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Klitschko Ready For Brock
Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (46-3, 41 KOs) will be defending both the IBF and IBO heavyweight titles when he steps in the ring against Calvin Brock, Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
Recently, far from the bright lights of Manhattan, The Ukranian-born Klitschko invited a handful of journalists and photographers to his secluded training camp at the Brookdale Caesar's Resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, where he has been busy preparing for Brock for the last six weeks, working with Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward and sparring partners Jonathan Banks and Chaz Witherspoon.
After a brief workout that included some stretching exercises, jumping rope, and hitting the pads with Steward, before moving on to the speed bag, surprisingly, when it came around to the question and answer session, the first question was regarding Bernard Hopkins moving up to heavyweight.
Klitschko responded, "I think what he's done at his age is already amazing and I don't want to say 'no, don't do it.' You know, this is a free world and everybody decides for themselves... I wish him the best of luck in his decisions."
As the topic turned to his brother Vitali, Klitschko explained, "We used to think we'd split two championship belts for him and two for me," but with Vitali's recent retirement, Klitschko concluded, "Now I have to grab all of them."
The champ continued, "I'm on my way and I don't want to underestimate Calvin Brock. Without Calvin Brock I cannot talk about a unification bout because it makes no sense."
On Brock (29-0, 22 KOs), the Charlotte, NC. native known as "The Boxing Banker," Klitschko offered, "He is a very, very strong fighter, even if he's not famous like somebody else... He's undefeated, he's young, and willing to be champion."
"I don't want to be a gift for anyone," Klitschko then stated, adding, "This is my time and I won't give it away." Continuing on Brock, Klitschko said, "He is very technical... he can punch with both hands. He's also, I think, a smart fighter, so he has a strategy and a plan on how to fight."
Klitschko was asked if his sparring partners have challenged him. He responded, "Yes, that's what I like in the camp. Actually, most of my sparring partners are undefeated fighters and they're young... they see it as a challenge, that's the most important thing."
"I do enjoy what I'm doing right now," Klitschko would say, adding. "Actually more than ever... I didn't used to have so much fun, as much as I am right now."
On training with Steward, Klitschko enjoys his own space, but the two often collaborate on new training methods. As Klitschko explained, "Both of us are just trying to create new things and to accomplish everything that we were preparing for in a fight."
Klitschko elaborated, "Emanuel's got a lot of experience... and I'm very careful listening to what he's saying and to what he can teach me. I've also got my own experience... but he gives me space to be creative."
As the topic turned to the world's most famous arena, Klitschko smiled as he reflected on its history. "Madison Square Garden is not the most modern arena right now, but the history of the Garden is amazing, and the spirit, you cannot get the same spirit in the Ukraine Arena... there's only one arena in the world like Madison Square Garden."
Having first traveled to Manhattan 11 years ago, Klitschko feels at home, saying, "I'm still excited about the city and have many friends in New York, so I don't feel like an o utsider." He added, "Especially with all the problems in the Middle East, I think it's a great example for all nations."
Like his brother, Klitschko dedicates a lot of time and cash to different charity organizations. A few pennies from every ticket purchased for Saturday's fight will help raise a minimum of $250,000 for children in Africa.
Klitschko says, "To see the poverty and to see what kind of conditions the children are in... education is key for these children." He continued, "And right now Madison Square Garden is the perfect place to get the attention for this project... and I hope we get a full arena because the more people coming to the arena, the more money will be raised."
Despite holding two heavyweight trinkets, Klitschko stated, "I don't see myself as champion of the world right now because there are other champions... but right now I'm on my way."
When the subject of a national commission or a boxers union came up, Klitschko praised Senator John McCain and Muhammad Ali, but added, "When you see something that's not going well... it helps a lot of fighters, but there are still some loopholes we have to take care of."
Klitschko concluded, "It's going to be great to have a union, a general union for all boxers, but a general union does not yet exist... that's actually what the boxing community needs."
The Garden party will also feature a lady's showdown between Layla Ali vs. Shelly Burton as well as the battle between Derric Rossy against Shannon Miller for the New York State Heavyweight Title
The show will also feature the New York return of, "The Flushing Flash," Kevin Kelly, who will be facing the always dangerous Manuel Medina and two local prospects from the Bronx, Joey Rios (14-0, 6 KO's) and Francisco Figueroa (13-2, 10 KO's) will be going to war for the New York State Junior Welterweight crown.
