Wladimir Klitschko has his eyes on unifying the heavyweight boxing throne and his next target is one he can hardly miss -- undefeated Russian giant Nikolay Valuev.
Ukraine's Klitschko stopped unbeaten US fighter Calvin Brock in the seventh round here on Saturday to keep the International Boxing Federation title and said his main goal was to become an undisputed heavyweight ring king.
"Only the guy who will unify the heavyweight title will get public respect," Klitschko said.
PHOTO: EPA
"I don't consider myself a real champion. I'm interested in unifying the titles and I think the heavyweight division needs a real champion. I want to see one champion," he said.
Klitschko, 47-3 with 42 knockouts, wants to fight World Boxing Council champion Valuev or Kazak-born Oleg Maskaev, the World Boxing Association champion.
He declared Valuev, 33, the more attractive target because the massive Russian, at 2.13m, is the hugest champion in heavyweight history and has a typical weight edge on rivals of 40kg to 50kg.
"Valuev is really something special because of his size," Klitschko said. "This guy is the biggest, the tallest heavyweight champion in history. I wish to fight him. If it's possible, I'd love to take him next."
Valuev is 45-0 with 33 knockouts and could rival the late Rocky Marciano's 49-0 undefeated career mark. Marciano, killed in a 1969 plane crash, was the only heavyweight champion in history to retire undefeated.
Klitschko, 30, joked he might need a sparring partner from the National Basketball Association to challenge the Shaquille O'Neal-sized Valuev.
A hopeful trying to talk his way into Klitschko's path is the US' Shannon Briggs, who won the World Boxing Organization crown earlier this month and challenged Klitschko after his victory.
"I only want a unification fight," Briggs said. "I'll fight anybody who has a title belt."
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely