12 rounds of throw down for the crown
New York, NY – This weekend’s action is typified by an uncommon entity in the modern world boxing; a meaningful heavyweight title bout! Let’s take a look.
DOES THE GIANT & THE PUNK EQUAL GIANT PUNKS???
After a near two year postponement from the bout’s original date which was put on the shelf due to an injury sustained to David Haye (25-1, 23 KOs), finally; 6’7, 245 pound IBF and WBO belt holder Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KOs) gets trash talking WBA strap carrier Haye to participate in a scheduled 12 round championship unification. Televised coverage of this highly anticipated affair from the luxurious sold out Imtech Arena in Hamburg, Germany begins on Saturday at 4:45 PM ET on HBO.
Klitschko (left)
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, DOIN’ IT AGAIN?
Beginning his career with a perfect record of 24-0 with 22 whacks, Wladimir showed tremendous promise as the “heir apparent” to win a heavyweight crown before being exposed by having a vulnerable chin against lightly regarded pug Ross Puritty (L KO 11). After the set back, (to his credit) Klitschko showed resolve as a competitor and won 16 in a row (15 KOs) against decent adversity and managed to pick up the WBO strap. However, the tables would turn again. In Klitschko’s 6th attempted title defense against rugged journeyman Corrie Sanders, another life altering moment of disgrace surfaced as Sanders punished a very complaisant version of Wladimir over just two rounds en route to a stoppage. Again showing charismatic resilience, Wladimir regrouped after the loss and won two straight contests by KO. Although once again showing promise, in his next encounter; Wladimir was starched against a very spirited Lamon Brewster (L TKO 5). Since removed from numerous set backs, albeit usually in boring affairs of late; Klitschko has blasted out nine of his last ten opponents and appears better then ever. Hence, as a result, Klitschko; a 15 year veteran of the game, has proven to not only be one of the best fighters in the heavyweight division, but also in the world.
Haye (left)
HAYE JUST TRYING TO EARN SOME PAY?
Like his counterpart, David Haye impressively burst out on the scene displaying a furious opus of carnage. Beginning his career as a cruiserweight (200), Haye wrecked shop by compiling an unbeaten record of 10-0 with 9 knockouts. In his 11th challenge, David laced up the gloves for a “crossroads” battle against savvy veteran Carl Thompson. In a bout which pitted experience versus youth, experience prevailed and resulted Thompson with a TKO victory in the fifth. Postmortem, Haye fought on, valiantly winning nine in a row (8 by KO) and earned a shot at the title against Jean Marc Mormeck. Standing opposite of Mormeck, Haye out hustled and broke down the durable champion (W TKO 7). After winning Mormeck’s WBC and WBA trophies, Haye clashed with, and destroyed battle tested WBO king pin Enzo Maccarinelli (W KO 2) and became only the second man in history to be undisputed champ at the weight class. After such accolade, Haye sought after bigger challenges and moved up to the heavyweight ranks. After just two fights, David picked up the WBA belt. Since, Haye has defended his strap twice by Knockout.
WHAT TO EXPECT
After all the hype and (not so) pre fight pleasantries, the fact of the matter is that these two guys both need to be cognizant of the fact that they to not only win, but entertain and give the masses a reason to follow heavyweight boxing. I feel the one who possesses the most passion in consideration of what’s at stake will prevail. Having said that, knowing the skill and intestinal fortitude instilled within the two combatants; it’s going to be a spirited affair resulting with David slaying the giant within five frames.
Melligen (left)
ESPN JOINT
As per usual, the popular fight series “ESPN Friday Night Fights” kicks off the boxing weekend. Each installment of the decorated series features news, analysis of upcoming bouts, interviews, celebrity guests offering insight into the world of boxing, and competitive scraps. This week’s card showcases entertaining Filipino southpaw Mark Melligen (24-2, 14 KOs) against experienced, but limited Sebastian Lujan (37-5-2, 23 KOs) in a 10 round welterweight (147) tilt at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas, Friday on ESPN 2 at 11 PM ET.
John Signorella