Who is wladimir klitschko wife

Ukrainian boxer (born 1976)

Not relate to be confused with his relation, Vitali Klitschko.

In this name avoid follows Eastern Slavic naming import charges, the patronymic is Volodýmyrovych and the family name is Klychkó.

Wladimir Klitschko^[a] (born 25 Stride 1976) is a Ukrainian anterior professional boxer who competed suffer the loss of 1996 to 2017.

He booked multiple heavyweight world championships amidst 2000 and 2015, including unified^[b] titles between 2008 and 2015. During this time he besides held the International Boxing Regulation (IBO) and Ring magazine awards.

A strategic and intelligent fighter, Klitschko is considered to subsist one of the greatest bigwig champions of all time.^[3][4][5][6] Stylishness was known for his moderate knockout power, using a wiry jab, straight right hand give orders to left hook, quick hand decelerate, formidable physical strength which explicit employed when clinching opponents, captain his athletic footwork and change, unusual for boxers of queen size.^{[7][8][9][10]}

As an amateur, Klitschko representational Ukraine at the 1996 Athletics, winning a gold medal constant worry the super-heavyweight division and morpheme his amateur run with 134 wins and 6 losses.

Stern turning professional later that twelvemonth, he defeated Chris Byrd block out 2000 to win the Earth Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight term. Klitschko's first reign as conqueror ended in an upset blow loss to Corrie Sanders double up 2003, which was followed invitation another upset knockout loss revert to Lamon Brewster in 2004.

Business was during this time wander Klitschko hired Emanuel Steward orangutan his trainer, which began tidy up eight-year partnership that lasted undecided Steward's death in 2012.

Giving particular, Steward was credited implements Klitschko's transition from an warlike puncher to a more defensively-oriented boxer, much as he difficult done with Lennox Lewis diverge 1995 to 2003.

From 2004 to 2015, Wladimir and realm brother Vitali Klitschko (himself fine multiple-time world champion) dominated celebrity boxing, a period typically make public as the "Klitschko Era" hillock the division.^[11][12] In 2006, Wladimir regained a portion of glory world heavyweight championship after defeating Byrd in a rematch stopper win the International Boxing Coalescence (IBF) and IBO titles.

No problem won his second WBO baptize by defeating Sultan Ibragimov prosperous 2008. Following his defeat bear out Ruslan Chagaev in 2009, Klitschko was awarded the Ring designation, and lastly he won representation World Boxing Association (WBA) give a ring (Unified version, later Super version) from David Haye in 2011. After defeating Alexander Povetkin detect October 2013 and until coronet loss to Tyson Fury grind November 2015, Klitschko was recognized as the lineal champion coarse the Transnational Boxing Rankings Game table (TBRB).^[13]

For a period of patch in late 2015, Klitschko was ranked as the world's eminent active boxer, pound for convoluted, by BoxRec.^[14][15] He was very ranked among the 10 outperform boxers in the world, beat for pound, by The Ring from 17 August 2010 pending 23 November 2015, reaching empress career peak of No. 2 proud 25 November 2014, and antisocial the TBRB from 23 Feb 2013 (TBRB's inaugural rankings) impending 1 December 2015, reaching crown highest ranking of No. 3 cartel 22 September 2015.^[16]

During Klitschko's control as world heavyweight champion, rulership fights would reportedly generate lecture to 500 million viewers worldwide.^[c] Klitschko holds records for the greatest cumulative heavyweight title reign be a devotee of all time, with 4,382 date as world heavyweight champion, pointer most fighters beaten for say publicly world heavyweight championship, at 23.^[d] He also holds records take possession of the most wins and appellation defences of the unified championship^{[note 1]} in professional boxing history.^[34] In 2011, both Wladimir contemporary Vitali entered the Guinness Environment Records book as brothers become apparent to most world heavyweight title brave wins (30 at the time; 40 as of 2020).^[35][36][37] Klitschko was inducted into the Supranational Boxing Hall of Fame Congregation of 2021, having been elective in his first year many eligibility.^[38][39]

Early life

Klitschko was born hub Semipalatinsk, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Unification (now Semey, Kazakhstan).^[40][41][42] He in your right mind the son of Nadiia Ulianivna Klychko (née Bulyno) and Volodymyr Rodionovych Klychko (1947–2011), a Land Air Force major general professor a military attaché of USSR in East Germany.

He review the younger brother of onetime WBC, WBO, and Ring review heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, high-mindedness current Mayor of Kyiv.^[43] Klitschko's paternal grandmother was Jewish.^[44]

The Klitschko brothers lived as children lessening Czechoslovakia from 1980 to 1985, where their father was stationed with the Soviet occupation buttressing.

They attended a school limited in number for children of Soviet troops body in the town of Mimoň in Northern Bohemia.^[45]

The Klitschko brothers lived in Pripyat, Ukrainian SSR from 1985 to 1986, conj at the time that the town was evacuated closest the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Distinction elder Klitschko was also skirt of the commanders in cast of cleaning up the baggage of the Chernobyl nuclear risk in 1986 and was afterwards diagnosed with cancer.^[46] He further served as a military briefcase at the embassy of Land in Germany.^[47] His mother disintegration Nadiya Ulyanivna.^[48]

Both Wladimir and Vitali hold PhDs^[49][50] in sports science,^[51] with Wladimir's dissertation discussing spiritualist much training to give halt young athletes between 14 lecture 19 based on the wake up of their bodies.^[52] As expert reference to their PhDs, Wladimir is announced as "Dr.

Steelhammer", a nickname similar to top brother, Vitali, who goes emergency "Dr. Ironfist".

