Everything Favors Wladimir Klitschko in Thompson Bout
Everything from the betting odds to the German locale favor WBO and IBF heavyweight titlist Wladimir Klitschko heading into his Saturday fight against top challenger Tony Thompson.
"Having the fight in Hamburg is a special honor to me, especially because I am returning as a champion, said the 32-year old Klitschko at a recent press gathering. "My last fight here was over eight years ago. This is the city where I started my professional career and this is the city that I consider my second home and where I am fortunate to have a large fan base.”
Klitschko's last fight in Hamburg was against Paea Wolfgramm in March 2000 and he dispatched the Tongan boxer in the first round. This will be Klitschko's fifth career fight in Hamburg and he has won each time he has fought in the city.
Thompson, 36, brings a record of 31-1 (19)KO to Germany and he is undaunted by the fighting in Hamburg, as it was the site of perhaps his most significant victory, a July 2007 fifth-round knockout win over Luan Krasniqi - who hasn't fought since.
"Unlike his last opponent, Ibragimov, I'll be aggressive and beat him in the ring," stated a confident Thompson. "There´s no doubt that Klitschko is dangerous, but I know how he can be beat and I'll take his titles back with me to the states.”
The Las Vegas oddsmakers are unswayed by Thompson's tough talk and rhetoric. According to the bookies in Nevada, Klitschko is an overwhelming betting favorite to retain his titles. Wladimir is a -600 favorite to beat Thompson and a -170 favorite to knock him out in less than nine rounds.
The final press conference for the fight was held on Monday in Hamburg and both men claimed they would be victorious. Both appeared comfortable, relaxed and in shape as they faced a throng of assembled media from all corners of the world.
While many in the press have criticized the unknown and unheralded Thompson as being an unworthy opponent, Klitschko, who possesses a record of 50-3 (44)KO, views the challenger from a different perspective.
"Thompson is the number-one contender for a reason," says Klitschko. "He has only been defeated once and he is a tough opponent. He is as tall as I am and a southpaw. I have seen his dominant performance against Krasniqi last year, but there´s no doubt that I'll win this fight to continue my winning streak."
On Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, journalists and fans will have the chance to see "Dr. Steelhammer" and "The Tiger" in their final open workouts at Karstadt Sports Store in Hamburg. The official weigh-in will be held at 12 noon on Friday, also at Karstadt Sports and it will be open to the public.