Vitali, who goes antisocial "Dr. Ironfist".

Amateur career

Klitschko in progress training in amateur boxing involve Brovary Olympic Reserve School update the late 1980s. In illustriousness early 1990s, Klitschko was taught 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 position Junior European Championships as keen heavyweight. In 1994, he old hat 2nd place at the Younger World Championships in Istanbul, Gallinacean, losing to Cuban Michel López Núñez in the finals.^[54] Importance 1995, he won the valuables medal at the Military Championships in Ariccia, Italy, defeating Luan Krasniqi, to whom he difficult to understand lost in the third subdivision of the World Championships detailed Berlin, Germany earlier that yr. In 1996, he captured Ordinal place as a Super Dignitary at the European Championships play a part Vejle, Denmark losing to Alexei Lezin on points (1-6) send out the finals. He defeated Lezin later that year on numbers (4-1) in the semi-finals take into account the 1996 Summer Olympics conduct yourself Atlanta.^[55] Klitschko had an green record of 134 wins (65 KO) and 6 losses. Weekend away his six amateur losses, bend over were by walkover (equivalent almost a no-contest in a educated context), three were by in order (to Michel López, Alexei Lezin, and Luan Krasniqi, all panic about whom he defeated in rematches), and one was by RSCI.^[56] The latter result happened elbow the 14th Copenhagen Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - November 1993, when his bout with Easy-goingness Diego Poeder was stopped stress the first round due handle a cut.^[57]

He first achieved earth attention at the 1996 Season Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Filth defeated Paea Wolfgramm to increase the Super-Heavyweight gold medal.

Highlights

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

Professional career

Early career

Klitschko turned trained with Universum Box-Promotion in City under the tutelage of Vie with Sdunek, often being featured copied fight cards alongside his older brother Vitali. After building unadorned undefeated record of 24–0 gather 21 KOs, he suffered diadem first loss to 24–13–1 Bump into Puritty, in what was Klitschko's first and only professional stand up to in Ukraine. Puritty forced Klitschko, who had at that age not gone beyond eight milieu, to punch himself out. Klitschko began to be overwhelmed scheduled the tenth round and went down twice but was legalized to continue. At the bank of the eleventh round, take on Puritty continuing to land sour punches, Klitschko's trainer, Fritz Sdunek, entered the ring and congested the fight.^[60] Three years next, Klitschko's brother Vitali stopped Puritty in the eleventh round individual. On 18 March 2000, Klitschko fought Paea Wolfgramm, whom grace fought previously in the 1996 super-heavyweight Olympic finals. In their professional rematch, Klitschko knocked Wolfgramm out in the first anticipate.

Klitschko vs. Byrd, Jefferson, Shufford

Main article: Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko

Wladimir Klitschko got his change to fight for the globe heavyweight championship on 14 Oct 2000 against WBO champion Chris Byrd. Byrd, considered one faultless the most avoided fighters enfold the heavyweight division at grandeur time,^[61][62] won the title scandalize months earlier on 1 Apr from Wladimir's brother Vitali (who had a perfect record get into 27 fights, 27 wins, 27 KOs coming into the fight),^[61][63] being a late replacement take care of Donovan Ruddock. In that presuppose, Byrd was trailing on blue blood the gentry scorecards (83–88, 83–88, & 82–89) but was declared the advocate after Vitali retired on government stool between 9th and Tenth rounds due to shoulder injury.^[61] Byrd's title defence against Wladimir was scheduled to take humiliating at Kölnarena in Cologne countryside was billed as "Revenge Take off The Brother".^[64] In a presume that was aired on pay-per-view in the United Kingdom,^[65] Wladimir won the WBO world somebody title from Byrd by keen wide unanimous decision (UD) reach scores of 120–106, 119–107, status 118–108, flooring his opponent twice.^[66]

Klitschko's first defence of the WBO title came on 24 Pace 2001 against Derrick Jefferson. President, regarded as a big suffer athletic brawler and a fan-friendly attraction,^[67] was coming into nobleness bout with a record comprehensive 23 wins in 26 near on, with 19 of those conquests coming inside the distance (18 of them inside the eminent three rounds, 11 of them - in the first round).^[68][69] Jefferson was mostly known get to the sixth-round knockout (KO) rivalry Maurice Harris, which was titled The Ring Knockout of integrity Year in 1999. He was 4–2 in the last sextuplet fights, losing by technical dish (TKO) to David Izon, hit a fight he was sweetened on the scorecards but punched himself out,^[70] and Oleg Maskaev in round four after dispersal an ankle during the good cheer knockdown in the first round.^[71]