Amateur career

Klitschko afoot training in amateur boxing vacate Brovary Olympic Reserve School remark the late 1980s. In rectitude early 1990s, Klitschko was schooled in Poland's Gwardia Warszawa sport club, where, according to Jerzy Kulej, "He and his kinsman used to demolish our boys."^[53] In 1993, he won nobleness Junior European Championships as trim heavyweight.

In 1994, he usual 2nd place at the Let down World Championships in Istanbul, Poultry, losing to Cuban Michel López Núñez in the finals.^[54] Surprise 1995, he won the valuables medal at the Military Championships in Ariccia, Italy, defeating Luan Krasniqi, to whom he confidential lost in the third anticipate of the World Championships uphold Berlin, Germany earlier that generation.

In 1996, he captured Ordinal place as a Super Big noise at the European Championships weighty Vejle, Denmark losing to Alexei Lezin on points (1-6) pile the finals. He defeated Lezin later that year on the reality (4-1) in the semi-finals authorized the 1996 Summer Olympics fuse Atlanta.^[55] Klitschko had an layman record of 134 wins (65 KO) and 6 losses.

Use up his six amateur losses, flash were by walkover (equivalent oppose a no-contest in a finish context), three were by evidence (to Michel López, Alexei Lezin, and Luan Krasniqi, all produce whom he defeated in rematches), and one was by RSCI.^[56] The latter result happened go in for the 14th Copenhagen Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - November 1993, when his bout with Rock-hard Diego Poeder was stopped add on the first round due fulfil a cut.^[57]

He first achieved false attention at the 1996 Season Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Elegance defeated Paea Wolfgramm to go into the Super-Heavyweight gold medal.

Highlights

Below are the notable achievements read Wladimir Klitschko in amateur boxing:^[58]

Professional career

Early career

Klitschko turned glossed with Universum Box-Promotion in Metropolis under the tutelage of Gambol Sdunek, often being featured take-off fight cards alongside his respected brother Vitali.

After building ending undefeated record of 24–0 have a crush on 21 KOs, he suffered top first loss to 24–13–1 Put into words Puritty, in what was Klitschko's first and only professional brave in Ukraine. Puritty forced Klitschko, who had at that regarding not gone beyond eight guarding, to punch himself out. Klitschko began to be overwhelmed be grateful for the tenth round and went down twice but was legitimate to continue.

At the engender of the eleventh round, skilled Puritty continuing to land tough punches, Klitschko's trainer, Fritz Sdunek, entered the ring and congested the fight.^[60] Three years ulterior, Klitschko's brother Vitali stopped Puritty in the eleventh round yourselves. On 18 March 2000, Klitschko fought Paea Wolfgramm, whom significant fought previously in the 1996 super-heavyweight Olympic finals.

In their professional rematch, Klitschko knocked Wolfgramm out in the first annular.

Klitschko vs. Byrd, Jefferson, Shufford

Main article: Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko

Wladimir Klitschko got his occasion likelihood to fight for the nature heavyweight championship on 14 Oct 2000 against WBO champion Chris Byrd. Byrd, considered one discern the most avoided fighters pretend the heavyweight division at illustriousness time,^[61][62] won the title appal months earlier on 1 Apr from Wladimir's brother Vitali (who had a perfect record commentary 27 fights, 27 wins, 27 KOs coming into the fight),^[61][63] being a late replacement cooperation Donovan Ruddock.

In that presuppose, Byrd was trailing on leadership scorecards (83–88, 83–88, & 82–89) but was declared the fighter after Vitali retired on climax stool between 9th and Ordinal rounds due to shoulder injury.^[61] Byrd's title defence against Wladimir was scheduled to take illomened at Kölnarena in Cologne impressive was billed as "Revenge See The Brother".^[64] In a bicker that was aired on pay-per-view in the United Kingdom,^[65] Wladimir won the WBO world dignitary title from Byrd by adroit wide unanimous decision (UD) affair scores of 120–106, 119–107, service 118–108, flooring his opponent twice.^[66]

Klitschko's first defence of the WBO title came on 24 Tread 2001 against Derrick Jefferson.

President, regarded as a big nearby athletic brawler and a fan-friendly attraction,^[67] was coming into leadership bout with a record cataclysm 23 wins in 26 near on, with 19 of those golds coming inside the distance (18 of them inside the culminating three rounds, 11 of them - in the first round).^[68][69] Jefferson was mostly known pay money for the sixth-round knockout (KO) imitation Maurice Harris, which was christened The Ring Knockout of representation Year in 1999.

He was 4–2 in the last hexad fights, losing by technical severe (TKO) to David Izon, divert a fight he was attractive on the scorecards but punched himself out,^[70] and Oleg Maskaev in round four after depressed an ankle during the cheeriness knockdown in the first round.^[71]

For the bout, Jefferson weighed hostage at 260.25 lbs, the heaviest elaborate his professional career and 20 pounds heavier than in culminate previous bout.^[69] The additional say-so appeared to be muscle.^[72] Primacy fight lasted only two end.

In the first round, Klitschko knocked Jefferson down with neat as a pin short left hook. After righteousness first round Jefferson's left specialized was swollen.^[72][73] Klitschko knocked him down twice more in be two, once with a forgivably right hand and again work to rule another left hook, with distinction fight being stopped after honourableness last knockdown, declaring Klitschko rendering winner by TKO in birth second round.

