Career-best Klitschko?

As a dangerous, unbeaten challenger made his way to the ring at Hamburg’s O2 Arena, spectators anticipated world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko’s toughest test in years. Bulgarian standout Kubrat Pulev was expected to either extend the Ukrainian giant in a game yet unsuccessful effort, or perhaps even score an upset over the ageing ring icon.

It turned out that neither premonition was close, as Klitschko brutally demolished Pulev in five excitement-filled rounds to notch a 17th successive world title defence. In what was arguably a career-best performance, the 38-year-old behemoth floored his challenger four times – twice in the first, once in the third and once in the fifth – with the final knockdown rendering Pulev sprawled flat on his back on the canvas and the contest instantly waved off.

Despite his dominance of the heavyweight scene in recent years, Klitschko (63-3, 53 KO’s) has often been criticised for less than appealing safety-first style, but from the early exchanges in the opening round it was apparent that this fight was going to evolve very differently. With a strong Bulgarian contingent in attendance, there was a minor eruption when Pulev appeared to stun the champion with a solid shot that forced Klitshcko to grab hold and clinch, but that was dwarfed moments later when a left hook from Wladimir whipped the 16,000 capacity crowd into frenzy.

Detonating on the challenger’s chin, Pulev (20-1, 11 KO’s) was put on his back in the centre of the ring and although he rose quickly to referee Tony Weeks’ count he appeared to be on unsteady legs. Pulev attempted to disguise his lack of stability; balancing on one leg and sticking out his tongue with contempt, an unwise course of action if what materialised next was anything to go by.

Klitschko marched over to resume the action and scored with the left hook again, sending Pulev down for the second time in the round and prompting fears of a first-round blowout. But the challenger somehow managed to survive the remaining minute-and-a-half to the bell, happy to get tied up in clinches and repeatedly dig Klitschko behind the head, prompting a warning from Weeks.

The second round featured less action, with Pulev more reluctant to engage, though he did score a number of times with his highly-effective jab. Klitschko won the round however, landing the more telling blows and even scoring to Pulev’s body, much to the surprise of the boxing media who have seldom seen Klitschko throw body punches during his lengthy world title reign.

At the start of the night that reign was four consecutive successful defences short of the tally set by Larry Holmes, with the Easton Assassin’s 20 second only to the great Joe Louis’s mark of 25. But it was clear Klitschko would reduce Holmes’s lead when he landed a huge right hand that wobbled Pulev in round three, before dropping him for the third time in the fight with another left hook.

Again Pulev survived to the bell and somehow escaped the fourth round without another trip to the canvas. Those who have often slated Klitschko’s lack of a killer instinct must have been shaking their head as the fight could and perhaps should have already been over. But they would not have to wait much longer for the finish. Pulev landed a hard right hand, but during the same exchange was met with another Klitschko left hook and this one would certainly end matters.

Flat on his back with his gaze fixed to the ceiling Pulev could not beat the count and Klitschko let out an emphatic roar after capping off a dominant display with a sublime finish. As well as inching closer to tying Holmes as the division’s second longest reigning champion in terms of consecutive defences, Klitschko has held a heavyweight crown for eight-and-a-half years, second behind Louis’s reign of 11 years, 8 months and 8 days.

The fight was the first of a three-fight contract that Klitschko has signed with HBO, with the next bout expected to take lace across the Atlantic next spring. The opponent could well be the winner of the Dereck Chisora and Tyson Fury rematch, although the likes of Bermane Stiverne, Bryant Jennings and Deontay Wilder would appeal more to an American audience.

Over-the-hill former titleholder Shannon Briggs may even have thrust his name into the mix, with his continued public attack on Wladimir continuing in Hamburg at the post-fight press conference. On this evidence however, no opponent currently on the heavyweight horizon seems to pose a legitimate threat to Wladimir Klitschko, who continues to add to his legacy and looking better with age.

Klitschko vs Povetkin: Can the unbeaten challenger upset the untouchable?

The spotlight of the boxing world descends on Moscow this weekend for the biggest heavyweight bout of the year, as Wladimir Klitschko meets Alexander Povetkin in a ‘unification’ clash with the most lucrative purse in the division’s history. The long-awaited $25 million showdown sees Klitschko’s Ring magazine, WBO, IBF and WBA ‘super’ titles on the line, as well the strap currently adorning Povetkin’s waist in the shape of the WBA’s ‘regular’ bauble.

