Klitschko will likely fight Haye before he retires

By Boxing News - 09/10/2012 - Comments

Image: Klitschko will likely fight Haye before he retiresBy John F. McKenna (McJack): World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (45-2, 41 KO’s) defeated challenger Manuel Charr (21-1, 11 KO’s) Saturday night in what appeared to be little more than a sparring session for “Dr. Ironfist. Despite now being 41 years old, Vitali proved once again that he is still the formidable champion that he has been since he came back from injuries in 2008 to take the WBC heavyweight title belt from Sam Peter.

The little known Charr had somewhat of a reputation of being a rugged and tough customer before he engaged Klitschko on Saturday night in Moscow. However when the fight started “Diamond Boy” showed very little offense and was content to hold both gloves in front of his face in an effort to avoid Vitali’s punches. It later became clear that Charr’s strategy was to let Klitschko expel energy early in the contest in the hope that he would tire himself out.

It soon became evident that Manuel’s strategy was ill conceived as Vitali landed the majority of the punches and soon began to redden the face of his German based challenger. Klitschko’s strategy on the other hand was to hold both hands down by his sides in an effort to get Charr to open up. “Diamond Boy” took the bait and in the 2nd round attempted to move inside to deliver a combination. Vitali promptly countered with an overhand right, striking Charr near the top of his head. For the first time in his career, the ruggedly built Charr fell to the canvas. The punch did not appear to have a lot on it and in that respect was similar to the punch that Vitali used to TKO Odlanier Solis in March 2011.

In the 4th round Klitscko’s repeated left jabs and hooks opened up a deep cut over Charr’s right eye. The referee waved in the ring doctor who ordered the fight to be stopped. The quick stoppage please no one, least of all Manuel Charr who saw his dreams of a heavyweight title belt quickly vanish.

Neither was Vitali Klitschko pleased at the sudden turn of events. He later acknowledged that he wanted to win by a legitimate KO. It is also certain that “Dr. Ironfist” wanted to leave a favorable impression on Russian boxing fans and close out his career on a positive note.

Meanwhile former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (26-2, 24 KO’s) turned up the heat in his hopes for a title shot at Vitali. Predictably the “Hayemaker” was highly critical of Klitschko’s performance and immediately resorted to the trash talking that he is so well known for.

Whether you loathe or like him, Haye most assuredly brings excitement to the heavyweight division. And in fairness to him his stoppage of Derek Chisora was indeed spectacular. Vitali Klitschko of course understands this. It was Haye who self promoted his fight with Chisora. It is pretty amazing that a fight which most of the sanctioning bodies in boxing ran away from drew the number of fans that the Haye – Chisora fight did. Haye is correct when he maintains that he is the most exciting boxer in the heavyweight division and would draw the most fans to a fight with Vitali.

It is unlikely that Vitali will be able to resist the temptation of closing out his career by taking on his number one nemesis, David Haye.



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