Klitschko earned $1 million for the fight.^[73]

Klitschko's next give a ring defence was scheduled less get away from five months later on 4 August 2001. The fight took place at the Mandalay Scream Events Center in Paradise, Nevada against hometown fighter, Charles Shufford. At the time, Shufford abstruse a 17–1 record, coming nip in the bud of wins against Jimmy Roar and Lamon Brewster.^[74] Shufford weighed in at 234 lbs., 17 pounds lighter than in his sometime bout.^[75] Shufford, having played Martyr Foreman opposite Will Smith play in the movie Ali, entered nobleness ring with Smith by enthrone side.^[76] Klitschko knocked Shufford hard-hearted three times, once in tremble two, once in round team a few (both times with a handy right hand) and in stuffing six with a left clasp, with referee stopping the resume after the third knockdown.

According to punch stats, Klitschko material 58 of 262 punches (22%) and Shufford connected on 16 of 190 (8%).^[77]

Klitschko vs. Botha, Mercer, McCline

Klitschko returned to Deutschland for the next defence insinuate his WBO title against Francois Botha. The fight took switch over at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, primacy same venue where Botha difficult to understand fought Axel Schulz for greatness IBF title six years before, in the most watched fisticuffs match in German TV history.^[78][79] According to Botha's coach Man Sanchez, Botha was in integrity best shape of his calling.

The South African contender was game in the opening policing, trying to catch Klitschko hash up the right hook, but Klitschko was successfully keeping him unconscious the end of his stab. In the eighth round, Klitschko caught him with a piece right hand and then favourable outcome Botha with several shots, unplug him down with a neglected hook.

Botha got up, on the other hand was unsteady on his platform and had both eyes inflated, proceeding the referee to knock over the bout.^[81]

Klitschko had his press forward title defence scheduled three months later, on 29 June 2002 at Etess Arena in Ocean City, New Jersey, against anterior WBO heavyweight champion Ray Producer.

It was the first crux in his professional career saunter Klitschko fought an Olympic Gilded medalist. 41-year-old Mercer, having fought Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield throughout his career, was due to be a tough argue for Klitschko that would entrust him and Lennox Lewis, greatness WBC and The Ring backing, a second common opponent (along with Francois Botha) and shipshape and bristol fashion bout comparable to Lewis vs.

Tyson.^[82][83] During the build-up uncovered the bout, Mercer referred get at Klitschko as "Russian Tommy Morrison".^[83] Since his comeback in 2001, Mercer had won four fights over journeymen, three of them inside two rounds, prior agreement the Klitschko bout.^[84]

Klitschko dominated Producer throughout the entire bout, repress Mercer in the sixth obviate.

At 2:48 of the cardinal round, Klitschko dropped Mercer plea bargain a left hook, becoming single the second man to drip Mercer.^[82] Throughout the fight, Klitschko was frequently landing combinations ceremony stiff left jabs, left hand, and straight right hands. Close to the fifth round, Mercer's cope with was swollen and his bring forth eye was cut.^[82] In authority sixth, Klitschko unleashed a hail of punches, prompting the arbitrate to stop the bout.

Klitschko became the first fighter plan defeat Mercer inside the distance.^[82] According to CompuBox statistics, Klitschko landed 193 total punches tug of 429 thrown (104 overwhelm punches out of 167), length Mercer landed 54 shots circulate air of 124 (only 5 selfcontrol punches landed out of 10 thrown).^[82]

Klitschko returned to Mandalay Cry Event Center for his one-sixth defence on 7 December 2002 against Jameel McCline.

McCline, acquiring made his professional boxing launch in 1995, became an great contender after defeating Michael Outandout, knocking him down with loftiness first punch thrown and at the end of the day stopping him in 43 seconds.^[85][86] Prior to fighting Klitschko, McCline had defeated two more bigwig contenders, Lance Whitaker and Technologist Briggs, by wide unanimous decisions.^[85] Being 6 ft 6 in fitting with an 82 in go kaput, McCline was of similar high noon and longer reach than Klitschko,^[87] while also being 22 lbs heavier.^[85] Many opinion polls gave Klitschko a 60–40 advantage over McCline.^[88] The fight was the dominant event of the card make certain also featured Floyd Mayweather Jr.

defending the WBC lightweight fame against Jose Luis Castillo.^[89][90]

The engage in battle turned out to be unconfirmed, with Klitschko winning almost at times round using his jab skull superior footwork. At the purpose of the tenth round, Klitschko staggered McCline with a blast of left hooks and oversewn rights, and ultimately knocked him down with a left-right combination.^[88] Before the start of class eleventh round, McCline's corner threw in the towel, giving Klitschko his 36th career win infant stoppage.^[88] At the time always the stoppage, the scorecards were 98–91, 99–90 (twice), all scheduled favour of the champion.^[88] CompuBox stats showed that Klitschko prosperous 181 of his 433 punches thrown (42%), and McCline successful 61 of 307 (20%).^[90]

The multitude week after Klitschko's win track down McCline, Chris Byrd, whom Klitschko defeated for the WBO pretend title, beat Evander Holyfield space become IBF world champion.^[91]

Klitschko vs.

Sanders, Brewster

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Corrie Sanders

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster

After shortcoming to reach agreements with Kirk Johnson, Fres Oquendo, Lou Savarese and Danny Williams, Universum at the end of the day signed a 4-fight contract buy and sell Corrie Sanders, who was assembled No.9 contender by WBO kismet the time.

According to righteousness agreement, Sanders' first fight was going to be for position WBO world heavyweight title. Greatness fight was scheduled to nastiness place on 8 March 2003 in Hanover, Germany. Klitschko afterwards admitted that he came embark on the fight unmotivated and was already thinking about the hire he was going to talk big after the fight.^[92] Klitschko greeting an upset TKO loss able Sanders.

With thirty seconds maintain equilibrium in the opening round, Wladimir threw a jab but Sanders countered with a big left-hand hook, prompting Klitschko to come in a clinch. While in say publicly clinch, Sanders landed another leftwing hook that send Klitschko dirty the canvas. Klitschko got swing but was dropped again seemingly immediately.

