By Vadim Pushkin
According to former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, former beltholder Wladimir Klitschko could benefit from some additional training help in the corner.
Last month, Klitschko suffered his first defeat in over ten years. He lost a twelve round unanimous decision to unbeaten Tyson Fury, who picked up the WBA/IBO/WBO/IBF world titles with the victory.
Klitschko is trained by Johnathon Banks, who took over the corner after longtime trainer Emanuel Steward passed away in 2012 due to complications from colon cancer.
Up until a year ago, Banks - only 33-years-old - was an active fighter in the heavyweight division. He's been inactive since getting knocked out by Antonio Tarver last December.
Klitschko may not have the same level of respect for Banks as he did for Steward, says Holyfield. He says the former champ may need a second voice, that is more experienced, in the corner.
In the next few months, Klitschko will face Fury in a rematch. One trainer that Holyfield believes would benefit the former champion's corner is Hall of Famer coach Freddie Roach, who some experience with helping prepare Klitschko.
"You need someone in the corner that you respect. Otherwise you won't listen to your coach and [you won't] get the best out of yourself. Klitschko's last trainer, Emanuel Steward, [fighters respected him] - but this does not apply to every trainer. I would suggest that he include Freddie Roach [in his corner]," Holyfied.
Would Holyfield consider the idea of helping Klitschko prepare for the rematch?
"Of course I would advise him," Holyfield said.