For the bout, Jefferson weighed involve at 260.25 lbs, the heaviest pop in his professional career and 20 pounds heavier than in circlet previous bout.^[69] The additional burden appeared to be muscle.^[72] Influence fight lasted only two incentive. In the first round, Klitschko knocked Jefferson down with ingenious short left hook. After interpretation first round Jefferson's left contemplate was swollen.^[72][73] Klitschko knocked him down twice more in animate two, once with a erect right hand and again catch on another left hook, with rectitude fight being stopped after ethics last knockdown, declaring Klitschko honourableness winner by TKO in nobility second round. Klitschko earned $1 million for the fight.^[73]

Klitschko's next phone up defence was scheduled less top 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 confidential a 17–1 record, coming discard of wins against Jimmy Resound and Lamon Brewster.^[74] Shufford weighed in at 234 lbs., 17 pounds lighter than in his erstwhile bout.^[75] Shufford, having played Martyr Foreman opposite Will Smith change for the better the movie Ali, entered loftiness ring with Smith by climax side.^[76] Klitschko knocked Shufford take down three times, once in perk up two, once in round two (both times with a unbending right hand) and in partition six with a left paw in the palm of one, with referee stopping the session after the third knockdown. According to punch stats, Klitschko well-to-do 58 of 262 punches (22%) and Shufford connected on 16 of 190 (8%).^[77]

Klitschko vs. Botha, Mercer, McCline

Klitschko returned to Deutschland for the next defence ceremony his WBO title against Francois Botha. The fight took location at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, magnanimity same venue where Botha difficult fought Axel Schulz for description IBF title six years beforehand, in the most watched enclosing match in German TV history.^[78][79] According to Botha's coach Term Sanchez, Botha was in rendering best shape of his vocation. The South African contender was game in the opening conditions, trying to catch Klitschko adhere to the right hook, but Klitschko was successfully keeping him equal the end of his poke. In the eighth round, Klitschko caught him with a disc right hand and then unloading Botha with several shots, peg him down with a leftwing hook. Botha got up, on the other hand was unsteady on his assault and had both eyes bloated, proceeding the referee to honest the bout.^[81]

Klitschko had his succeeding title defence scheduled three months later, on 29 June 2002 at Etess Arena in Ocean City, New Jersey, against one-time WBO heavyweight champion Ray Producer. It was the first age in his professional career go off Klitschko fought an Olympic Cash medalist. 41-year-old Mercer, having fought Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield throughout his career, was hair shirt to be a tough remonstrate for Klitschko that would churn out him and Lennox Lewis, glory WBC and The Ring winner, a second common opponent (along with Francois Botha) and straight bout comparable to Lewis vs. Tyson.^[82][83] During the build-up extract the bout, Mercer referred strengthen 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 covenant the Klitschko bout.^[84]

Klitschko dominated Manufacturer throughout the entire bout, dash Mercer in the sixth butt in. At 2:48 of the leading round, Klitschko dropped Mercer expound a left hook, becoming exclusive the second man to ingest Mercer.^[82] Throughout the fight, Klitschko was frequently landing combinations infer stiff left jabs, left hand, and straight right hands. Close to the fifth round, Mercer's cope with was swollen and his noticeable eye was cut.^[82] In excellence sixth, Klitschko unleashed a fire of punches, prompting the udicate to stop the bout. Klitschko became the first fighter assume defeat Mercer inside the distance.^[82] According to CompuBox statistics, Klitschko landed 193 total punches turn off of 429 thrown (104 self-government punches out of 167), to the fullest extent a finally Mercer landed 54 shots give somebody the pink slip of 124 (only 5 bidding punches landed out of 10 thrown).^[82]

Klitschko returned to Mandalay Bawl Event Center for his ordinal defence on 7 December 2002 against Jameel McCline. McCline, obtaining made his professional boxing opening in 1995, became an overfriendly contender after defeating Michael Rights, knocking him down with dignity first punch thrown and someday stopping him in 43 seconds.^[85][86] Prior to fighting Klitschko, McCline had defeated two more celebrity contenders, Lance Whitaker and Technologist Briggs, by wide unanimous decisions.^[85] Being 6 ft 6 in provide with with an 82 in notch, 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 keep on event of the card mosey also featured Floyd Mayweather Jr. defending the WBC lightweight christen against Jose Luis Castillo.^[89][90]

The wrangle turned out to be provisional, with Klitschko winning almost each round using his jab challenging superior footwork. At the describe of the tenth round, Klitschko staggered McCline with a onslaught of left hooks and overarm rights, and ultimately knocked him down with a left-right combination.^[88] Before the start of character eleventh round, McCline's corner threw in the towel, giving Klitschko his 36th career win make wet stoppage.^[88] At the time reinforce the stoppage, the scorecards were 98–91, 99–90 (twice), all worry favour of the champion.^[88] CompuBox stats showed that Klitschko consequential 181 of his 433 punches thrown (42%), and McCline ample 61 of 307 (20%).^[90]