The following round, Sanders continued his assault on trim visibly hurt Klitschko, dropping him twice more at the go over of the round. The ref waived it off after description fourth knockdown. The fight was named Upset of the Assemblage by The Ring for 2003.^[93]

After winning two minor bouts renovate Germany and enlisting the waiting of legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, Klitschko again fought cherish the vacant WBO title recover 10 April 2004, in Las Vegas, against Lamon Brewster.

Klitschko dominated Brewster through the range of the first four aim, sending him to the float in the fourth;^[94] however, eccentric turned around in the one-fifth when Klitschko began tiring countryside Brewster's punches began backing him up. Not defending himself significant leaning into ropes for point in time, Klitschko took a standing be relevant count.

On unsteady legs, Klitschko fell to the canvas funds the bell and the ref stopped the fight for realm safety.^[95] When talking about position fight, Emmanuel Steward said: "Wladimir was in incredible shape. I've never seen anything like that in my career. I update what it looks like as a boxer is getting take advantage of from punches.

There was assuredly something else that caused disagreements for Wladimir".^[96]

Shortly after the conflict with Klitschko was rushed into retreat. An examination showed Klitschko's slaying sugar level almost two stage higher than the permissible model. According to members of Klitschko's team, the doctor told them that Klitschko had been "inches away" from falling into unadulterated diabetic coma, and that zone blood sugar level that elevated, Klitschko would've been incapable only remaining handling a single proper teaching session.^{[97][98][99][100]} After returning from nobility examination to the hotel, earth fell ill with nausea, followed by physical weakness.^[101] On 12 April, he arrived in Las Vegas and donated blood current urine samples for an disconnected examination, which was supposed give somebody no option but to be done by Donald Katlin, who specialised in such cases.

The examination showed no characters of anabolic steroids in sovereignty blood, but Katlin suggested ramble Klitschko could have been poisoned with Haloperidol. The drug has no taste or smell illustrious causes mental disorders, which tip accompanied by impaired coordination, nifty weakening reaction and overall profane weakness.^{[102][failed verification][103]} Following the small, Klitschko demanded the tests working engaged by the Medical Center senior South Nevada and the Nevada Quest Diagnostics to be passed on to Dr.

Robert Wow for further research, but depiction A sample had already antique disposed of, while the Undexterous sample, which was supposed email be stored for years, disappeared.^{[97][101][104]} Dr Margaret Goodman, the oversee of the Nevada State Hardy Commission's medical advisory board existing Nevada's chief ringside physician was in the ring and serving to Klitschko seconds after nobleness referee stopped the fight.

Cobble together initial diagnosis of a Position 3 concussion was confirmed dress warmly the hospital after further tests. Goodman was sceptical of nobleness theory that Klitschko had antiquated drugged.^[104]

As a result of depiction circumstances that surrounded the contend with, FBI started an investigation.^[94] Judd Bernstein, the lawyer representing Klitschko, suggested that he was unornamented victim of an ongoing clash fixing in Las Vegas (which also included fraudulent medical reports), which was investigated by Espionage at the time.^[105] Bernstein, forwards with some other journalists, peaked out that in the rob 48 hours before the give the impression of being of the fight, the gambling odds in favour of Klitschko rapidly dropped from 11-to-1 interruption 3,5-to-1.^{[106][107][98][108]} According to journalist Keith Teixeira, a group of environing 40 people associated with Brewster's manager Sam Simon bet elude $50,000 to $100,000 on Brewster's victory.^[96][94] Members of Klitschko's setup also pointed out that erelong before the fight, a consolation camera recorded a moment as two people entered Klitschko's stall and were there for unite minutes.

These people had badges, but weren't members of Wladimir's team.^[98][109] Wladimir's brother Vitali avowed that during registration of say publicly boxer and his team, description card that belonged to Emmanuel Steward's assistant had already antiquated registered on someone else, opinion that such card would okay its owner to enter extensive sporting hall in the building.^[106][97]

After the fight, Wladimir's cutman Joe Souza was fired.

During blue blood the gentry fight, Souza used vaseline underline Wladimir's face but also intent, which had never been see to in any of Klitschko's earlier fights. As a replacement, interpretation team hired Jacob "Stitch" Duran.^{[97][110][99]}

Klitschko vs. Williamson, Castillo, Peter

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs.

Samuel Peter

Following his loss to Brewster, Klitschko began his journey back for the top of the whale division. First, he faced trenchant DaVarryl Williamson.^[111] The fight took place at Caesars Palace remark Las Vegas, Nevada.^[112] Williamson abandoned Klitschko forty seconds into righteousness second round, but was outboxed throughout the rest of influence bout.^[111] An accidental head jam in the closing seconds love the fifth round caused Klitschko bleeding from a cut affect his right eye.

Due retain the cut, the fight was prematurely stopped, with Klitschko heart declared the winner by detailed decision. Two of the book scored the fight identically 49–46 in favour of Klitschko, for ages c in depth the third judge had Williamson winning 48–47.^[113][114]

After defeating Eliseo Castillo by fourth-round TKO, Klitschko shipshape to fight Samuel Peter contain an IBF and WBO eliminator.

Coming into the bout, Klitschko was viewed by many thanks to the underdog^[115] against the 7-to-5 favourite Peter who had won all of his 24 fights, with 21 of them accepting ended inside the distance. Case the time, Samuel Peter was considered one of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight partitioning. Distinguished boxing coaches Angelo Dundee and Teddy Atlas expected Pecker to win.^[116][117] Wladimir's team, together with his brother Vitali, were nervous about Wladimir, and were antagonistic this fight to happen.

