Team Klitschko: Huck Must Prove Himself, Get in Line

Marco Huck wants to step up a division to challenge one of the Klitschko brothers for a heavyweight title. The WBO cruiserweight champion knocked out Rogelio Rossi in Ludwigsburg, Germany, on Saturday night and said afterwards he intended stepping up a division to fight one of the Klitschkos.

The 26-year-old Huck, making his eighth defence, retained his belt by beating the Argentinian in the sixth round and immediately adjusted his sights.

The Ukrainian-born Klitschko brothers have dominated the heavyweight division since the 35-year-old Wladimir defeated Britain's David Haye in July to add the WBA title to his IBF, WBO and IBO belts.

Vitali, 40, is the WBC heavyweight champion.

"This may come sooner than many people think," said Huck about a fight against one of the Klitschkos after his comfortable win over Rossi. "Anyone can see how I am doing. In my class, I am smashing everyone up."

The Klitschko camp, based in Hamburg, were quick to respond, but were cool on the subject.

"Theoretically, anything is possible. My phone number is well known, but Marco Huck would have to first prove himself and get in line in the rankings if he comes up to heavyweight," Klitschko's manager Bernd Bonte said. "Whether Huck has enough boxing skills at this class, however, I do not know."

Even in his own camp, expectations were being played down.

"We will continue to dream later," said Huck's coach Ulli Wegner. "First, Marco has enough hard fights in his own class in front of him."

Huck's promoter in the Sauerland stable, Kalle Sauerland, said, "At some point it will happen, but Marco is only 26, so we do have plenty of time. There's no hurry."

Huck would do well to remember that both Haye and Tomasz Adamek, Vitali's most recent opponent, lost to the Klitschkos after making the step up from cruiserweight.

Against Rossi, Huck was always in control. The Argentinian had three standing counts before Huck's final assault ended with a heavy right that had Rossi laid out on the canvas and needing medical attention.

This was the the 30-year-old Rossi's third defeat after 11 knock-outs and 17 victories.