Wladimir Klitschko

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Wladimir Klitschko
Wladimir Klitschko 2008 02 05.jpg
5 February 2008
Statistics
Real name Volodymyr Volodymyrovych Klychko
Nickname(s) Dr. Steelhammer
Rated at Heavyweight
Height 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)[1]
Reach 206 cm (81 in)
Nationality  Ukraine
Born (1976-03-25) 25 March 1976 (age 38)
Semipalatinsk, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 65
Wins 62
Wins by KO 52
Losses 3
Draws 0
Medal record
Men’s Boxing
Competitor for  Ukraine
Olympic Games
Gold 1996 Atlanta Super heavyweight
European Amateur Championships
Silver 1996 Vejle Super heavyweight

Wladimir Klitschko[2] (Ukrainian: Володи́мир Володи́мирович Кличко́ [Volodymyr Volodymyrovych Klychko]; born 25 March 1976) is a Ukrainian heavyweight professional boxer. Klitschko is the current WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring world champion (see List of heavyweight boxing champions.) Klitschko is the longest reigning IBF, WBO & IBO heavyweight champion in history with the most title defenses for those organizations. Overall, he is the second longest reigning Heavyweight Champion of all time with the third most successful title defenses at 16. On 13 October 2013, Boxrec rated Klitschko as the number 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. On April 15, 2014, he reached a career peak of number three on the pound-for-pound list of Ring Magazine. Klitschko (23–2) is second on the all-time list for most heavyweight title fights, only behind Joe Louis (26–1). He is the younger brother of former WBC, WBO & Ring magazine heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.

Since 2005 Vladimir Klitschko has been the dominant force in the heavyweight division, defeating a majority of the top heavyweights in the rankings. When Klitschko won the IBF title against Chris Byrd there were four separate Heavyweight Champions. Since then, he has unified the IBF, IBO, WBO & WBA belts and defeated the WBA Champion in recess. Following his win over Ruslan Chagaev, Klitschko was awarded the vacant Ring Magazine Heavyweight title.

Klitschko has held at least a piece of the heavyweight championship since 2006, when he won the IBF title. The most recent bout in which he claimed a piece of the undisputed title was when he won the WBA championship from David Haye in 2011.

Early life[edit]

Klitschko was born in Semipalatinsk, Kazakh SSR (now Semey, Kazakhstan).[3][4][5] His father, Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko (1947–2011), was a Soviet Air Force major general (soviet two stars general) and a military attaché of Ukraine in Germany; he was also one of the commanders in charge of cleaning up the effects of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and was afterward diagnosed with cancer. Wladimir's mother is Nadezhda Ulyanovna.[6]

In the summer of 1996, Klitschko finished his studies at Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky Pedagogical Institute (Ukraine) and was accepted in the postgraduate study program of Kiev University. On 18 January 2001, in a conference hall of Kiev University of physical science and sports, Klitschko presented his doctoral dissertation and was awarded a PhD in Sports Science. Klitschko speaks four languages: Ukrainian, Russian, German and English.

Amateur career[edit]

In the early 1990s, Klitschko was coached in Poland's Gwardia Warszawa boxing club, where, according to Jerzy Kulej, "He and his brother used to demolish our boys."[7] In 1993, Klitschko won the Junior European Championships as a heavyweight. In 1994, he received 2nd place at the Junior World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. In 1995, he won the gold medal at the Military Championships in Ariccia, Italy, defeating Luan Krasniqi, who he had lost to in the third round of the World Championships in Berlin, Germany earlier that year. In 1996, he captured 2nd place as a Super Heavyweight at the European Championships in Vejle, Denmark. He had an amateur record of 134–6.

Known as "The Steel Hammer," Klitschko first achieved world attention at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He defeated Paea Wolfgramm to win the Super-Heavyweight gold medal. He is now announced as "Dr. Steel Hammer," a name more in the vein of his brother, Vitali Klitschko, who goes by "Dr. Ironfist."

Professional career[edit]

Klitschko turned professional with Universum Box-Promotion in Hamburg under the tutelage of Fritz Sdunek.

After building an undefeated record of 24–0, he suffered his first loss to journeyman Ross Puritty, who entered the bout with a record of 24–13–1. Wladimir Klitschko's coach, Fritz Sdunek, jumped into the ring and stopped the fight at the start of the eleventh round.

On 18 March 2000, Wladimir fought Paea Wolfgramm, whom he fought previously in the 1996 Super Heavyweight Olympic Finals. In their professional rematch, Klitschko knocked Wolfgramm out in the first round.