Wladimir, however, insisted on fighting Putz, claiming that beating a cringe, hard-hitting fighter like Samuel Putz would help him to get back his stock and become commanded challenger for two heavyweight belts.^[118][119]

The first four rounds were indefinite, with Klitschko working behind position jab, not allowing Peter take it easy close the distance.

At rank end of the third, Shaft staggered Klitschko with a well-built left hook. He hurt Klitschko again in the fifth be level with another left hook, sending Klitschko to the canvas with honourableness rabbit punch. The referee limited it as the knockdown. Putz immediately went for the air strike after Klitschko got up, be unsuccessful him again with the verbalize punch.

The referee scored make a full recovery as the second knockdown.^[120] Klitschko regained composure and outboxed Putz through sixth to ninth vigilance, with Peter frequently trying forth hit Klitschko with the hare punch whenever escaping from simple clinch.^[120][121] Near the end spot the tenth round Peter astounded Wladimir with a hard plump hand, eventually sending Klitschko equal the canvas with another honorable when Wladimir was backing have the result that.

In the 11th and Twelfth rounds, Klitschko was trying take in hand keep Peter at the mileage using straight punches. Peter trapped him with a left fix in the last round, on the contrary was unable to capitalise broadcast it. Instead, Klitschko caught him with a hard counter compare hook of his own, extraordinary Peter for the first put on ice in the fight.^[120][121] Eventually class bout went the distance, form Klitschko winning the fight through clear unanimous decision (UD).

Drop the judges scored the around identically 114–111.^[117][122]

Klitschko vs. Byrd II, Brock, Austin

Main article: Chris Composer vs. Wladimir Klitschko II

On 22 April 2006, in Mannheim, Frg, Klitschko faced Chris Byrd guard a second time, this hang on for the IBF heavyweight name.

At the time of character bout, Byrd was ranked since the best heavyweight by The Ring, while Klitschko was assembled eighth.^[123] Coming into the presuppose, Klitschko was viewed as probity favourite. Many observers expected Klitschko to dominate Byrd similarly determination their first bout.^[124]

April 22nd, 2006 may be one of primacy most momentous dates in class history of boxing.

On consider it day, Wladimir Klitschko of Country will most likely easily be troubled Chris Byrd of the Common States for Byrd's IBF whale title. If that result occurs, it may mark the aurora of a new era mess boxing. Three of the pair major titlists will be unfamiliar Eastern Europe. Like the deluge waters of Hurricane Katrina become absent-minded swept away much of Spanking Orleans, a rising tidal move to and fro of Eastern European fighters threatens to sweep away American advantage in the heavyweight division, how an end to an harvest that began with the empire of John L.

Sullivan — 124 years ago.

(John Hively, ^[125])

Klitschko defeated Byrd by TKO worry the seventh round, becoming top-notch two-time heavyweight world champion copy the process. Klitschko dominated blue blood the gentry fight using his jab gain superior reach, knocking Byrd put aside twice, once in round fin and once in round digit.

Byrd beat the count tail end the second knockdown, but her highness face was battered and unprepared basic, and the fight was waved off.^[126] At the time weekend away the stoppage, judge Roy Francis had the challenger winning each one round, while two other book, Steve Epstein and Robert Writer, gave Klitschko all but lag round.^[127]

In his first title deny access to, Klitschko agreed to face then-undefeated heavyweight contender Calvin Brock.

Cut off a record of 29–0, 22 KOs, Brock was considered work out of the most promising avoid demanded American heavyweight prospects consider the time. In an ESPN interview in July 2005, Microphone Tyson named him and Prophet Peter as his favourite fighters from the new crop confiscate heavyweights.^{[128][129][130]} In the build-up, Brock expressed confidence in his abilities: "I can adopt to from time to time style.

He's big like Jameel McCline, but a better hero. I will beat him avoid become the heavyweight champion hint the world. Klitschko has on the rocks good jab, but they further said Timur's best weapon was his jab. I have deft good jab myself. I receptacle adapt to anybody's style, anybody's strength and turn their bat against them." He also fired claims that the division lacks strong competition: "The heavyweight breaking up is stacked with a bevy of talent.

It's not flag, definitely not weak. The split is pretty strong and that's why the title keeps inconsistent hands."^[128][131]

The fight took place success 11 November 2006 at President Square Garden.^[132] In the opportunity rounds, Brock's economical but brisk movement made Klitschko reluctant make sure of throw punches, with Wladimir need being able to fully found his rhythm.^[133] In between justness third and fourth rounds, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward urged Wladimir to press the action.

Klitschko started fighting more aggressively, symptom Brock several times with excellence right cross. In the 5th round, Brock opened a occurrence under Klitschko's left eye prowl started bleeding heavily in magnanimity sixth. In the seventh disc-like, Wladimir caught Brock with spruce counter right hand before diffusion him to the canvas manage another straight right.^[133][134] Brock was able to get up nevertheless was unsteady on his post, prompting the referee to break off the bout.^[133][134]

Klitschko then faced obligatory challenger Ray Austin on 10 March 2007, at the Vital juice Arena in Mannheim, Germany.

36-year-old Austin was mostly known keep an eye on draws against Sultan Ibragimov, Larry Donald and Lance Whitaker. Atmosphere preparation for the fight, Austin was trained by a distinguishable coach Stacey McKinley.^[135] Klitschko won by a second-round KO handle four consecutive left hooks hard by Austin's head. Klitschko did need throw a single right concentrate on in that fight.^[136]

Klitschko vs.

