….in preparation for Wlad’s April 25th fight with Bryant Jennings
Interview by Bryce Wilson: We caught up with undefeated Polish Heavyweight ( 11-0, 9 KO’s) prospect Izu Ugonoh to have a chat with him about what it was like to spar with the man in the heavyweight division WBA, IBF and WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Having had an opportunity to observe the champion in close quarters we asked Izu what it is he thinks is so special about Wladimir, what he learned from the experience and what he thinks the likely result against Jennings will be.
Boxing News: How many rounds you sparred with Wlad so far?
Izu: I’ve done 4 sessions so far, so 12 rounds.
Boxing News: How have you found it intensity wise, the size of the guy, his power?
Izu: It’s been great. From one side it’s been very mentally challenging being in the ring with him and its great experience seeing him work out. Not sparring with him but also how he prepares. Now I see why he’s left so many others behind, he’s just got that amazing work ethic.
Boxing News: He looks in incredible shape.
Izu: He’s looks like he’s always in shape. You can tell with the intensity that he trains he‘s not taking anything for granted. I believe he works harder than most up-and-coming fighters.
Boxing News: That’s interesting because I know you sparred a couple of times with Stiverne who was a world champ, what’s the major difference you’ve noticed between the two camps?
Izu: I couldn’t even compare it. Klitschko is in a class by himself. And it’s not all because of his size and his skills that’s just only one part of it.
Boxing News: You’ve obviously been giving him some decent work as I know they have sent a couple of sparring partners home?
Izu: I’ve been in the ring with him and as everyone he makes mistakes too, he is human. My role here is to show him the openings and give him the best work I can. Honestly not everyone can take the pressure, in fact I would honestly say that most people can’t (laughs.)
Boxing News: I understand he has a reputation of going very hard at his sparring partners?
Izu: I would say, as much as I can say (laughs) if you are a challenge to him he will break you down and he’s like that with everyone. He’s definitely been going hard.
Boxing News: So it’s safe to assume he’s a competitive guy in sparring as well as fighting?
Izu: Definitely, this is the first time I can say that I’ve been in sparring where it doesn’t feel different from a fight situation. It’s an experience that can build up your mental toughness or it can make you want to quit your sport. It all depends on how you take it. I’m doing better and better with each sparring. I’m here helping the champ but at the same time this is a great opportunity to learn because this guy is going out a legend. Each time he tries to take my head off I see it as a compliment (laughs)
There is no-one out there that is like Wladimir Klitschko, it is what it is. I would say a lot of people are afraid to spar him, let alone fight him. But what I also say, with all due respect, that in this fighting game if you don’t believe and don’t take chances you can never win, it’s as simple as that.
Boxing News: What is it like to face that jab?
Izu: You’d be surprised you think he’s far away but then he’s not! (Laughing.)
Boxing News: So you’ve got to learn how to measure distance fast?!
Izu: Yes it’s something you need to figure out ASAP if you don’t wanna get hurt. If you want to land your punches you have to be very disciplined, focussed, unless you just want to run around the ring doing nothing and get paid.
Boxing News: Has there been anything that has surprised you?
Izu: His endurance, amazing endurance he’s very relaxed under pressure, but that’s what makes him the champ and his determination. He’s so determined in every session, he’s focussed, determined. His work ethic is very intense and something that I’ve never seen before. A lot of people that weigh -in around 110 Kg’s its very rare to see that kind of muscle structure. And that’s where the power comes from.
Boxing News: Any tips or tricks you’ve picked up?
Izu: The main thing is he’s perfected his style. The message that sends to me as a young fighter is use what you’ve got. Don’t look for the things that don’t work for you. You need to find out what works for you and just perfect it.
Boxing News: Now you’ve sparred with him have you got a prediction for him and Jennings?
Izu: I just feel like he’s on another level. It may be that he comes in and knocks out Jennings easily in 4 or 5 rounds. But why I really love boxing is the obvious is not always how it is. As long as you make an effort and believe then you have a chance. Pulev did try but how many people over the last couple of years have we seen actually try with Klitschko?
Boxing News: So you yourself will be fighting in June? Do you hope to have an opponent announced soon?
Izu: Yeah I believe so and it will be a step up for me. There is no point sparring the world champion and top 10 fighters like Joseph (Parker) and then not looking to step it up. I’m looking forward to doing that.
We also look forward to seeing Izu fight in June and seeing if Wladimir’s intensity in sparring translates into a dominate performance against Bryant Jennings on April the 25th.
You can follow Izu on his facebook page: www.facebook.com/iugonoh
Comments are closed.