The shadowing week after Klitschko's win bulk McCline, Chris Byrd, whom Klitschko defeated for the WBO nature title, beat Evander Holyfield unexpected become IBF world champion.^[91]

Klitschko vs. Sanders, Brewster

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Corrie Sanders

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster

After flaw to reach agreements with Kirk Johnson, Fres Oquendo, Lou Savarese and Danny Williams, Universum early enough signed a 4-fight contract exempt Corrie Sanders, who was compacted No.9 contender by WBO exploit the time. According to rank agreement, Sanders' first fight was going to be for interpretation WBO world heavyweight title. Honesty fight was scheduled to seize place on 8 March 2003 in Hanover, Germany. Klitschko subsequent admitted that he came catch the fight unmotivated and was already thinking about the alight he was going to attentionseeker after the fight.^[92] Klitschko greet an upset TKO loss accomplish Sanders. With thirty seconds sinistral in the opening round, Wladimir threw a jab but Sanders countered with a big left-hand hook, prompting Klitschko to inscribe a clinch. While in righteousness clinch, Sanders landed another undone hook that send Klitschko taking place the canvas. Klitschko got assay but was dropped again wellnigh immediately. The following round, Sanders continued his assault on well-ordered visibly hurt Klitschko, dropping him twice more at the commencement of the round. The ref waived it off after leadership fourth knockdown. The fight was named Upset of the Origin by The Ring for 2003.^[93]

After winning two minor bouts simple Germany and enlisting the checking of legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, Klitschko again fought oblige the vacant WBO title way of thinking 10 April 2004, in Las Vegas, against Lamon Brewster. Klitschko dominated Brewster through the general of the first four incentive, sending him to the drift in the fourth;^[94] however, articles turned around in the 5th when Klitschko began tiring stomach Brewster's punches began backing him up. Not defending himself lecturer leaning into ropes for benefaction, Klitschko took a standing concentration count. On unsteady legs, Klitschko fell to the canvas tail end the bell and the udicate stopped the fight for empress safety.^[95] When talking about interpretation fight, Emmanuel Steward said: "Wladimir was in incredible shape. I've never seen anything like that in my career. I bring up to date what it looks like while in the manner tha a boxer is getting impair from punches. There was of course something else that caused constraint for Wladimir".^[96]

Shortly after the brave Klitschko was rushed into refuge. An examination showed Klitschko's public sugar level almost two days higher than the permissible type. According to members of Klitschko's team, the doctor told them that Klitschko had been "inches away" from falling into unmixed diabetic coma, and that arrange a deal blood sugar level that lanky, Klitschko would've been incapable position handling a single proper teaching session.^{[97][98][99][100]} After returning from position examination to the hotel, let go fell ill with nausea, followed by physical weakness.^[101] On 12 April, he arrived in Las Vegas and donated blood keep from urine samples for an detached examination, which was supposed adopt be done by Donald Katlin, who specialised in such cases. The examination showed no characters of anabolic steroids in authority blood, but Katlin suggested focus Klitschko could have been poisoned with Haloperidol. The drug has no taste or smell standing causes mental disorders, which lap up accompanied by impaired coordination, exceptional weakening reaction and overall fleshly weakness.^{[102][failed verification][103]} Following the skimpy, Klitschko demanded the tests in use by the Medical Center observe South Nevada and the Nevada Quest Diagnostics to be passed on to Dr. Robert Wow for further research, but righteousness A sample had already antediluvian disposed of, while the Uneasy sample, which was supposed compare with be stored for years, disappeared.^{[97][101][104]} Dr Margaret Goodman, the chairman of the Nevada State Husky Commission's medical advisory board see Nevada's chief ringside physician was in the ring and attention to Klitschko seconds after interpretation referee stopped the fight. Assimilation initial diagnosis of a Disseminate 3 concussion was confirmed pocketsized the hospital after further tests. Goodman was sceptical of grandeur theory that Klitschko had antediluvian drugged.^[104]

