By Jake Donovan
The 49th win in Floyd Mayweather’s career—a 12-round decision over Andre Berto on Sept. 13th in Las Vegas—was followed up by his pre-fight promise that it would be the last-ever time he laces ‘em up.
Assuming (pretending?) his retirement sticks, the undefeated boxer goes out as World welterweight champ, as well as the best fighter in the world in a pound-for-pound sense.
For those who stress over keeping such lists updated, debate has already begun over which fighter will gain recognition as the sport’s very best. Among the many names mentioned, World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko certainly has the credentials. He has held at least one belt since 2006, a reign of 9 ½ years by the time he enters his Oct. 24th showdown with unbeaten challenger Tyson Fury.
Depending on your viewpoint, a win can either solidify his stance or strengthen his case as the very best in the world.
While flattered by being held in such regard, Klitschko’s lack of interest on the subject is on par with BoxingScene.com’s own Steve Kim.
“There’s an old saying, people call the king, the king; the king doesn't call himself that,” Klitschko (64-3, 53KOs) made a point to mention during a recent media conference call to promote the upcoming bout with Fury, which will air live from ESPRIT Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany. “Am I going to be pleased if I am number one? I guess so. It's not the job among the fighters to think they're the best over others.”
For now, Klitschko would rather place his focus on attention where it always remains prior to a fight—squarely on the heavyweight threatening to take his crown. The upcoming mandatory title defense versus Fury will mark his sixth unbeaten opponent in the span of seven fights.
His latest victory came over previously unbeaten Bryant Jennings, scoring a 12-round unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The fight marked his first stateside appearance since a 12-round win over then-unbeaten Sultan Ibragimov in the very same building more than seven years prior.
Along with racking up 18 defenses of at least one title, Klitschko boasts a 22-fight win streak dating back to 2004, with 10 of the victories coming against previously undefeated titlists or contenders.
For those who’ve always preferred the big boys to lead the way, Klitschko is already among the most dominant heavyweight champions in boxing history. Even at age 39, he hasn’t shown any real signs of slowing down while having all but cleaned out the heavyweight division.
Does it all add up to his being the most dominant force in the boxing world?
“(The media) can make that decision. It's not my job. I don't bother myself with that,” Klitschko insists.
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene