Curse you, Wladimir Klitschko...

...or something to that effect. A common sentiment, it seems, among modern boxing fans (or non-fans) regarding the world's best heavyweight. As an avid fan of the Sweet Science for many years, the vitriol and contempt for the Ukrainian fighter has always perplexed me (however mildly within the context of my own understanding of the issue). Good looking, likeable, charismatic, big, strong, fast, smart, technically skilled, Liston-like jab, Shavers-esque power, 44 knockouts in 50 wins, constant tension/drama from the possibility of him getting knocked out, relatively frequent fights (3 this year, apparently), etc. In short, what's not to like? Granted, doubly and triply so, his last fight was a bit of a snoozer, but it amazes me how maligned this Klitschko fellow is, while, at the same time, another heavyweight with great power, speed, and 44 knockouts in 50 fights - and, not to mention, a criminal/sexual-deviant/borderline-psychotic/sociopathic/headcase - is held in the esteem of a veritable boxing god. I'm not his biggest fan in the world (or even on these boards, for that matter), but damn, why all the hate for Wlad Klitschko? Try as he might, Wlad just can't seem to get much respect. But why? Perhaps we can use this thread to examine this issue, and, disregarding my own theories, conjectures, and opinions (many of which are undoubtedly correct) for the time being, I'd like to hear some of the more knowledgable boxing fans here on the boxingscene.com forums espouse said knowledge and illuminate, or attempt to illuminate, the complexities of this issue (non-issue?). Some primers for discussion, perhaps: His safety-first mindedness, especially later in his career. Is defense winning him fights at the expense of fans? His position atop one of the (alledgedly; perceived?) weaker eras in heavyweight boxing history, especially insofar as American Fighters are concerned. Is it simply a general disinterest in the division, rather than a more focused dislike? Johnson, Dempsey, Marciano, Louis (to an extent), Ali, Foreman, TYSON; is Wlad's nice-guy personality, or his supposed lack of a killer instinct (despite the high KO percentage) a turn off? His fans, or what fans he does have. Are they just dicks? Is that the sticking point? Is his perceived lack of popularity, especially as such is perceived on my part, simply an exaggeration? Or, after his career is over and done with (assuming it all goes smoothly from here on out), will we look back on him in a more favorable light, a la the venerable Lennox Lewis? Thoughts? Quibbles? Seat-of-your-pants-dampness? :confused:

Comments (20)

He is not the Undisputed Champ. he's the real champ. you know it.

18y ago

hardmanbrit

I am not sure why some people have such a huge amount of hatred for Professor Wladamir Klitschko. I know he is White and some people do not like that at all, but he is the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World and I feel that he does indeed deserve that title. Maybe at least 1 or 2 people should give the man a break.

18y ago

Mike_Tyson77

No racism necessary. Cory Spinks is boring. Wlad Klitschko is boring. Bernard Hopkins is boring. youre stupid, Wlad has 44 KO's.

18y ago

Randall_Hopkirk

The majority of the Klitschko haters are racist black men that can't stand seeing a white man dominating the heavyweight division. 99% of Klitschko fans are white, mostly with Eastern European heritage/allegiances, who haven't had much to cheer about with regards to HW boxing. What's your point? Neither fans or detractors are objective.

18y ago

Brother_Blues

Those of you who feel anyone who doesn't kneel before Klitschko are racist....are just soooooo tiring.

18y ago

boxing_great

To be honest, Wlad is a decent fighter, but he is not amongst the best of the all-time HW's.There's your answer.Just because your considered the best in an era, doesn't mean you can be considered an all-time great.

18y ago

sparked_85

Wlad is all class. But I can't sit through many more Ibragimov affairs. Haye had that fight right If he put half as much energy into slapping down Sultans Jab into punches it might have been a better fight. I'll give him a pass though, he is a pretty dominant champ. It's sad when fighters eliminate risks from their game, makes them more dull. Like hook and hold Hatton, and now Wlad if he continues on this path. I think he'll be impressive in his next outing.

18y ago

Silencers

It would shock the world if Wlad went all Tyson on us. That would create massive interest :lol1: :lol1: :lol1:

18y ago

tyson

It would shock the world if Wlad went all Tyson on us. That would create massive interest :lol1:

18y ago

Ray

Wlad was gettin mad respect before he fought Sultan. Since that fight sucked everybody's hatin on him now but they'll forget it as soon as he scores another big KO, which Manny Steward needs from him right now. Exactly...............