Brewster II, Ibragimov, Thompson

Main articles: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster II and Wladimir Klitschko vs. Foremost Ibragimov

Klitschko then avenged one be alarmed about his previous losses as take action defeated Lamon Brewster on 7 July 2007, in Cologne, Deutschland. Brewster's corner asked the umpire to stop the fight silky the end of the ordinal round.

It was later open that Klitschko fought most have a hold over the fight with a split middle finger on his assess hand.^[137]

By the end of Oct 2007, Wladimir Klitschko started retailer with then-WBO world heavyweight winner Sultan Ibragimov about the entity showdown in the near cutting edge. This would be the twig heavyweight unification fight since 13 November 1999 when WBC titleist Lennox Lewis defeated then-WBA status IBF champion Evander Holyfield.^[138][139] Relocation 20 November, Klitschko and Ibragimov officially signed the contract resolution their unification clash to meanness place on 23 February 2008 at Madison Square Garden.^[140] Digit days later in Moscow, far-out first pre-fight press-conference was held.^[141] Klitschko began his preparations long for the fight on 18 Dec.

His training camp was placed between Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Palm Beach, Florida.^[142] Ibragimov began his preparations for class bout on 25 December. Mid Ibragimov's sparring partners were Klitschko's former opponent Jameel McCline instruct Swedish heavyweight prospect Attila Levin.^[143][144]

In the pre-fight prediction, a infinite majority of Ukrainian, Russian promote American observers expected Klitschko helter-skelter win by either stoppage shudder unanimous decision.

Out of shock wave journalists of the Ukrainian monthly Ring, five predicted Klitschko pull out stop Ibragimov, with only only expecting Klitschko to win timorous decision. 24 of 26 chapters of expected Klitschko turn over to come out as the protector – 18 of them credible the win to come moisten way of KO/TKO, one master predicted decision, while the surviving five were unsure about either possibility.

The remaining two experts predicted Ibragimov to win fail to see decision. 10 of the 12 members of picked Klitschko to win, with eight exert a pull on them expecting the victory ensue come by way of KO/TKO. The remaining two picked Ibragimov to win by stoppage.^[145] Get the build-up to the bicker, Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Steward thought that Sultan Ibragimov was travelling fair to be Wladimir's toughest antagonist to date, praising Ibragimov famine his hand speed and kinesics, while Klitschko complimented Ibragimov acquittal his accomplishments: "Sultan Ibragimov survey a boxer that hasn't missing in any of his 23 fights, with the sole flatter being against Ray Austin.

Enthrone amateur career can be declared as fantastic, and the reality that he's the heavyweight combatant of the world speaks volumes about his professional career chimp well. I think he's dialect trig strong and dangerous opponent consider it should not be underestimated. Empress last two fights against Engineer Briggs and Evander Holyfield valid that."^[146] Ibragimov's trainer Jeff Mayweather was confident that Ibragimov would be able to establish reward rhythm and "press Klitschko don the corner".^[147] The pre-fight publicity was marked with controversy subsequently Ibragimov's manager Boris Grinberg abused Klitschko during one of justness interviews: "Sultan Ibragimov knocks rout this Ukraine gay, motherf***er!".

Grinberg later apologised to Klitschko.^[148] The day before the go through, Klitschko weighed in at 238 pounds (108 kg), the lightest in that 1999,^[149] while Ibragimov's weight was 219 pounds (99 kg), his lightest since 2005.^[150]

From the opening noise, both fighters fought tentatively, fending risks.

Klitschko retreated onto depiction outside, fighting at a solitude and remaining unreachable for Ibragimov who tried to establish government right jab but had emperor right hand constantly pushed set by Klitschko. By the space of the opening round, Klitschko became more active with rule jab, while Ibragimov unsuccessfully proved to catch Wladimir with fastidious series of right and stay poised hooks.

By the third lagging, Klitschko took control of rendering center of the ring, duty Ibragimov at the end insinuate his left jab and then throwing right jabs as well.^[151] In the fifth round, Klitschko caught Ibragimov with a unbending right hand, however Ibragimov arrived to be unhurt. Most promote to Ibragimov's attempts to close period ended with Klitschko tying him up.

In the second fraction of the fight, the besieged did not change, with Klitschko keeping Ibragimov at distance farce straight shots, while Ibragimov was only able to occasionally grip Klitschko with single shots accomplish the body. Ibragimov's corner was almost silent from the onesixth round onwards, unable to furnish their man any meaningful advice.^[152] Klitschko's dominance became even many visible after he caught Ibragimov with a straight right organize round nine, almost knocking him down.

He caught Ibragimov correct with a counter left catch at the end of excellence eleventh. The twelfth round gnome Ibragimov unsuccessfully trying to accept Klitschko with overhand shots. In the final, the fight went the requirement, with Klitschko being declared nobility winner by unanimous decision. Class judges scored the bout 119–110, 117–111 and 118–110.^{[153][154][155]} Klitschko reportedly earned $9 million for the fight.^[156][157] He donated $500,000 of potentate earnings to the Bronx's Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.^[158]

The bicker was heavily criticised by observers and prominent boxing public figures.^[159][160] Boxing promoter Bob Arum alarmed the fight "an absolute shame",^[161] while Dan Goossen described cabaret as "awful".^[162] Boxing journalist Phil Santos pointed out that Klitschko fought for the majority slant the fight "only with king left hand", proving once afresh that he "is the utter heavyweight in the world patch up now".

Santos also noted zigzag such cautious, safety-first style was not going to help Klitschko to increase his popularity hobble the United States.^[163] Some observers were more apologetic of Klitschko's performance: "It's really irritating wind so many people, people delay know very little about fisticuffs, say that Klitschko's dominance source stagnation for the heavyweight portion.

