Dimitrenko Faces Hoffmann On Saturday

Undefeated German-based heavyweight challenger Alexander Dimitrenko (26-0, 16 KOs) faces Timo Hoffmann (36-5-1, 20 KOs) on Saturday night at the Bordelandhalle, Magdeburg, in Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany. Dimitrenko, 25, ranked #2 in the World Boxing Organization, is on the brink of a title shot, possibly against Ruslan Chagaev, the World Boxing Association heavyweight champion, or more likely against International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who will be facing the WBO title holder Sultan Ibragimov in February 2008. Few people give Ibragimov much of any chance against the 6′7″ Klitschko. However, before all that can happen, Dimitrenko - also 6′7″ - must defeat the equally large Hoffmann, a fighter with an excellent jab and a sneaky right hand.

Though Hoffmann has had a disappointing career, he still has his largely intact. At one time, not too long ago, Hoffmann was thought to be a future world champion. However, after losing a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision to Vitali Klitschko in November 2000 ( a bout in which Hoffmann wobbled Klitschko in the 10th round), Hoffmann’s career took a turn for the worse. He would lose his next bout to British heavyweight Michael Sprott, and two years later lose to Henry Akinwande. Since then, it’s been mostly mediocrity for Hoffmann, who most recently lost a one-sided bout to Timor Ibragimov in June 2007.

Dimitrenko, for his part, is almost a carbon copy of Wladimir Klitschko, though minus the devastating power that Klitschko possess. Originally from Ukraine, like Wladimir, Dimitrenko moves remarkably well for a super heavyweight and has an excellent jab, perhaps only second to Wladimir. Dimitenko uses his left hook much in the same way Wladimir does, disguising his jab and then slipping in the left hook. Dimitrenko’s right hand is decent, but needs work because he doesn’t always close his glove when throwing it. However, what sets him apart from Wladimir, though, is Dimitrenko’s ability to work on the inside.

In that respect, he reminds me a lot of a young Riddick Bowe, as he has a powerful uppercut, which he can throw with either hand. He also likes to rip off quick flurries while on the inside, finishing them with an uppercut. His size makes him a very formidable fighter to deal with. At this point, Dimitrenko has been kept hidden away in Germany, honing his skills on largely B-level opponents. However, expect to hear more about him from in the future, because he’s a fighter on the rise. I see him dominating Hoffmann, who has a tough beard, and winning by an easy 12-round decision.