In somewhat of a shocker, tickets for the heavyweight unification match between International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (49-3, 44 KOs) and World Boxing Organization heavyweight champion Sultan Ibragimov (21-0, 17 KOs), slated for February 23rd, at New York’s Madison Square Garden, is reportedly almost sold out, according to the latest boxing news. Up until recently, the fight had hardly generated a peep of interest, aside from the few fans of Klitschko and Ibragimov. However, for the average fan, this fight, up until now, has not been an appealing fight.

Apparently, the $1000 and $100 dollar tickets have already sold out, with only the $300 and $600 tickets remaining for fans to purchase. With still two weeks to go before the fight, it’s likely that those tickets will be quickly scooped up by eager fans wanting to see a rare unification bout, even if it’s one that appears to be a likely one-sided affair. Most boxing writers, and fans alike, see Wladimir Klitschko as being far too fast, large and powerful for the finesse-oriented Ibragimov, who prefers to box rather than punch.

As many people see it, Ibragimov, a fighter that won his WBO heavyweight championship over Shannon Briggs, doesn’t have a lot of chances to win the fight due to his limited size and reach. He may be able to pick his spots, and jump in from the outside to land quick flurries, but ultimately he’s going to have to trade with Wladimir if he has any chance at winning the bout. That is where Ibragimov will likely have big problems, for he doesn’t have enough of anything going for him, be it power, size or speed in which to test Wladimir.

If anything, Ibragimov’s southpaw stance may help a little, considering that Klitschko was previously stopped by a southpaw named Corrie Sanders in 2003. However, Sanders had good size, at 6’4″, excellent hand speed, and tremendous power. Ibragimov, unfortunately for him, has only the southpaw part going for him. It doesn’t look good for him.