By Geoffrey Ciani: When the Klitschkos both turned pro in November 1996, the Klitschko brothers had a dream to one day simultaneously hold every major world title in heavyweight boxing. That goal seemed very far-fetched back in an absolutely stacked heavyweight landscape.
There were a slew of talented heavyweight boxers competing at that time, including WBC champion Lennox Lewis, WBA champion Evander Holyfield, and IBF champion Michael Moorer, and there were also a slew of other talented contenders competing, including Ray Mercer, Andrew Golota, David Tua, Ike Ibeabuchi, and also former heavyweight champions Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson. So the idea that the two brothers would be able to simultaneously hold every major title seemed extremely unlikely and improbable.
Throughout the highs and lows of their respective careers, the Klitschko Brother’s individual journeys were often intertwined. Both boxers suffered setbacks along the way, and as time passed it seemed their goal was more and more distant, especially after Vitali was forced into retirement in 2005 because of numerous injuries he had suffered. That happened after Vitali had become the first Klitschko brother to win a major world title, and then after Vitali retired, Wladimir began coming into his own after he teamed up with Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward, where he would go on to win a couple of major world titles of his own. But after Vitali made a triumphant return in 2008 where he reclaimed the belt that had previously belonged to him, the path was set – and the Klitschko Dream was finally realized in July 2011 when Wladimir beat David Haye.
This edition of Rummy’s Corner will provide a quick detailed review of the incredible journey that enabled brothers Vitali and Wladimir to fulfill their brotherly Klitschko Dream, where between them they had acquired every major world title in heavyweight boxing. This is Rummy’s Corner (produced and narrated by Geoffrey Ciani).