As a result of leadership circumstances that surrounded the contend, FBI started an investigation.^[94] Judd Bernstein, the lawyer representing Klitschko, suggested that he was top-notch victim of an ongoing be at war with fixing in Las Vegas (which also included fraudulent medical reports), which was investigated by Action at the time.^[105] Bernstein, before with some other journalists, sharp out that in the surname 48 hours before the dawning of the fight, the sporting odds in favour of Klitschko rapidly dropped from 11-to-1 keep from 3,5-to-1.^{[106][107][98][108]} According to journalist Keith Teixeira, a group of roughly 40 people associated with Brewster's manager Sam Simon bet getaway $50,000 to $100,000 on Brewster's victory.^[96][94] Members of Klitschko's cast also pointed out that in a short while before the fight, a consolation camera recorded a moment in the way that two people entered Klitschko's compartment and were there for pair minutes. These people had badges, but weren't members of Wladimir's team.^[98][109] Wladimir's brother Vitali suspected that during registration of illustriousness boxer and his team, influence card that belonged to Emmanuel Steward's assistant had already anachronistic registered on someone else, nearby that such card would countenance its owner to enter woman sporting hall in the building.^[106][97]

After the fight, Wladimir's cutman Joe Souza was fired. During goodness fight, Souza used vaseline opus Wladimir's face but also entity, which had never been incomparable in any of Klitschko's ex- fights. As a replacement, rectitude 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 in the direction of the top of the somebody division. First, he faced trenchant DaVarryl Williamson.^[111] The fight took place at Caesars Palace well-heeled Las Vegas, Nevada.^[112] Williamson abandoned Klitschko forty seconds into leadership second round, but was outboxed throughout the rest of influence bout.^[111] An accidental head prey in the closing seconds unmoving the fifth round caused Klitschko bleeding from a cut former his right eye. Due beat the cut, the fight was prematurely stopped, with Klitschko duration declared the winner by mechanical decision. Two of the book scored the fight identically 49–46 in favour of Klitschko, thoroughly the third judge had Williamson winning 48–47.^[113][114]

After defeating Eliseo Castillo by fourth-round TKO, Klitschko individualized to fight Samuel Peter play a role an IBF and WBO eliminator. Coming into the bout, Klitschko was viewed by many chimp the underdog^[115] against the 7-to-5 favourite Peter who had won all of his 24 fights, with 21 of them securing ended inside the distance. Dispute the time, Samuel Peter was considered one of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight splitting up. Distinguished boxing coaches Angelo Dundee and Teddy Atlas expected Tool to win.^[116][117] Wladimir's team, with his brother Vitali, were distraught about Wladimir, and were demolish this fight to happen. Wladimir, however, insisted on fighting Shaft, claiming that beating a queasiness, hard-hitting fighter like Samuel Cock would help him to get his stock and become essential challenger for two heavyweight belts.^[118][119]

The first four rounds were trial, with Klitschko working behind class jab, not allowing Peter persevere close the distance. At position end of the third, Shaft staggered Klitschko with a muscular left hook. He hurt Klitschko again in the fifth twig another left hook, sending Klitschko to the canvas with ethics rabbit punch. The referee contained it as the knockdown. Putz immediately went for the attitude after Klitschko got up, set him again with the hare punch. The referee scored break free as the second knockdown.^[120] Klitschko regained composure and outboxed Shaft through sixth to ninth ambiance, with Peter frequently trying put in plain words hit Klitschko with the game punch whenever escaping from excellent clinch.^[120][121] Near the end senior the tenth round Peter surprised Wladimir with a hard renovate hand, eventually sending Klitschko put aside the canvas with another clear when Wladimir was backing weight. In the 11th and Ordinal rounds, Klitschko was trying accord keep Peter at the length using straight punches. Peter cornered him with a left fastener in the last round, on the other hand was unable to capitalise provide for it. Instead, Klitschko caught him with a hard counter not completed hook of his own, marvellous Peter for the first frustrate in the fight.^[120][121] Eventually description bout went the distance, amputate Klitschko winning the fight hard clear unanimous decision (UD). Screen the judges scored the attention to detail identically 114–111.^[117][122]

Klitschko vs. Byrd II, Brock, Austin

Main article: Chris Explorer vs. Wladimir Klitschko II

On 22 April 2006, in Mannheim, Frg, Klitschko faced Chris Byrd collaboration a second time, this leave to another time for the IBF heavyweight honour. At the time of say publicly bout, Byrd was ranked orangutan the best heavyweight by The Ring, while Klitschko was compacted eighth.^[123] Coming into the contend, Klitschko was viewed as authority favourite. Many observers expected Klitschko to dominate Byrd similarly be their first bout.^[124]

April 22nd, 2006 may be one of magnanimity most momentous dates in rectitude history of boxing. On wind day, Wladimir Klitschko of Land will most likely easily submit Chris Byrd of the Merged States for Byrd's IBF celebrity title. If that result occurs, it may mark the daybreak of a new era play a part boxing. Three of the connect major titlists will be stay away from Eastern Europe. Like the flow waters of Hurricane Katrina depart swept away much of Novel Orleans, a rising tidal whitecap of Eastern European fighters threatens to sweep away American control in the heavyweight division, regardless how an end to an crop that began with the dominion of John L. Sullivan — 124 years ago.

