By Jim Dower: In a recent interview by trainer Emanuel Steward, he stated that he felt that IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (49-3, 44 KOs) could fight until into his 40s due to the lack of quality competition in the heavyweight division. In an article in yahoo sports section, Steward said this about Klitschko:
“Now I don’t see anything in the next three, four or five years, even in the amateur program. That’s a sad situation – and it means Wladimir can fight until he’s 40 as far I’m concerned.”
Indeed, Steward may have a point in that there are few quality heavyweights in the division aside from young Eastern European heavyweights Alexander Povetkin and Alexander Dimitrenko. In the case of Povetkin, he’s looked very beatable in his last two bouts against Chris Byrd and Eddie Chambers, and because of that, he doesn’t figure to be a threat to Wladimir in the near future or perhaps ever. Dimitrenko, a 6’7″ 250 lb fighter from Ukraine, has the size and skill to give Klitschko problems.