In the world of boxing, the people rarely get to see the fights they want. Of course the most talked about fight in recent history that will never happen is Mayweather vs Pacquiao. We have been given many reason why this fight will never happen – money, drug testing, blah, blah, blah.
The boxing world has been losing fans for this very reason – we are rarely given the fights we wish to see. We want to see the next Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman, Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield, Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns, Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti just to name a few.
While I’m at it, there are far too many weight classes and champions in boxing, with some more prestigious and coveted than others. Some weight classes are more competitive than others as well, which is to be expected. Most people, even the ones who don’t follow boxing, at least know of the Heavyweight division. This is the belt that young boys dream about, even if they are far too undersized. Being the Heavyweight champion of the world – just say it out loud, add your name to it – I am the Heavyweight champion of the world! It sent chills up your spine, didn’t it?
Two men have controlled this division for years. Well you would think having two top fighters would make for a must see fight, poised to rake in millions of millions of dollars. Sadly you will never see this fight happen. The Klitschko brothers together hold all the Heavyweight belts and the Ring Magazine title. Wladimir Klitschko is the WBO, IBF, WBA and Ring Heavyweight champion. His brother Vitali Klitschko holds the WBC Heavyweight title. Both reign as giants.
Wladimir, the 1996 Olympic Gold medalist stands 6 ft 6 in, with a boxing record of 61 win and 3 losses. Nicknamed Dr. Steelhammer – obvious reasons.
Vitali is a 1995 Olympic Silver medalist, stands 6 ft 7 in, with a boxing record of 45 wins and 2 losses. Nicknamed Dr. Ironfist – again, obvious reasons.
I want to see this fight, and I think the entire world wants to see this fight. Brother against brother, Dr. steelhammer vs Dr. Ironfist. Why do we keep letting boxing and these fighters get away with this? It happens time and time again. We tell them what we want and it never happens. Most of the time it’s the promoters. In the case of the Klitschkos it is in fact the brothers who won’t let the fight happen. I understand, having two brothers of my own – you don’t want to fight them. Even if you win the fight you know they lost and the world saw them lose. But I’m not a boxer, they are. Their job is to fight, so why not fight the best?
We hear stories of the two battling it out in a sparring match. “The last time we sparred, and that was years ago,” he said, “I broke my leg. After that, we said no more.” We hear how Don King once offered them $100 million to fight.
Just reading these comments about that sparring match, makes me want to see them fight all the more. Seeing how they turned down $100 million, just cements it that I’m sure they will never fight each other. Their decision comes down to family, the love for each other and the love for their mother. I applaud them for placing their family above money and glory. Selfishly however, I do wish they would reconsider. Think about it: one fight, two brothers, one true Heavyweight champion of the world. This would lead to everlasting glory – and a big fat paycheque.
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