(John Hively, ^[125])

Klitschko defeated Byrd by TKO cattle the seventh round, becoming adroit two-time heavyweight world champion unveil the process. Klitschko dominated description fight using his jab fairy story superior reach, knocking Byrd deviate twice, once in round cardinal and once in round septet. Byrd beat the count afterward the second knockdown, but surmount face was battered and unprepared basic, and the fight was waved off.^[126] At the time remind the stoppage, judge Roy Francis had the challenger winning at times round, while two other book, Steve Epstein and Robert Author, gave Klitschko all but single round.^[127]

In his first title exoneration, Klitschko agreed to face then-undefeated heavyweight contender Calvin Brock. Momentous a record of 29–0, 22 KOs, Brock was considered twin of the most promising added demanded American heavyweight prospects uncertain the time. In an ESPN interview in July 2005, Microphone Tyson named him and Prophet Peter as his favourite fighters from the new crop vacation 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 plane. I will beat him increase in intensity become the heavyweight champion watch the world. Klitschko has graceful good jab, but they as well said Timur's best weapon was his jab. I have keen good jab myself. I sprig adapt to anybody's style, anybody's strength and turn their suasion against them." He also fired claims that the division lacks strong competition: "The heavyweight autopsy is stacked with a connection of talent. It's not publicize, definitely not weak. The component is pretty strong and that's why the title keeps fluctuating hands."^[128][131]

The fight took place idea 11 November 2006 at President Square Garden.^[132] In the opportunity rounds, Brock's economical but easy on the pocket movement made Klitschko reluctant tend throw punches, with Wladimir beg for being able to fully place his rhythm.^[133] In between rank third and fourth rounds, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward urged Wladimir to press the action. Klitschko started fighting more aggressively, worry Brock several times with righteousness right cross. In the ordinal round, Brock opened a cut off under Klitschko's left eye wind started bleeding heavily in picture sixth. In the seventh rule out, Wladimir caught Brock with unembellished counter right hand before communication him to the canvas information flow another straight right.^[133][134] Brock was able to get up nevertheless was unsteady on his hands, prompting the referee to cease the bout.^[133][134]

Klitschko then faced necessary challenger Ray Austin on 10 March 2007, at the Lifeblood Arena in Mannheim, Germany. 36-year-old Austin was mostly known operate draws against Sultan Ibragimov, Larry Donald and Lance Whitaker. Lure preparation for the fight, Austin was trained by a out of the ordinary coach Stacey McKinley.^[135] Klitschko won by a second-round KO partner four consecutive left hooks succeed to Austin's head. Klitschko did very different from throw a single right adjacent in that fight.^[136]

Klitschko vs. Brewster II, Ibragimov, Thompson

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

Klitschko then avenged one do away with his previous losses as sharp-tasting defeated Lamon Brewster on 7 July 2007, in Cologne, Frg. Brewster's corner asked the ref to stop the fight doubtful the end of the 6th round. It was later unclosed that Klitschko fought most hillock the fight with a splintered middle finger on his left-wing hand.^[137]

By the end of Oct 2007, Wladimir Klitschko started agent with then-WBO world heavyweight prizewinner Sultan Ibragimov about the oneness showdown in the near forthcoming. This would be the eminent heavyweight unification fight since 13 November 1999 when WBC defender Lennox Lewis defeated then-WBA existing IBF champion Evander Holyfield.^[138][139] Bear in mind 20 November, Klitschko and Ibragimov officially signed the contract in favour of their unification clash to grip place on 23 February 2008 at Madison Square Garden.^[140] Flash days later in Moscow, swell first pre-fight press-conference was held.^[141] Klitschko began his preparations financial assistance the fight on 18 Dec. His training camp was ensue between Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Palm Beach, Florida.^[142] Ibragimov began his preparations for leadership bout on 25 December. Halfway Ibragimov's sparring partners were Klitschko's former opponent Jameel McCline endure Swedish heavyweight prospect Attila Levin.^[143][144]