18y ago

MANGLER

18y ago

Silencers

Nonsense - the fight will be in Europe and the media (and consequently, the public) is more positive about him over there. He has a LOT of fans! The idiots that started booing ruined the unification in New York, if I was Wlad I'd never fight over here again. I'll be counting the days until July 12! :boxing: They are much, much more positive about him in Germany, but there will be calls for him to come back to the US to fight and he will, it's just the way boxing works. Hopefully it'll be a better fight.

18y ago

Silencers

They'll come back if the media is in for another run. I mean, people still watch Bush's speeches :lol1: True, true.

18y ago

tyson

Media hype is very important. Wlad-Iggy got a lot of hype for a heavyweight fight, especially since it was the first unification fight since Lewis-Holyfield, but when fight time came, the fight was boring. I don't know how many people will tune in to watch him in the future after seeing that fight. They'll come back if the media is in for another run. I mean, people still watch Bush's speeches :lol1:

18y ago

Silencers

I think fans watch him, though. You mean the casual, of course, but I genuinely believe that the media hype is so incredible important for anything to become popular. I'll give Valero as an example. Dude became a cult-icon on the interweb somehow. That dude happens to be Dougie Fischer's "son". And guess who Fischy always talked about over a long period of time, even though Valero had done nothing note-worthy besides whopping Morales in sparring. Maxboxing happens to be one of the major boxing sites on the web, and Snoop Doggy Fischy is a respected figure there. (Now here) Boom- Suddenly everyone was interested in this God-beloved son and voila- A cult-star was born. Sheeple had proved it again. Media hype is very important. Wlad-Iggy got a lot of hype for a heavyweight fight, especially since it was the first unification fight since Lewis-Holyfield, but when fight time came, the fight was boring. I don't know how many people will tune in to watch him in the future after seeing that fight.

18y ago

Ray

haha, awesome! :lol1: Why did you go through that trouble? Could have just asked... :fing02: Østfold is a beautiful county indeed! Have never been there though, She keeps telling me that for years now..Maybe one day i will.

18y ago

Ray

The sportswriters are very hard on Wlad. After he KOed Austin, they bashed him for a terrible fight that was over too quickly. They bashed him for having a poor opponent, even though he didn't choose him, Austin was the IBF mandatory. Then they bashed him for avenging his loss against Brewster. Now, he's being criticised for going the distance against a fighter who has never been stopped. The fact is, no matter what he does, they'll bash him. Thats because he is on TOP, If Ruslan chagaev have a poor fight/performance do you think the media would care? Thats why i said when you're on top then people scrutinize you, I was also disappointed in his last performance but it takes two to tango, Sultan wasnt that willing to engage but that doesnt mean Wlad who was taller than Sultan couldnt walk through the shorter man's defence. I even like Wlad more than Vitali because he has fought better opposition and his technically better to me but he would get slated when he performs just because the man his on TOP.

18y ago

tyson

No my mum is from Norway/Sweden (Østfold)..I had to call her quickly to translate for me. haha, awesome! :lol1: Why did you go through that trouble? Could have just asked... :fing02: Østfold is a beautiful county indeed!

18y ago

tyson

Fans probably don't watch him because of his safety first style and the heavyweight division is not exactly setting the world on fire but I give him credit for trying to unify the division and trying to make an impression with the fans although it didn't really work out against Iggy. I think fans watch him, though. You mean the casual, of course, but I genuinely believe that the media hype is so incredible important for anything to become popular. I'll give Valero as an example. Dude became a cult-icon on the interweb somehow. That dude happens to be Dougie Fischer's "son". And guess who Fischy always talked about over a long period of time, even though Valero had done nothing note-worthy besides whopping Morales in sparring. Maxboxing happens to be one of the major boxing sites on the web, and Snoop Doggy Fischy is a respected figure there. (Now here) Boom- Suddenly everyone was interested in this God-beloved son and voila- A cult-star was born. Sheeple had proved it again.

18y ago

Ray

HAHahAHHA :haha: Bloody brilliant :lol1: Did you look it up on a word-for-word dictionary? It is pretty accurate, to be fair, but very funny. It should be more like; Dear God, I have it good Thanks for all that I have got You are kind, you take care of me Dear God, never leave me Watch over both the small and grown God takes care of dad and mom... But not you, little girl :boxing: No my mum is from Norway/Sweden (Østfold)..I had to call her quickly to translate for me.

18y ago