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Wlad's yawning glory
Hamburg bore doesn't help sort the heavyweights out
Posted: 14th July 2008 09:44
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Klitschko-Thompson: another joke
The fight between Klitschko and Thompson was another joke in this weight class.
Wayne McCullough
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In February of this year Wladimir Klitschko unified the WBO and IBF titles by defeating Sultan Ibragimov.
This past weekend he was hoping to make a successful fifth defence of his IBF and first defence of his WBO belts when he took on Tony Thompson.
Being the top contender in the WBO rankings, Thompson seemingly deserved the chance to fight for and possibly reclaim the title for the USA, with the hope of proving he was a force in the heavyweight division.
One opponent Klitschko and Thompson have in common was 1996 Olympic heavyweight bronze medalist Luan Krasniqi who Thompson beat in his most recent fight back in July 2007.
Krasniqi defeated Klitschko in 1995 in the World Amateurs but lost to him later that same year. Klitschko then went on to win Olympic Gold in 1996 in the higher super-heavyweight division.
Klitschko was the favourite going into his bout with Thompson. He was a sure test for the Ukrainian though and with only one loss on his record, he had never been stopped.
Southpaw Thompson looked as though he had all the skills going into this fight. It is well known that America is in desperate need for a good solid heavyweight world champion who could become a huge sporting figure around the world - just like it used to be - and Thompson was the frontrunner.
Recognition
This division needs excitement but it still doesn't have it. The fight turned out to be dull and it didn't bring any more recognition to the heavyweights.
Klitschko used his left jabs and moved around the ring throughout the fight. Thompson probably won the first round throwing some good body shots and then just moved around with his hands high doing practically nothing for the rest of the fight.
During the final five rounds Thompson didn't do much fighting at all. He used to be a sparring partner for Klitschko and it seems like he was fighting in sparring partner mode. In the 11th round, Klitschko put Thompson down with a straight right hand and he didn't beat the count.
Samuel Peter is scheduled to fight Wladimir's brother, Vitali, later this year. If he wins that fight and rematches Wladimir he could rescue the division because he has improved so much.
The fight between Klitschko and Thompson was another joke in this weight class and would have put you straight to sleep.
What did you make of Klitschko-Thompson? Is Sam Peter still the man to sort the big boys out? Let us know your thoughts by filling in the feedback below...
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Comments
Dave Hudson says...
Calling Lewis a paper champion is over the top. He had a good record with notable wins on it. He was a true champ unlike the champs were putting up with today. I do agree that the heavy weight scene is terrible but this is all old news. All the complaining in the world is not going to produce the next Tyson is it and that is what were all hoping for isnt it. The truth is one boxer cant make a division. It takes 3/4 good boxers to make a division competitive. It really is time to ignore all these current heavys and look to the young up and coming fighters.
Posted 23:16 20th July 2008
Jp O'reilly says...
I think David Haye could take Klitschko. Klitschko looked very tired in the last half of the fight and wasnt willing to put anything into the fight. All David Haye would need to do is beat him for fitness and Klitschko would eventually tumble. Where is Audley? lol
Posted 15:43 15th July 2008
Matt Turner says...
David Haye could be the man to shake up the heavyweight scene. If he gets a two or three explosive fights against credible opposition, then he will take out the shot-shy Klitchsko no problem. The Hayemaker could be the man, let's hope so!
Posted 14:35 15th July 2008
Joe Sumner says...
Lewis a paper champion?! Are you sure?! Ridiculous comment. Agree totally with Wayne...we can only hope there is a saviour out there somewhere! Few decent prospects....arreola, solis, haye (depending how he makes the jump up)....just seems on any given night anyone can be anyone! We need a dominating force!
Posted 11:37 15th July 2008
Paul Ross says...
Oh my god, what a JOKE this fight was, i hope David haye backs all he is saying and ko's Vlad.. I honestly feel Haye will clean up the division and bring a bit of Spark back to the division.And its a bonus he is English..The only glitch i feel is the chin of Haye, can he take a full blown dig from a heavyweight and fire back ..??? Only time will tell,
Posted 10:18 15th July 2008
Simon Turner says...
The division has been dull for a very long time. There is no interest whatsoever in the fighters, fights or future contests. If ever a division needed new blood then this is it. Personalities are required along with more aggression and will to win. Shame we haven't got any British fighters half tidy, they would walk their way to unifying the division.