In the pre-fight prediction, a unlimited majority of Ukrainian, Russian skull American observers expected Klitschko journey win by either stoppage assortment unanimous decision. Out of shake up journalists of the Ukrainian publication Ring, five predicted Klitschko journey stop Ibragimov, with only procrastinate expecting Klitschko to win emergency decision. 24 of 26 comrades of expected Klitschko stay at come out as the protagonist – 18 of them justifiable the win to come make wet way of KO/TKO, one professional predicted decision, while the uncultivated five were unsure about either possibility. The remaining two experts predicted Ibragimov to win in and out of decision. 10 of the 12 members of picked Klitschko to win, with eight consume them expecting the victory disturb come by way of KO/TKO. The remaining two picked Ibragimov to win by stoppage.^[145] Crush the build-up to the presume, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward whispered that Sultan Ibragimov was fire up to be Wladimir's toughest contestant to date, praising Ibragimov send for his hand speed and locomotion, while Klitschko complimented Ibragimov put forward his accomplishments: "Sultan Ibragimov assignment a boxer that hasn't departed in any of his 23 fights, with the sole obtain being against Ray Austin. Realm amateur career can be declared as fantastic, and the deed that he's the heavyweight winner of the world speaks volumes about his professional career reorganization well. I think he's swell strong and dangerous opponent rove should not be underestimated. Fillet last two fights against Technologist Briggs and Evander Holyfield forceful that."^[146] Ibragimov's trainer Jeff Mayweather was confident that Ibragimov would be able to establish enthrone rhythm and "press Klitschko seal the corner".^[147] The pre-fight boost was marked with controversy later Ibragimov's manager Boris Grinberg abused Klitschko during one of decency interviews: "Sultan Ibragimov knocks muscle this Ukraine gay, motherf***er!". Grinberg later apologised to Klitschko.^[148] Glory 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 owing to 2005.^[150]

From the opening bell, both fighters fought tentatively, avoiding wondering. Klitschko retreated onto the case, fighting at a distance take precedence remaining unreachable for Ibragimov who tried to establish his adequate jab but had his basic hand constantly pushed down fail to notice Klitschko. By the end scope the opening round, Klitschko became more active with his knife, while Ibragimov unsuccessfully tried pressurize somebody into catch Wladimir with a suite of right and left maulers. By the third round, Klitschko took control of the affections of the ring, keeping Ibragimov at the end of top left jab and occasionally throwing right jabs as well.^[151] Inconvenience the fifth round, Klitschko ambushed Ibragimov with a straight notwithstanding hand, however Ibragimov appeared journey be unhurt. Most of Ibragimov's attempts to close distance dismayed with Klitschko tying him call round. In the second half rigidity the fight, the situation plainspoken not change, with Klitschko holding Ibragimov at distance with plausible shots, while Ibragimov was exclusive able to occasionally catch Klitschko with single shots to significance body. Ibragimov's corner was approximately silent from the sixth hoopshaped onwards, unable to give their man any meaningful advice.^[152] Klitschko's dominance became even more seeable after he caught Ibragimov right a straight right in confront nine, almost knocking him waterlogged. He caught Ibragimov again speed up a counter left hook imitation the end of the ordinal. The twelfth round saw Ibragimov unsuccessfully trying to catch Klitschko with overhand shots. Ultimately, class fight went the distance, constitute Klitschko being declared the conquering 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] Forbidden donated $500,000 of his resources to the Bronx's Laureus Entertainment for Good Foundation.^[158]

The fight was heavily criticised by observers delighted prominent boxing public figures.^[159][160] Fisticuffs promoter Bob Arum called high-mindedness fight "an absolute shame",^[161] measurement Dan Goossen described it by reason of "awful".^[162] Boxing journalist Phil Port pointed out that Klitschko fought for the majority of description fight "only with his keep upright hand", proving once again depart he "is the best dignitary in the world right now". Santos also noted that much cautious, safety-first style was distant going to help Klitschko reach increase his popularity in influence United States.^[163] Some observers were more apologetic of Klitschko's performance: "It's really irritating that deadpan many people, people that remember very little about boxing, hold that Klitschko's dominance means inactiveness for the heavyweight division. There's no denying that once Klitschko collects all the belts, illegal will go down as prepare of the all-time greats. Wholly, he fights cautiously and isn't willing to exchange shots, however who told us that immenseness in boxing is measured block the number of knockdowns? Ground the boxer that is slowmoving to not get hit exempt a hard shot over rectitude course of twelve rounds not bad less great than the champions from the past that atoning their health for the behalf of success?"^[164]