Recently, far from the bright lights of Manhattan, The Ukranian-born Klitschko invited a handful of journalists and photographers to his secluded training camp at the Brookdale Caesar's Resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, where he has been busy preparing for Brock for the last six weeks, working with Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward and sparring partners Jonathan Banks and Chaz Witherspoon.
After a brief workout that included some stretching exercises, jumping rope, and hitting the pads with Steward, before moving on to the speed bag, surprisingly, when it came around to the question and answer session, the first question was regarding Bernard Hopkins moving up to heavyweight.
Klitschko responded, "I think what he's done at his age is already amazing and I don't want to say 'no, don't do it.' You know, this is a free world and everybody decides for themselves... I wish him the best of luck in his decisions."
As the topic turned to his brother Vitali, Klitschko explained, "We used to think we'd split two championship belts for him and two for me," but with Vitali's recent retirement, Klitschko concluded, "Now I have to grab all of them."
The champ continued, "I'm on my way and I don't want to underestimate Calvin Brock. Without Calvin Brock I cannot talk about a unification bout because it makes no sense."
On Brock (29-0, 22 KOs), the Charlotte, NC. native known as "The Boxing Banker," Klitschko offered, "He is a very, very strong fighter, even if he's not famous like somebody else... He's undefeated, he's young, and willing to be champion."
"I don't want to be a gift for anyone," Klitschko then stated, adding, "This is my time and I won't give it away." Continuing on Brock, Klitschko said, "He is very technical... he can punch with both hands. He's also, I think, a smart fighter, so he has a strategy and a plan on how to fight."
Klitschko was asked if his sparring partners have challenged him. He responded, "Yes, that's what I like in the camp. Actually, most of my sparring partners are undefeated fighters and they're young... they see it as a challenge, that's the most important thing."
"I do enjoy what I'm doing right now," Klitschko would say, adding. "Actually more than ever... I didn't used to have so much fun, as much as I am right now."
On training with Steward, Klitschko enjoys his own space, but the two often collaborate on new training methods. As Klitschko explained, "Both of us are just trying to create new things and to accomplish everything that we were preparing for in a fight."
Klitschko elaborated, "Emanuel's got a lot of experience... and I'm very careful listening to what he's saying and to what he can teach me. I've also got my own experience... but he gives me space to be creative."
As the topic turned to the world's most famous arena, Klitschko smiled as he reflected on its history. "Madison Square Garden is not the most modern arena right now, but the history of the Garden is amazing, and the spirit, you cannot get the same spirit in the Ukraine Arena... there's only one arena in the world like Madison Square Garden."
Having first traveled to Manhattan 11 years ago, Klitschko feels at home, saying, "I'm still excited about the city and have many friends in New York, so I don't feel like an o utsider." He added, "Especially with all the problems in the Middle East, I think it's a great example for all nations."
Like his brother, Klitschko dedicates a lot of time and cash to different charity organizations. A few pennies from every ticket purchased for Saturday's fight will help raise a minimum of $250,000 for children in Africa.
Klitschko says, "To see the poverty and to see what kind of conditions the children are in... education is key for these children." He continued, "And right now Madison Square Garden is the perfect place to get the attention for this project... and I hope we get a full arena because the more people coming to the arena, the more money will be raised."
Despite holding two heavyweight trinkets, Klitschko stated, "I don't see myself as champion of the world right now because there are other champions... but right now I'm on my way."
When the subject of a national commission or a boxers union came up, Klitschko praised Senator John McCain and Muhammad Ali, but added, "When you see something that's not going well... it helps a lot of fighters, but there are still some loopholes we have to take care of."
Klitschko concluded, "It's going to be great to have a union, a general union for all boxers, but a general union does not yet exist... that's actually what the boxing community needs."
The Garden party will also feature a lady's showdown between Layla Ali vs. Shelly Burton as well as the battle between Derric Rossy against Shannon Miller for the New York State Heavyweight Title
The show will also feature the New York return of, "The Flushing Flash," Kevin Kelly, who will be facing the always dangerous Manuel Medina and two local prospects from the Bronx, Joey Rios (14-0, 6 KO's) and Francisco Figueroa (13-2, 10 KO's) will be going to war for the New York State Junior Welterweight crown.