By Ryan Songalia

Typically, the only hitting that occurs at the PGA National Resort and Spa comes from putters and wedges. Until February 17, you can add hooks and jabs to that list as well. That is when IBF Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will wrap up his training camp in Palm Beach Gardens, FL in preparation for his February 23 unification bout with WBO Heavyweight titlist Sultan Ibragimov in Madison Square Garden.

The facility is small, more posh than the KRONK environment most of the fighters present are accustomed to. The gymnasium is enclosed in a white tent, equipped with a full-sized ring, a single heavy bag and speed bag and medicine balls scattering the site. Three television screens continuously stream past Ibragimov fights while up-tempo early-90's hip hop tracks like House of Pain's "Jump Around" and MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This" fill the air with rhythm and vibe.

"It's very intense and focused," says head trainer Emmanuel Steward about the country club surroundings. "We have everything we need right here."

"The environment is fantastic," Klitschko, 49-3 (44 KO), told BoxingScene.com. "The weather is beautiful and the people around me are very good to me. I'm having a good time."

While the principles warmed up with shadowboxing and light-stretching, Steward announced to the crowd present that the objective was for Klitschko to work on "speed", "cutting off the ring," and "shortening the distance."

Klitschko's first sparring partner was Isiah Thomas, an amateur standout who won the Heavyweight Gold Medal at the 2005 Cadet World Championships in Liverpool, England. Klitschko stalked his prey, pawing at Thomas as he closed the distance. The second round was highlighted by a three punch combination that sapped any aggression Thomas may have been harboring.

For the next three rounds, Klitschko worked with an Ecuadorian fighter named Castillo with a 25-4 record. Steward described him as being "very similar to Ibragimov." Castillo lunged in wildly with right jabs and left crosses, yet nothing seemed to unnerve the Ukrainian giant. Klitschko finally began fully extending his left jab into Castillo by the second round of their session. By the third stanza, Klitschko started putting some serious mustard on his crosses and left hooks, which seemed to adversely affect the now-tired pug.

Aaron Pryor Jr., one of the six or so boxers sharing quarters with the heavyweight titlist, is impressed with what he's witnessed. "He works hard. To be as big as he is, his speed and his power is unbelievable. Right now I don't see anyone out there who can beat him."

Despite what many are calling a size-mismatch, Steward is planning for a difficult test for the 1996 Super Heavyweight Olympic Gold Medalist. "I think Ibragimov is the best fighter Wladimir could've fought. I think Ibragimov is a very smart fighter, very well-schooled, thinks very good, has good sense on when to punch and when not to punch. Most people are underestimating him. I'm not underestimating him at all. I think he's a very good fighter.

"He's used to fighting big guys and beating them. He knows how to get in and out. If he was slow, it would be different but his speed neutralizes his disadvantages."

Klitschko added, "I will not underestimate him. He's very smart fighter and he's great experience as an amateur."

One criticism of the younger Klitschko brother is his limited punch resistance. All three of his losses as a pro have come by knockout. Steward isn't concerned about Ibragimov's clout, however. "I don't think Ibragimov presents a problem with punching power. It's very easy to lose a decision to him if you don't watch. He's very fast and knows how to put together combinations and move away quickly."

Co-trainer James Ali Bashir describes a very professional mentality in Klitschko's preparations. "Working with Wladimir Klitschko is like a heart beat. It's the same constant motivation all the time. Wladimir Klitschko makes the adjustments necessary. His attitude and enthusiasm never changes."

Klitschko-Ibragimov will be the first heavyweight unification bout since Lennox Lewis brought the title together against Evander Holyfield in 1999. Steward feels it is imperative for Klitschko to coalesce the belts for him to gain universal respect.

"Wladimir Klitschko wants to unify the championship. He doesn't have a big super fight in front of him like Holyfield and Tyson to fight. The only thing he can do to be accepted is to be the undisputed champion."

Remarks Klitschko, "I'm a fan of the sport. We desperately need a heavyweight champion. This title is the title in sports. As a fan of this sport, I wish we have a person who will carry this title with pride and kids will look up to this person. We'll see who it's gonna be."

Any questions or comments? Send them to me at mc_rson@yahoo.com