Can anyone realistically challenge Wladimir Klitschko?

By Boxing News - 03/06/2012 - Comments

Image: Can anyone realistically challenge Wladimir Klitschko?By John F. McKenna (McJack): (Super) WBA/IBF/WBO/IBO and The Ring heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (57-3, 50 KO’s) solidified his position as one of the most dominant heavyweight champions in boxing history when he scored his 50th KO on Saturday night. “Dr. Steelhammer” easily disposed of the totally outclassed former cruiserweight champion Jean-Marc Mormeck (36-5, 22 KO’s) at the ESPIRT arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.

While it was predictable that Mormeck would offer little resistance to the 6’6” heavyweight champion, and he was criticized for taking on Jean-Marc there were not too many options open for Wladimir. Last fall when Klitschko was searching for a viable opponent he found out to his chagrin that there were none available. Chris Arreola, Alexander Povetkin, Tyson Fury and Robert Helenius all indicated that they were not yet ready to take on “Dr. Steelhammer”.

Tony Thompson (36-2, 34 KO’s) who has won five straight fights against 2nd tier opposition, became Wladimir’s IBF mandatory challenger after “Fast” Eddie Chambers backed out of their scheduled fight. Most likely Klitschko and Thompson will clash in June of July. Thompson definitely has the size at 6’5” and 245 pounds, but he was already KO’d by Klitschko when they fought in July 2008. In addition, Thompson is now 40 years old. In reality it is likely that at this stage of his career Tony will not be any more competitive than Mormeck was. Klitschko has improved since 2008 while Thompson has regressed.

So who is out there who can give Wladimir a legitimate challenge? Chris Arreola (35-2, 30 KO’s) who was battered into submission by WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 40 KO’s) in September 2009 is now taking his training seriously and works hard in preparing for his fights. Arreola scored an impressive first round KO over Eric Molina (18-2, 14 KO’s) on Februarly 18 and all indications are that he is now interested in facing Wladimir in the ring.

If a Klitschko – Arreola fight comes to pass there is a distinct possibility that it will happen in the United States, where Wladimir would like to raise his public awareness. Over the last several years Klitschko has fought predominantly in Germany. Los Angeles and New York City have been floated out there as possible locations for a Klitschko – Arreola fight. Arreola is a Mexican – American with a crowd pleasing style of fighting. A Klitscko – Arreola fight may prove interesting because of Arreola’s aggressive style, his KO power and his sturdy chin.

It is still thought that Tyson Fury and Robert Helenius are not ready for Wladimir. Povetkin lost some of his crowd appeal after his recent less than spectacular showing against Marco Huck.



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