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April 22nd, 2006 may be one of the most momentous dates in the history of boxing. On that day, Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine will most likely easily defeat Chris Byrd of the United States for Byrd’s IBF heavyweight title. If that result occurs, it may mark the dawning of a new era in boxing. Three of the four major titlists will be from Eastern Europe. Like the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina that swept away much of New Orleans, a rising tidal wave of Eastern European fighters threatens to sweep away American supremacy in the heavyweight division, putting an end to an era that began with the reign of John L. Sullivan—124 years ago.
Until getting drilled by South Africa’s Corrie Sanders left hand a few years back, Klitschko looked like the successor to the undisputed champion, Lennox Lewis. In that fight, when hurt, Wlad looked like a deer in headlights, shocked and awed and unable to respond to the subsequent onslaught of his adversary. After being run over by the South African in the second round, as well as suffering a loss to Lamon Brewster, Klitschko seems to have recovered some of his old confidence, and it would be surprising if he didn’t join the ranks of heavyweight titlists once again, especially since he defeated Byrd in a one-sided fight six years ago.
The other titlists are Nicolay Valuev (WBA), Sergei Liakhovich (WBO), and Hasim Rahman (WBC). Valuev, of Russia, defeated John Ruiz a few months ago to win his title. Liakhovich, of Belarussia, triumphed over Lamon Brewster two weeks ago for the WBO championship. Hasim Rahman, of the United States, was awarded the WBC title last autumn when Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine retired. [details]
Until getting drilled by South Africa’s Corrie Sanders left hand a few years back, Klitschko looked like the successor to the undisputed champion, Lennox Lewis. In that fight, when hurt, Wlad looked like a deer in headlights, shocked and awed and unable to respond to the subsequent onslaught of his adversary. After being run over by the South African in the second round, as well as suffering a loss to Lamon Brewster, Klitschko seems to have recovered some of his old confidence, and it would be surprising if he didn’t join the ranks of heavyweight titlists once again, especially since he defeated Byrd in a one-sided fight six years ago.
The other titlists are Nicolay Valuev (WBA), Sergei Liakhovich (WBO), and Hasim Rahman (WBC). Valuev, of Russia, defeated John Ruiz a few months ago to win his title. Liakhovich, of Belarussia, triumphed over Lamon Brewster two weeks ago for the WBO championship. Hasim Rahman, of the United States, was awarded the WBC title last autumn when Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine retired. [details]
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