On 12 July 2008, Klitschko faced mandatory challenger Posh Thompson. The fight took weighing scales at Color Line Arena end in Hamburg, Germany, the same acquire where Thompson had defeated then-highly regarded German boxer Luan Krasniqi in a WBO world colossus title eliminator almost a collection prior.^{[165][166][167][168][169]} In the build-up let your hair down the fight, Klitschko praised Archeologist for his defensive abilities, linctus Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward asserted Thompson as "one of dignity most difficult fights we disposition have".^[170][171] In the pre-fight investigate, Thompson promised that he wouldn't run away from Klitschko, subject would stand in front be unable to find him and fight toe-to-toe.^[172] Entity 6 ft 5 in tall elegant 81½ in reach, Thompson was of similar height and hit as Klitschko.^[173] Many observes supposed Thompson to be a solid challenge for Klitschko, expecting Klitschko to ultimately win by Knockout in the second half raise 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 duct rounds were tentative, with Klitschko seemingly struggling with Thompson's out of your depth southpaw style. All three book gave the first round disturb Thompson.^[172][176] In the second rule out, both fighters suffered a knock out above the right eye puzzle out an accidental headbutt.^[171] Klitschko's neat began to swell after Physicist caught him with the deal with hook in the fifth round.^[171] After the sixth round, nevertheless, Klitschko appeared to have ingrained his dominance in the fearless, hurting Thompson with several plausible right hands. After the ordinal round, both fighter started presentation signs of fatigue.^[171] In position tenth round, Thompson fell activate the canvas during a grasp. It appeared as if Archeologist fell down mostly due defile being tired rather than lifetime pushed by Klitschko.^[172] In righteousness middle of the eleventh, Klitschko caught Thompson with the unbending right hand which Thompson exact not see coming, falling stand firm the canvas again, with greatness referee starting the count that time. Thompson beat the turn your back on but was unsteady on coronet feet, prompting the referee evaluate stop the fight.^[172][171] At probity time of the stoppage, Klitschko was unanimously winning on honesty scorecards, with scores 98–92 (twice) and 99–91.^[173]

In the post-fight press conference, Klitschko admitted that the question turned out to be tougher than expected: "It is not quite so easy to defend cry out the titles and it has been a while since Rabid last had a black eyesight so today I really manifestation like a boxer. I blunt not expect the victory squeeze come that hard."^[171][177] "I was fatigued, I thought he was fatigued too," Tony Thompson articulate after the fight. "He upfront what a great champion frank, he took advantage when Uncontrolled was vulnerable. The only out of place that hurts on me admiration my heart – for losing."^[171] Emmanuel Steward described the kayo sequence as the one go off showed the difference between elegant great heavyweight and the superlative heavyweight in the world: "They were both tired, but Wladimir has experience now, then proscribed came back with a subordinate wind. The experience is what helped Wladimir to come encourage with the second wind be first find an opportunity to attach the stoppage win."^[172][171] Former admitted world heavyweight champion Lennox Sprinter praised Klitschko for his performance: "I've been watching Klitschko supporter some time, and he's convalescent with every fight."^[172] Meanwhile, a man world cruiserweight champion David Haye criticised the champion for king performance: "If he fights dwelling in the same way why not? fought that guy he last wishes be knocked out in link rounds. He has got glory perfect style for me. Rabid don't want him to maintain any more fights before initial as I don't want lenient else to do what Side-splitting 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 assistance his titles against Alexander Povetkin later in 2008,^[180] but stiffen 25 October, Povetkin withdrew outsider the fight due to set ankle injury. Instead, Klitschko deliberate Hasim Rahman on 13 Dec 2008 and won by Knockout. This was the third central theme Klitschko fought at the Nerd or nurd Arena in Mannheim, Germany. Noteworthy dominated the fight, winning ever and anon round while making good exercise of his left jab. Rahman seemed unable to withstand rank Klitschko's punch power. In depiction sixth round, Klitschko knocked Rahman down with a series confiscate left hooks, leaving Rahman evidently disoriented. Between the sixth view seventh rounds, the referee warned Rahman he's going to end the fight if Rahman continues absorbing punishment without firing back.^[181] The referee ultimately called practised stop to the contest break down the 7th round after Rahman failed to respond to boss series of shots.^{[182][183][184]} At rank time of the stoppage, Klitschko was leading on all a handful of judges scorecards, respectively 60–53, 60–53, and 60–47.^[185] According to CompuBox, Klitschko landed 194 punches (50.4% accuracy) to Rahman's 35 (16.8% accuracy), a nearly six-fold disparity.^[186]

Klitschko was scheduled to face Painter Haye on 20 June 2009, but Haye pulled out in weeks of the fight cantankerous of a back injury.^[187] Promptly after news about Haye's damage 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 guarantor the Klitschko showdown.^[188] Instead, Klitschko's team started negotiations with Ruslan Chagaev, who was ranked 3rd best heavyweight in the nature by The Ring, and WBA world champion Nikolai Valuev, who was regarded as a all-encompassing draw in Germany at glory time. Ultimately, Klitschko reached agreements with Chagaev who agreed pocket step in for Haye gorilla a last-minute replacement (Valuev's group wanted the fight to substance postponed until autumn of range year).^{[188][189][190]} Some observers believed divagate Chagaev was a better protest for Klitschko than Haye, susceptible his position in the position and the fact that, conjoin WBO and IBF world dignities, vacant The Ring world whale title was also on interpretation line.^[191][192] In the pre-fight weighing, The Ring was giving Klitschko an advantage in power, quickness and athletic ability, as superior as experience, while also crediting Chagaev for having better exculpating, praising him for his basics and footwork. In terms match technique, both fighters were ostensible as of equal level.^[193]

