Klitschko Not Overlooking Gomez, Plans To Win Big
By Mark Vester
WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko says he wanted to fight another opponent but since the WBC forced him to make the mandatory defense against Juan Carlos Gomez - his entire focus is on the fight. At one time the two fighters were trained by Fritz Sdunek, who is still with Klitschko and under the same promotional banner. During the last few weeks, the two boxers have exchanged some harsh words in the pre-fight hype to their fight on March 21 in Stuttgart, Germany.
"In the last few years I've prepared for a lot of fights in Going, and I feel very good here. I've got really used to the atmosphere and the hotel, which is very important. There are ideal training conditions in the Stanglwirt Hotel, so there's no reason for me to change training camps. I am absolutely fit and feel very good. The preparations for the fight are perfectly on plan. I can't wait to get in the ring to fight Juan Carlos. I will not lose," Klitschko told EuroSport .
Klitschko told EuroSport that while they were with the same promoter, the two had several sparring sessions and he knocked Gomez out in sparring. Klitschko knows Gomez, who was a cruiserweight back then, has improved a lot and he plans to take no chances.
"Absolutely right, I already know Juan Carlos Gomez. But then again, that was some time ago and since then he's improved a lot. He's become number one in the WBC ranking and is anything but an easy opponent: he's experienced, quick and unpleasant. I definitely won't underestimate him," Klitschko said.
"In a title fight anything can happen. You always have to be fully focused and can't afford even a moment's weakness. Any fighter can land a lucky punch: they are all professionals. It's no secret that I wanted to fight another opponent, but the association has insisted that I fight against Gomez first. I've got to concentrate fully on this fight. A Klitschko doesn't need to fear anyone.... but there are heavyweight boxers out there who are very strong. They are Haye, Valuev, Ruslan Chagajev and Chris Arreola."
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