BoxRec

Wladimir Klitschko won't be defending his title again this year, as according to reports he doesn't think there are any worthy challengers, and HBO have spent all there budget for the year.

So it looks like HBO are calling the shots now, can't see how thats going to be an improvment over the ruling bodies doing the same.

The Klitschkos, let's not forget, differ from the other world class Europeans. They left Universum and they went to America & found a niche in the market. He must be making a lot of money staging fights with K2 Promotions. Of course, with K2 being able to draw big crowds in Europe, HBO is hardly their promoter. But if they can make a killing in Germany AND in America I can see why he'd want to get up for a bigger payday.

I mean, how much do HBO pay him for fighting an Austin? It must be ridiculous.

There are few good fights available rest of the year. The big ones, like Peter 2, and the IBF tourament winner, which means Povetkin, aren't quite ready yet.

These will be big fights.

I can see where you're coming from. But surely he wants the extra money that US tv will bring for a live one.

The only guy, it seems, without a fight is Chagaev and he's out injured or sick.

Maybe Klitschko-Povetkin (when Povetkin's beaten Byrd - who has no offense - and Brock - who has nothing to fight for aside from another Wlad whipping) could go ahead without US money, in the manner of Calzaghe-Kessler. But then again, I'm sure HBO could make a better story of it that Wlad-Austin/Brewer 2.

Has HBO offically got Hatton v Mayweather or Coto v Moseley?

Presumably they will anyway as it involved GBP.

Official rankings (not updated since Klitschko-Brewster II) and whether or not the contenders are available or viable

1 NOT RATED
2 NOT RATED
3 Lamon Brewster WK has already beaten him
4 Calvin Brock WK has already beaten him
5 Chris Byrd WK has already beaten him twice
6 Nicolay Valouev Has a fight in September
7 Vladimir Virchis
8 Hasim Rahman
9 Ray Austin WK has already beaten him
10 Eddie Chambers Committed to elimination tournament
11 Alexander Povetkin Committed to elimination tournament
12 Evander Holyfield Has a fight in October
13 Sergei Lyakhovich
14 Oleg Platov
15 Shane Cameron

This leaves us with Virchis, Rahman, Lyakovich, Platov and Cameron. I presume Platov and Cameron are not yet ready to step up so far. Lyakovich is MIA. This leaves Virchis and Rahman. One is not very saleable to US TV and the other is in poor form and considering an alternative fight (Tye Fields) anyway.

Obviously, Wladimir is waiting for the winner of Skelton v Williams 3. He's been very patient.

gheeme wrote:Has HBO offically got Hatton v Mayweather or Coto v Moseley?

Presumably they will anyway as it involved GBP.

I think you answered your own question there!

This is probably why HBO's budget has been maxed, leaving them unable to fund the next Wlad-athon, because of Hatton-Floyd and Cotto-Mosley.

Old bones Ian wrote:Wladimir Klitschko won't be defending his title again this year, as according to reports he doesn't think there are any worthy challengers.

I'm sure Bobby Gunn would be willing to make the step up to Heavyweight.

Now Bobby is a phenomenon. His popularity I can atest to. Honestly, you wouldn't believe the messages I've had regarding him.

They should match him with Rob Calloway and put it on in a rodeo arena in front of 30,000 rednecks.

If Calloway isn't careful he may have to be taken seriously at 200lbs.

Terry D wrote:You have to give Wlad a break, it is not like he is presiding over a weak and fractitious division in dire need of a busy heavyweight who can stamp his mark on the division.


The apples did not fall far from the tree.

True, although I do enjoy watching Wlad dismantle his opposition, he's on great form now. Bit of luck his first fight of 2008 will be against one of the other titlists. By then the mess between Maskaev/Peter/Vitali should be solved and Holyfield could be champ! As Auto said, Klitschko could be waiting on the winner of the IBF HW Tourney. Don't think Povetkin is ready for Wlad though.

I reckon Povetkin could be ready if he beats Byrd and Brock/Chambers. He did a good job of getting past Donald's 80 + inch reach.

Wlad is very hard to deal with on the outside, I admit. He can be class. If only he had the strength and sturdiness of a Kessler, who has similar skills but a tougher disposition.