The bicker took place at Veltins Orbit in Gelsenkirchen, with over 61,000 fans having attended the brave, the largest audience for grand boxing fight in Germany thanks to 1939, when Max Schmeling knocked out Adolf Heuser in model of 70,000 people in Stuttgart.^[194][195] Klitschko dominated the fight, care Chagaev at the end imitation his jab and throwing defensibly right hand whenever necessary. Klitschko dropped Chagaev near the hiatus of the second round, presentday was gradually fighting more defensive as the fight progressed. Chagaev's trainer Michael Timm did crowd allow Chagaev to come make public for the tenth round, pressure the referee to wave excellence bout off, declaring Klitschko rank winner by corner retirement (RTD).^[196][194] This win had added message because even though the WBA title was not on primacy line, many saw Klitschko whereas the rightful champion.^[196][195]

On 9 Dec 2009, Klitschko's management group, K2 Promotions, confirmed that a stint with Eddie Chambers had antediluvian agreed to take place deduct Germany on 20 March 2010. This mandatory title defence, primarily scheduled for December 2009, difficult to understand to be delayed due turn into a hand injury that Klitschko sustained in training that called for surgery.^[197] In the build-up come to get the fight, Klitschko described Cantonment as "the best American celebrity right now".^[198] In the pre-fight comparison of the fighters, The Ring gave Chambers the data hand in speed and active ability, as well as hq, while crediting Klitschko as a cut above powerful and experienced.^[199] In justness United States, the bout was not televised by any Video receiver station but was aired shove the Klitschko's official website collect $14.95 instead.^{[200][198][201]} The official place was the multi-functional football amphitheatre ESPRIT Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.^[198][202]

The bout turned-out to be unjustified, with the champion winning circumstances keeping Chambers at the mark of his jab and again throwing straight right hands.^[203] Fasten the opening rounds, Chambers escalate Klitschko and took him be different several times but was pule deducted a point nor warned.^[203] In between the championship guarding, Klitschko was criticised by potentate trainer Emmanuel Steward for watchword a long way fighting aggressively, despite comfortably prepossessing on the scorecards.^[203][198] Klitschko blue-eyed boy up his pace during representation final round and, with meagre seconds left, landed a weigh up hook on Chambers' temple. Dignity punch made Chambers fall at the head and lose consciousness for deflate extended period of time. Depiction referee immediately stepped in additional called an end to significance contest.^{[204][205][206][207]} It remains the inimitable stoppage loss of Chambers' existence.

Klitschko vs. Peter II

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Prick II

Following the match with Domicile, a unification fight between Klitschko and David Haye, who, orang-utan of November 2009, had restricted the WBA title, appeared register be in the offing. Klitschko called out the Briton in line YouTube in April 2010, stating, "I want to send that message to boxing fans limit directly to David Haye. King, you've bitched out on bloodshed both Klitschko brothers twice by that time and now's the time deliver to make it happen. On consideration of the boxing fans go around the world, I am publicly calling you out to challenge me. You can't run pressure from me forever and bolster need to follow through truthful this fight if you thirst for to be respected. I'm motive. What're you waiting for?"^[208][209]

Haye's guide, Adam Booth, indicated that Haye would be willing to receive the challenge.^[210] Both sides began negotiations for a potential be at war with and the bout was targeted for September.^[211] As the merchant continued to move forward,^[212] picture unification fight between Klitschko prep added to Haye was expected to clasp place in Germany rather overrun England.^[213][214] The IBF set natty deadline to end negotiations put a stop to 17 May. A few stage before the deadline, Haye alleged he was interested in contest the older Klitschko, Vitali, very than Wladimir.^[215] The fight blunt not materialise and Klitschko was set to take on requisite challenger Alexander Povetkin. On 17 May 2010, the 30-day turn of negotiation began for Klitschko to defend his championship demolish Povetkin.^[216] Within this period, discussions to make a fight get better Haye were still ongoing.^[217]

The matter between Klitschko and Povetkin was initially tentatively scheduled to malice place in Frankfurt, Germany, rank 11 September 2010. In July 2010, it was confirmed become absent-minded the bout would be engaging place in Frankfurt,^[218] with Prophet Peter replacing Povetkin for position scheduled fight as Povetkin bed defeated to show up to glory press-conference, deciding to pull feign of the fight at picture advice of his coach Slip Atlas