Klitschko (60-3, 51 KO’s) really needs no introduction as the planet’s premier 200lbs plus fighter, having overcome early career setbacks to dominate the division for the past seven years and dispose of all viable challengers. The latest in that line of challengers however is viewed by many as the most dangerous ‘Dr Steelhammer’ has faced for some time and still unbeaten, and fighting at home, pre-fight hype is built around Klitschko facing a much sterner test this Saturday.

When Povetkin (26-0, 18 KO’s) steps into the SC Olimpiyskiy Arena he’ll be roared on by an army of devoted fans and there’s plenty of Russian money going on the challenger before the fight. Television commercials in his home country have attempted to portray the 34-year-old as the true heavyweight champion of the world, although his title is secondary to Klitschko’s WBA strap and was awarded as a vacant crown for his victory over Ruslan Chagaev in 2011.

The reality however is that portrayal is some way off the truth and despite a decorated amateur background and a promising start to life in the pro ranks, Povetkin has not been near this level. When you consider the twenty-one world title wins that Klitschko has notched up in his seventeen-year pro career, what the Russian has experienced thus far has hardly been sufficient preparation for this encounter.

During his title reign Povetkin has generally feasted on past-their-prime or undersized opposition, until his last title defence when he dispatched the simply out-of-his-depth Andrzej Wawrzyk in three. A second round stoppage of a totally shot, 42-year-old Hasim Rahmann had preceded that mismatch and prior to that, Povetkin struggled majorly with cruiserweight champion Marco Huck, before emerging with a majority-decision victory.

Not the form that you want to be carrying into the fight of your life with Wladimir, but then again this match-up has been on the cards for a long time and Povetkin is probably as ready as he will ever be. We forget too that this is heavyweight boxing where anything can happen. All of these guys hit hard and one shot can end it.

Such is the dominance that Klitschko has enjoyed in recent years, he’s appears untouchable. It’s hard to see him being challenged, yet alone beaten, before he hangs up the gloves. No one is untouchable however and bigger underdogs than Povetkin have prevailed before. Need we remind ourselves of Lennox Lewis’s first meeting with Rahman, or the night James ‘Buster’ Douglas made the world stand still.

He’s improved ten-fold since his last defeat over nine years ago, but early in his career Klitschko was burdened by his punch resistance, which contributed to his knockout losses to Ross Purity, Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster. His partnership with the late, great Emmanuel Steward – famed for improving vulnerable fighters – altered the course of his career and with a tightened defence and a newfound ability to maximise his physical attributes, his chin has not been called into question for a long time.

But what if the much smaller, yet strong and aggressive Povetkin can get inside Klitschko’s long arms and land a heavy shot, after tiring him out with his pressure the way that Brewster did? If he can remain mentally strong and take risks, which he no doubt has to in standing any chance of victory in this fight, perhaps there is a slim chance of the upset.

That’s much easier said than done however, particularly as we don’t have to eat the piston-like jabs and straight rights of the 6’6″, 250lb heavyweight king. It might be easy to devise a gameplan to defeat Klitschko, but it’s even easier for that gameplan to unravel and to become discouraged once you feel his power.

Logic says that Wladimir is too big and too good to lose to Povetkin. But stranger things have happened in heavyweight boxing.

A potential star on the heavyweight horizon

September was a mixed bag for boxing. There were the mountainous highs of Mayweather versus Alvarez across the pond, a record-breaker and an exhibition of pugilistic excellence from a modern great, with it’s stellar undercard that confirmed a new star in Danny Garcia. Another star was born last Saturday in Montreal, when Adonis Stevenson proved to be the goods against Tavoris Cloud and on British shores a week earlier, boxing had found a new home with the successful coronation of the Copper Box in London.

There were however some pretty unsavoury lows, with several judging controversies over the past four weeks and the farcical prelude to one of those encounters, with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr’s struggles in making weight. September also saw the highly anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and David Haye postponed due to a cut, an injury that no doubt cuts deeper into the heavyweight division, which remains the sport’s measuring stick at least in the eyes of casual fans and is in dire need of some fresh excitement.

