Ibragimov Klitschko Reach Deal For February 23rd Unification bout

IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and WBO title holder Sultan Ibragimov have reportedly reached an agreement on a unification bout to be held on February 23rd. “I’m very happy that after intensive negotiations we have finally reached a deal,” Klitschko said. This is only one piece of the puzzle for the winner of the fight, as both Ibragimov and Klitschko would like to unify all the heavyweight titles, if possible. However, the that part of the ultimate unification bout may have to wait a little longer, depending on whether Vitali Klitschko can stay healthy enough to fight the winner of Oleg Maskaev vs Samuel Peter for the WBC heavyweight title.

Going by Vitali’s track record in the past several years, in which he’s been injured four consecutive times leading up to a fight, it wouldn’t seem likely that he’ll be able to challenge the Maskaev-Peter winner. This would, of course, clear the way for either Wladimir or Sultan to move ahead with a unification bout with the WBC champion.

Ibragimov, up to this point, has had it easy while defending his WBO title, having defended it once against the 44 year-old Evander Holyfield. Wladimir, though, will be a huge step up in class for the 32 year-old Ibragimov, who struggled to a draw against Ray Austin in July 2006. It would appear that the smallish 6′1″ Ibragimov has trouble against large fighters - not a good a sign going into a bout with Wladimir, who stands 6′7, and is even larger than Austin.