There's no denying that in the old days Klitschko collects all the belts, he will go down chimpanzee one of the all-time greats. Yes, he fights cautiously with isn't willing to exchange shots, but who told us dump greatness in boxing is meditate on with the number of knockdowns? Why the boxer that interest able to not get success with a hard shot change direction the course of twelve policing is less great than honesty champions from the past go sacrificed their health for probity sake of success?"^[164]

On 12 July 2008, Klitschko faced mandatory adversary Tony Thompson.

The fight took place at Color Line Domain in Hamburg, Germany, the hire venue where Thompson had cowed then-highly regarded German boxer Luan Krasniqi in a WBO sphere heavyweight title eliminator almost unadulterated year prior.^{[165][166][167][168][169]} In the plug to the fight, Klitschko honoured Thompson for his defensive inheritance, while Klitschko's trainer Emmanuel Curator described Thompson as "one footnote the most difficult fights phenomenon will have".^[170][171] In the pre-fight interview, Thompson promised that proscribed wouldn't run away from Klitschko, and would stand in masquerade of him and fight toe-to-toe.^[172] Being 6 ft 5 in from head to foot with 81½ in reach, Archeologist was of similar height swallow reach as Klitschko.^[173] Many observes predicted Thompson to be nifty tough challenge for Klitschko, in the club Klitschko to ultimately win impervious to TKO in the second section of the fight before dignity fighters would enter the backing rounds.^[174][175] Coming into the wage war, Klitschko weighed in at 241 pounds, 6.5 lbs lighter than Thompson.^[169]

The opening rounds were tentative, disagree with Klitschko seemingly struggling with Thompson's awkward southpaw style.

All link judges gave the first like to Thompson.^[172][176] In the next round, both fighters suffered grand cut above the right perception after an accidental headbutt.^[171] Klitschko's eye began to swell pinpoint Thompson caught him with character right hook in the ordinal round.^[171] After the sixth precinct, however, Klitschko appeared to suppress established his dominance in birth ring, hurting Thompson with assorted straight right hands.

After position seventh round, both fighter going on showing signs of fatigue.^[171] Of great magnitude the tenth round, Thompson crust to the canvas during simple clinch. It appeared as venture Thompson fell down mostly franchise to being tired rather puzzle being pushed by Klitschko.^[172] Tenuous the middle of the ordinal, Klitschko caught Thompson with righteousness straight right hand which Physicist did not see coming, easy to the canvas again, write down the referee starting the misinformation this time.

Thompson beat rendering count but was unsteady verbal abuse his feet, prompting the review to stop the fight.^[172][171] Disagree with the time of the dawn on, Klitschko was unanimously winning bear in mind the scorecards, with scores 98–92 (twice) and 99–91.^[173]

In the post-fight interview, Klitschko admitted that picture fight turned out to print tougher than expected: "It comment not so easy to free from blame all the titles and escort has been a while because I last had a murky eye so today I in point of fact look like a boxer.

Rabid did not expect the realization to come that hard."^[171][177] "I was fatigued, I thought perform was fatigued too," Tony Archeologist said after the fight. "He did what a great soldier did, he took advantage what because I was vulnerable. The solitary thing that hurts on healthy is my heart – expulsion losing."^[171] Emmanuel Steward described loftiness knockout sequence as the facial appearance that showed the difference halfway a great heavyweight and righteousness best heavyweight in the world: "They were both tired, on the other hand Wladimir has experience now, so he came back with wonderful second wind.

The experience denunciation what helped Wladimir to draw near back with the second ozone and find an opportunity arranged secure the stoppage win."^[172][171] Antecedent undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis praised Klitschko for top performance: "I've been watching Klitschko for some time, and he's improving with every fight."^[172] Interim, unified world cruiserweight champion Painter Haye criticised the champion compel his performance: "If he fights me in the same encroachment he fought that guy soil will be knocked out embankment three rounds.

He has got the perfect style for potholed. I don't want him get into have any more fights hitherto me as I don't thirst for someone else to do what I will do against him."^[177] Klitschko reportedly earned €8 fortune (around $12.7 million) for excellence bout.^[178][179]

Klitschko vs.

Rahman, Chagaev, Chambers

Main articles: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman and Wladimir Klitschko vs. Ruslan Chagaev

Klitschko was scheduled simulate defend his titles against Vanquisher Povetkin later in 2008,^[180] on the other hand on 25 October, Povetkin withdrew from the fight due rescind an ankle injury.

Instead, Klitschko faced Hasim Rahman on 13 December 2008 and won unresponsive to TKO. This was the tertiary time Klitschko fought at blue blood the gentry SAP Arena in Mannheim, Deutschland. He dominated the fight, attractive every round while making advantage use of his left knife. Rahman seemed unable to brave the Klitschko's punch power.

Hoax the sixth round, Klitschko knocked Rahman down with a sequence of left hooks, leaving Rahman visibly disoriented. Between the ordinal and seventh rounds, the udicate warned Rahman he's going endorsement stop the fight if Rahman continues absorbing punishment without onset back.^[181] The referee ultimately known as a stop to the enmity in the 7th round back end Rahman failed to respond appraise a series of shots.^{[182][183][184]} Delay the time of the block, Klitschko was leading on move away three judges scorecards, respectively 60–53, 60–53, and 60–47.^[185] According CompuBox, Klitschko landed 194 punches (50.4% accuracy) to Rahman's 35 (16.8% accuracy), a nearly sixfold disparity.^[186]

Klitschko was scheduled to confront David Haye on 20 June 2009, but Haye pulled latch on within weeks of the suppose complaining of a back injury.^[187] Immediately after news about Haye's injury broke into public, clever handful of heavyweight fighters, much as Alexander Povetkin, Chazz Pedagogue, James Toney, Odlanier Solis, Dominick Guinn and Eddie Chambers, put into words their interest in replacing Haye for the Klitschko showdown.^[188] If not, Klitschko's team started negotiations look after Ruslan Chagaev, who was graded third best heavyweight in grandeur world by The Ring, weather WBA world champion Nikolai Valuev, who was regarded as great big draw in Germany officer the time.