Excitement might just be on the way however and sooner than you think and it doesn’t come in the form of Wladimir Klitschko’s big money clash with Alexander Povetkin on Saturday. As you flip your calendars over to October, anticipation also builds before the debut of a British heavyweight this weekend, an Olympic champion with all the qualities required to garner interest in the sport’s glamour division.

Anthony Joshua makes his entrance onto the professional stage this Saturday as the headline act on a Matchroom show at London’s O2 Arena, when he takes on unbeaten Italian Emanuele Leo in his first bout in the paid ranks. The 23-year-old from Watford is clearly not taking the direction of Britain’s last Olympic super heavyweight champion, being matched tough from the start with this six-rounder, as the 32-year-old Leo arrives with a record of 8-0 with three first round knockouts.

The Italian has never fought outside his home country and his last four opponents have taken him the distance, whilst it’s also pretty unthinkable that those in charge of Joshua’s matchmaking would schedule a debut in which he had a sizeable chance of losing. However, just about anything can happen in this sport and Leo comes with a winning mentality. If nothing else, he’ll be expected to give Joshua some professional rounds and is clearly not the cannon fodder that Audley Harrison faced after turning pro.

Standing 6’6″ and weighing 18 stone yet built with a powerful, athletic physique, Joshua is an imposing specimen that possesses all the physical attributes needed to become a successful heavyweight. His conditioning is also testament to his work ethic and his handling of the media and spotlight that have followed his London 2012 triumph would suggest he also has the mental requirements to excel in the sport and capitalise on his gold medal, the pick of his short, yet impressive amateur career.

Should he get past Leo, Joshua has two more dates pencilled in before the year is out and promoter Eddie Hearn is targeting ten fights under his charge’s belt before the end of 2014. If they all come with increasing credentials after his first opponent, he could well be in the mix for a domestic title challenge around that time. Perhaps it won’t be much longer before Joshua is targeting a big money bout with Klitschko himself.

Ok we’re excited, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

Mitchell vs Arreola: Explosive action guaranteed in a fight neither man can afford to lose

Seth ‘Mayhem’ Mitchell and Chris ‘Nightmare’ Arreola meet in what promises to be an exciting heavyweight shootout this weekend, when the pair clash at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California on Saturday. Given the punching power that each man possesses there’ll undoubtedly be mayhem and stylistically what bodes for an early finish, which will be a nightmare for one man given that neither can afford to lose.

Mitchell (26-1-1, 19 KO’s) was being fast-tracked to a heavyweight title shot in November of last year when he met experienced contender Johnathon Banks in a WBC title eliminator. The former Michigan-state linebacker – whose back-story and imposing physical attributes had captured the imagination of the American public – was stopped by Banks in the second round however, with his defence, punch resistance and inexperience being called into question after the devastating defeat.

In June of this year, Mitchell avenged his only loss in an immediate rematch with Banks, dropping the former cruiserweight in the second round and boxing safely for the remainder of the twelve to see out a unanimous decision victory. Though he was badly hurt again by Banks in the third, this time he hung on and made it through the onslaught, showing improved defensive skills and tactical awareness.

The 31-year-old from Brandywine, Maryland can ill afford another setback though and would likely be viewed as damaged goods should he suffer another early knockout defeat. That’s certainly possible against Arreola, who without question is the hardest puncher that Mitchell will have faced at this point in his career and now with world-level experience, was once in Mitchell’s shoes as a American prospect of which much was hoped.

Arreola (35-3, 30 KO’s) won his first twenty-seven straight fights to earn a shot at WBC champion Vitali Klitshcko in 2009, but was given a brutal beating and was eventually stopped at the end of the tenth round. That was shortly followed by a majority-decision loss against Tomas Adamek, but then Arreola bounced back and put together a string of victories, before suffering another setback in his last fight this April, when he was outgunned by Bermane Stiverne over twelve rounds.

Now 32 years of age, there have always been question marks over Arreola’s dedication to the sport, with him often coming to the ring out of shape and at various times throughout his career appearing to lose interest in boxing.

He took two years out as an amateur in his late teens and after turning pro admitted he did it to “maybe make some money”. Ahead of the Mitchell bout, Arreola has hinted at retirement should he lose. That could be motivational talk, knowing another loss will likely end his chances of another world title shot, but given his history you also have to question his desire to continue.

