Klitschko Solidifies Status, Stops Austin in Two

[vB Martin]

If this was such a "solidifying" defence against a "legitimate" opponent, then why didn't the HBO crew spend any time whatsoever pumping up the legend of Ray Austin? They didn't even pump him up as much as they Eliseo Castillo, who was a cruiserweight stepping up to heavyweight, and who has since returned to CW.
They even went so far as to point out what a fluke shot this was Austin had, and said several times how even being in that spot was already a victory for him.

I would go so far as to say I have never seen HBO a single time put so little effort into making a fight against a bum seem like a legitimate main event fight.

Don't make this out to be more than it is. It was a mandatory defense against someone whom Little Klit could easily defeat for the purpose of making a little money in Germany. That's all it was. Period.

[mECHsLAVE]

It's simple. Wlad did what champs are supposed to do to these types of contenders. It's what Tyson did at his best. It's what Lennox did when he had to face them, only Lennox would have some early drama often enough. Wlad literally took him out like the trash with one hand. As advertised. This fight happened because of King's control of the IBF. Don't blame Wlad. He did exactly what the best HW in the world is supposed to do. He was already #1, he didn't have to prove anything today, or solidify anything, or legitimize anything. This wasn't that type of fight, and it wasn't the fight he wanted. He was stuck with it and did as good or better than anyone's expectations. Simple.

[beez721]

If this was such a "solidifying" defence against a "legitimate" opponent, then why didn't the HBO crew spend any time whatsoever pumping up the legend of Ray Austin? They didn't even pump him up as much as they Eliseo Castillo, who was a cruiserweight stepping up to heavyweight, and who has since returned to CW.
They even went so far as to point out what a fluke shot this was Austin had, and said several times how even being in that spot was already a victory for him.

I would go so far as to say I have never seen HBO a single time put so little effort into making a fight against a bum seem like a legitimate main event fight.

Don't make this out to be more than it is. It was a mandatory defense against someone whom Little Klit could easily defeat for the purpose of making a little money in Germany. That's all it was. Period.

what are you babbling about? who the hell ever said austin was a worthy title challenger? he wasnt and everyone knew wlad would beat him,,,,but doing it in less than 2 rounds without even throwing a right hand was pretty impressive. end of story

[Sweet Pea 50]

This is one of the reasons I don't like watching heavys anymore. It's pretty much this simple. The power that the BIG heavy's have, it dosen't matter what kind of chin you have. That type of power in the hands of somebody that can turn a punch... WOW. I don't watch Heavy's no more because of this. Don't get me wrong. I like to somebody to get KTFO as well as the next man. But if somebody that's 6'6 250 pounds hits you on the chin, and knows how to throw a punch, your going down. I don't care how strong your chin is.

[vB Martin]

...but doing it in less than 2 rounds without even throwing a right hand was pretty impressive. end of story

No, it wasn't. It was no more impressive than any other champion in any other division beating a stiff who is put in front of them.
The HBO crew even seemed almost apologetic in their explanation of why we were having to watch Wlad fight someone so clearly overmatched.

To "solidify" his position he would have had to fight a legitimate opponent.

[Banderivets]

legitimate opponent.

But thats the thing, he is legit. He was rakned #1 by IBO or whatever the .... (man I dont even know the belts anymore, all I know is WBO and WBC).

Thats teh sad thing, this guy was ranked #1.

Besides the title holders, who else is there?

[BrooklynBomber]

No, it wasn't. It was no more impressive than any other champion in any other division beating a stiff who is put in front of them.
The HBO crew even seemed almost apologetic in their explanation of why we were having to watch Wlad fight someone so clearly overmatched.

To "solidify" his position he would have had to fight a legitimate opponent.

I agree here, its just we are so not used to dominant performances from the titleholders, it is quite easy to impress us. Austin is really no better then the guys Wlad was beating early in his career.
Still, beating the guy with only a left hand is pretty damn cool in my book.

[vB Martin]

But thats the thing, he is legit. He was rakned #1 by IBO or whatever the .... (man I dont even know the belts anymore, all I know is WBO and WBC).

Thats teh sad thing, this guy was ranked #1.

Besides the title holders, who else is there?

Ranked ≠ Legitimate

[beez721]

No, it wasn't. It was no more impressive than any other champion in any other division beating a stiff who is put in front of them.
The HBO crew even seemed almost apologetic in their explanation of why we were having to watch Wlad fight someone so clearly overmatched.

To "solidify" his position he would have had to fight a legitimate opponent.

did I use the word "solidify"? no,,,,he knocked him out like he should have and did it much faster than anyone else without even needing to throw the right hand. to me thats impressive. austin is far from title deserving but he is awckward and has given good fighters very tough fights such as sultan and larry donald. wlad did what he was supposed to do and did it impressively,,,thats all there is to it

[PRboxingfan]

He is, and that was the point of the article title. I dont think any of the other champs would have blown Austin out in two rounds.

Would Klit have "smoked Mora in :46?" He did not solidify anything but a cow patty, buddy!