Posted 08:21 15th July 2008
Greg Bristol says...
Graham, you clearly know nothing about boxing mate. Any self respecting boxing fan will tell you the Lightweight division is currently the best by a mile. Pavlik, Abraham and Duddy (know who those last two are? Thought not) are the only real stand out middleweights at the moment and Duddy has decided to step down to Light Middleweight for a world title shot. As for paper champions, you clearly know nothing about Lennox Lewis and his reign as undisputed champion- beating all willing to take him on and retiring with just two defeats- both avenged at a later date. As for the 'big Russian' I take it you mean former WBA champ Nikolai Valuev (who is a joke yes). Spare us your uneducated drivel and go back to the darts.
Posted 22:54 14th July 2008
Simon Purkis says...
It is fair to say that the Klitschko and Thompson didn't have the audience on the edge of the seats! However, there is no doubt that Wladimir is the best heavyweight out there. He has a very impressive knockout record and is a good athlete with a range of powerful punches. Admittedly, he does have weaknesses and somebody like Haye could exploit this. He is no great heavyweight champion but he deserves some credit for his dominance in this weak division. America would love him as their own!
Posted 19:14 14th July 2008
Grant Lane says...
Klitchsko's days are running short in the division. I honestly think David Haye will adapt well at heaveyweight as he was weight drained at cruiserweight. That's the reason why I think his chin is suspect at that weight, when he moves up he's going to be a real threat to what is arguably the weakest division in boxing. Klitchsko is scared to get hit and against a big puncher like Haye he's in serious trouble.
Posted 18:47 14th July 2008
Terry Mills says...
I have to say that this fight was more an embarressment than a joke. I haven't seen such a pathetic display of boxing since the last Klitchsko fight. It appeared that Tony the tiger was tamed by an injured leg rather than anything Klitchsko had thrown at him, even Tony's wife was ringside with crutches waiting, so David Haye must fancy his chances against a big lumbering ukranian who obviously doesn't like to get hit. Every time Tony the tiger even looked like growling at him he looked as startled as a rabbit in your headlights. Come on you guys, even Danny Williams can beat a guy with one leg.
Posted 18:35 14th July 2008
Danny Cullinane says...
Absolutely right, it was one of the worst fights of the year( even worse than Herby Hides comeback recently). Interesting that Lewis talking after the fight thought that Haye needs at least a year before going in with Klitchko. After watching that shit I'd say Hayes power & speed would be enough now. Tyson was washed up years before fighting Lewis but would have lost in his prime too, Lennox is a genuine legend. The Lightweight division is the most interesting now, Manny is great to watch
Posted 18:05 14th July 2008
Garry Mcfarlane says...
I agree , it required two matchsticks inserted in my eyelids to keep them open , David Haye is going to have no competition when he steps up in weight , I agree with him when he says he will knock Klitchsko out in 3 rounds , then who will be next ? Remember Tyson , Bruno , Holyfield etc there is nothing like that anymore !!!
Posted 17:31 14th July 2008
Chris Michaels says...
The most disapointing aspect of the fight for me, was after the 7th round Thompson lost interest and with his head down was looking for away out . With klitchsko's eye cut and his defence sloppy the fight and the title were there for the taking. But like most Amercian Heavyweights he didn't have the heart or desire to match his pre fight predictions. Klitchsko However was more accurate and at times landed some devisting punches , but his awkward style and inability to defend a simple counter attack will make him an easy, static target for somebody with fast hands and a sharp boxing brain (step up David Haye).
Posted 15:16 14th July 2008
Graham Martin says...
The middleweight division is the best now. The heavyweight is a joke since Tyson left, even paper champions like Lewis & that big Russian are a joke.
Posted 11:09 14th July 2008
David Nichols says...
I totally agree Wayne - The fight was a joke, and a very long boring joke at that! In fact it was a complete no contest as far as i was concerned, Thompson was clearly out of his depth as the boxing powers that be look for an American heavyweight contender - any american with two hands will do it seems. And Klitchsko seems to be both shot-shy (basically just sticking out his jab arm to size up a right that never comes) and scared to get hit as if he knows his brittle chin won't be able to stand the test. Very dissapointing.
Posted 11:06 14th July 2008
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