For what he lacks in experience, Mitchell makes up for in dedication to his craft. He may only have been boxing since 2006, but that makes what he’s achieved this far all the more incredible. He’s a fantastic athlete and showed last time out that he can go the twelve round distance. Then again so can Arreola and lets face it, who really expects this one to go to the cards?

Arreola has predicted he finishes Mitchell off within six rounds with the majority of observers believing he does it even earlier. Given the Californian’s power and Mitchell’s vulnerability it’s certainly a likely outcome, but this is heavyweight boxing and should be no surprise if we get the exact reverse of that scenario.

Arreola has taken a couple of prolonged beatings in his career and against a hungrier, fresher Mitchell could well come unstuck. It’s skill and experience versus desire and conditioning with both men packing a punch in this intriguing, surely explosive affair.

Interview with Hughie Fury

Hughie Fury returns to action on September 14th when he takes on former British Cruiserweight champion Shane McPhilbin. Now 8-0 with 5 stoppages, the younger cousin of heavyweight Tyson is gathering momentum of his own as he continues his quest to become the youngest world champion in heavyweight champion in history.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Hughie in an interview for Boxing Mad Magazine ahead of his fifth-round stoppage of Ivica Perkovic in early July and discuss his lofty ambitions, as well as fighting his cousin, fighting for free and fighting the Klitschkos.

Read below for the full interview. . .

Hi Hughie, thanks for taking the time to talk to us for Boxing Mad Magazine today. I’ll begin by focusing on the impressive start you’ve made to your professional career. How did it feel when you made your professional debut back in March and how did it compare to what you experienced in the amateurs?

It was a great experience and completely different to boxing in the amateurs. I made my debut in Montreal against David Whittom and won by knockout in the second round.

Although you finished the job early, it didn’t seem as though you were looking for the knockout?

Yeah, my dad just told me to slow my work down and not to look for the knockout. If you wait for openings they will come anyway and that’s the way I’ve boxed since the amateurs.

Your second pro fight took place in Madison Square Garden on the undercard of Tyson’s fight with Steve Cunningham. Fighting at the ‘Mecca of boxing’ so early in your career must have been incredible?

It was, it was a fantastic experience for me and again I was able to get an early knockout!

You’re now 6-0 with 4 knockouts and you’re out again on July 12th against Darren Corbett, who’s an experienced guy with a winning record. Are you looking for a step up in levels with every fight now?

At the moment it’s more of a case of me getting as many fights as I can, taking whatever opportunities there are for me to gain experience.

Is it true that in a couple of your fights so far you’ve fought for free?

Most of the fights I’ve had so far I’ve fought for free. My first fight wasn’t paid. I’ve had to fight for free to get these fights so that I can keep on learning my game.

You’ve set your sights on breaking Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion in history. There’s just over 18 months to do that, so how many more fights would you like to have this year?

I plan to have had ten fights by September and then we’ll see where I’m at from there. I think I’ll be ready for a step up then and probably have twelve or fourteen fights in total this year.

Who were your boxing heroes growing up? Was Mike Tyson one of them?

Yes he was. I also liked Roy Jones Jr, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard and Larry Holmes. Larry Holmes for his jab, he had a great jab and was a very underrated heavyweight, maybe the best heavyweight of all time.

At the moment the Klitschko’s still dominate the heavyweight scene and hold all four major titles. If you were ready to fight either one of them now which brother would you prefer to fight for a title?

I would say Wladimir definitely, he’s seen as the best and I’d rather win it outright. Vitali’s getting old and I don’t think I’d get the credit I deserved for beating him.

Your cousin Tyson isn’t far away from a world title shot himself having won an IBF eliminator. Do you think there will come a time when both of you dominate like the Klitschko’s do right now?

That’s the aim!

Would you ever fight each other?

No that would never happen, we’d never fight each other.

You and Tyson train together of course with your dad Peter. How’s training going for your upcoming fight?

It’s going great, at the moment we’re in the South of France and near our camp there’s these huge steps that we run up which is tough. It’s very warm but it’s also very nice here so I can’t complain!

Have you got a prediction for July 12th?

A knockout, I think I’ll catch him in the first two rounds.

And finally Hughie, it’s well known that fighters like to train to music for motivation, so is there a particular song that gets you really pumped and makes you train that bit harder? A guilty pleasure maybe . . .

Haha, I like to listen to all kinds of different music, anything really! I think it’s right that music makes you more motivated though. It definitely makes you train that little bit harder.