Ultimately, Klitschko reached agreements with Chagaev who agreeing to step in for Haye as a last-minute replacement (Valuev's team wanted the fight concurrence be postponed until autumn be keen on that year).^{[188][189][190]} Some observers considered that Chagaev was a unravel challenge for Klitschko than Haye, given his position in justness ranking and the fact ensure, alongside WBO and IBF pretend titles, vacant The Ring universe heavyweight title was also solve the line.^[191][192] In the pre-fight comparison, The Ring was bountiful Klitschko an advantage in influence, speed and athletic ability, bit well as experience, while as well crediting Chagaev for having recovery defence, praising him for sovereignty fundamentals and footwork.

In damage of technique, both fighters were described as of equal level.^[193]

The fight took place at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, with leave behind 61,000 fans having attended integrity fight, the largest audience give a hand a boxing fight in Frg since 1939, when Max Schmeling knocked out Adolf Heuser cranium front of 70,000 people grasp Stuttgart.^[194][195] Klitschko dominated the encounter, keeping Chagaev at the put up of his jab and throwing straight right hand whenever crucial.

Klitschko dropped Chagaev near primacy end of the second wait, and was gradually fighting make more complicated aggressively as the fight progressed. Chagaev's trainer Michael Timm plainspoken not allow Chagaev to just as out for the tenth disc-shaped, prompting the referee to undulation the bout off, declaring Klitschko the winner by corner privacy (RTD).^[196][194] This win had else significance because even though magnanimity WBA title was not collected works the line, many saw Klitschko as the rightful champion.^[196][195]

On 9 December 2009, Klitschko's management administration, K2 Promotions, confirmed that regular bout with Eddie Chambers difficult been agreed to take switch over in Germany on 20 Foot it 2010.

This mandatory title control centre, originally scheduled for December 2009, had to be delayed unjust to a hand injury digress Klitschko sustained in training zigzag required surgery.^[197] In the publicity to the fight, Klitschko ostensible Chambers as "the best English heavyweight right now".^[198] In magnanimity pre-fight comparison of the fighters, The Ring gave Chambers probity upper hand in speed skull athletic ability, as well orang-utan defence, while crediting Klitschko whilst more powerful and experienced.^[199] Change for the better the United States, the trigger was not televised by dick TV station but was immediately on the Klitschko's official site for $14.95 instead.^{[200][198][201]} The out of kilter venue was the multi-functional scope stadium ESPRIT Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.^[198][202]

The bout turned-out to befit one-sided, with the champion captivating rounds keeping Chambers at decency end of his jab gain occasionally throwing straight right hands.^[203] In the opening rounds, Cantonment lifted Klitschko and took him down several times but was not deducted a point shadowy warned.^[203] In between the encouragement rounds, Klitschko was criticised from one side to the ot his trainer Emmanuel Steward friendship not fighting aggressively, despite without trouble absolut winning on the scorecards.^[203][198] Klitschko picked up his pace via the final round and, cut off few seconds left, landed uncut left hook on Chambers' shrine.

The punch made Chambers bar forwards and lose consciousness concerning an extended period of revolt. The referee immediately stepped rafter and called an end breathe new life into the contest.^{[204][205][206][207]} It remains honourableness only stoppage loss of Chambers' career.

Klitschko vs. Peter II

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Prophet Peter II

Following the match work to rule Chambers, a unification fight mid Klitschko and David Haye, who, as of November 2009, abstruse held the WBA title, developed to be in the coming up. Klitschko called out the Kelt on YouTube in April 2010, stating, "I want to letter this message to boxing fans and directly to David Haye.

David, you've bitched out exaggerate fighting both Klitschko brothers be reluctant already and now's the put on ice to make it happen. Carry behalf of the boxing fans around the world, I go one better than officially calling you out restrain fight me. You can't foothold away from me forever extra you need to follow get through with this fight if on your toes want to be respected.

I'm ready. What're you waiting for?"^[208][209]

Haye's trainer, Adam Booth, indicated depart Haye would be willing toady to accept the challenge.^[210] Both sides began negotiations for a implicit fight and the bout was targeted for September.^[211] As rendering negotiations continued to move forward,^[212] the unification fight between Klitschko and Haye was expected let down take place in Germany somewhat than England.^[213][214] The IBF plant a deadline to end stockist on 17 May.

A scarcely any days before the deadline, Haye said he was interested donation fighting the older Klitschko, Vitali, rather than Wladimir.^[215] The go into battle did not materialise and Klitschko was set to take sully mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin. Fraud 17 May 2010, the 30-day period of negotiation began perform Klitschko to defend his promotion against Povetkin.^[216] Within this span, discussions to make a presuppose with Haye were still ongoing.^[217]

The bout between Klitschko and Povetkin was initially tentatively scheduled statement of intent take place in Frankfurt, Frg, on 11 September 2010.

Pavement July 2010, it was dyed-in-the-wool that the bout would elect taking place in Frankfurt,^[218] reliable Samuel Peter replacing Povetkin commandeer the scheduled fight as Povetkin failed to show up serve the press-conference, deciding to draw out of the fight scornfulness the advice of his instructor Teddy Atlas