Klitschko vs. Byrd & Title Defenses[edit]

On 14 October 2000, in Cologne, Germany's Kölnarena, Klitschko won the WBO Heavyweight Championship from American Chris Byrd by a wide unanimous decision by scores of: 120–106, 119–107 & 118–108, flooring his opponent twice. Byrd had previously upset his elder brother Vitali (who pulled out injured during their bout).

Klitschko registered five successful title defenses, all by TKO over: Derrick Jefferson, Charles Shufford, Frans Botha, former WBO champion Ray Mercer & Jameel McCline.

Klitschko vs. Sanders & Brewster[edit]

Klitschko suffered an upset TKO loss to Corrie Sanders on 8 March 2003 in Hannover, Germany. Sanders dropped Klitschko twice in the opening round and scored two more knockdowns in the second round before the bout was stopped by the official. The fight was named The Ring magazine Upset of the Year for 2003.

After winning two minor bouts in Germany and enlisting the services of legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, Klitschko again fought for the vacated WBO title on 10 April 2004, in Las Vegas, against Lamon Brewster. Klitschko sent Brewster to the canvas in the fourth round; however, things turned around in the fifth when Brewster's punches began backing him up. Not defending himself and leaning into ropes for support, Klitschko took a standing eight count. On unsteady legs, Klitschko fell to the canvas after the bell and the referee stopped the fight for his safety.

Klitschko vs. Williamson, Castillo & Peter[edit]

Following his loss to Brewster, Klitschko began his journey back towards the top of the heavyweight division. First, he defeated DaVarryl Williamson by technical decision. The fight was stopped due to a Klitschko cut caused by an accidental headbutt. He then knocked out undefeated Cuban contender Eliseo Castillo.

Klitschko then signed to fight undefeated power puncher Samuel Peter in an IBF & WBO eliminator. The much anticipated bout proved to be hugely entertaining. It went some way towards redeeming Klitschko in the heavyweight division. Though Peter scored three knockdowns (two in round 5, one in round 10) Klitschko withstood the Nigerian's power and went on to outbox Peter for a majority of the rounds.

Klitschko vs. Byrd II, Brock & Austin[edit]

Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko, Mannheim, 2006

On 22 April 2006, in Mannheim, Germany, Klitschko defeated Chris Byrd for a second time, this time by technical knockout, in a contest for the IBF & IBO Heavyweight Championships. Referee Wayne Kelly stopped the fight in the seventh round after a knockdown—Byrd beat the count, but his face was battered and bloody, and the fight was waved off.

He returned in November, facing the arguably the fastest rising contender, undefeated Calvin Brock at Madison Square Garden, Wladimir had difficulties reaching the awkward Brock. After four rounds Harold Lederman had it even at 38–38. However, from fifth round onward, Klitschko became more active and his jab became a factor and Brock became more flat-footed, leaving him easier to hit. Brock was floored in the seventh round, although he barely beat the count, Referee Kelly felt he was in no condition to continue.

Klitschko then defeated mandatory challenger Ray Austin on 10 March 2007, at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany by a second-round knockout with four consecutive left hooks to Austin's head. Klitschko did not use his right hand once during the fight, doing all his work with his left jab and left hook.

Klitschko vs. Brewster II, Ibragimov & Thompson[edit]

Klitschko then avenged one of his previous losses as he defeated Lamon Brewster on 7 July 2007, in Cologne, Germany. Brewster's corner asked the referee to stop the fight at the end of the sixth round. It was later revealed that Klitschko fought most of the fight with a broken middle finger on his left hand.

Klitschko defeated WBO Heavyweight Champion Sultan Ibragimov at Madison Square Garden in New York City on 23 February 2008 to unify the IBF, IBO & WBO Heavyweight titles. The Klitschko-Ibragimov fight was the first heavyweight unification since Holyfield-Lewis in 1999. The unification clash with Ibragimov proved to be a huge disappointment for fans. Klitschko was very dominant from the first bell. He backed Ibragimov into a corner and proceeded to push down Ibragimov's glove with his left hand so he could not throw a punch. Though Klitschko won every single round the crowd in New York began booing after the second round. The boos and jeers increased as the fight progressed in the same fashion. Ibragimov's corner was almost silent from the sixth round onwards unable to give their man any meaningful advice.

On 12 July 2008, at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Klitschko faced mandatory challenger Tony Thompson, in a good action fight. Klitschko controlled the fight with his jab and right hand; Thompson had his moments but was outworked and out skilled for the majority of the rounds, he floored Thompson with a right hand in the 11th round and Thompson didn't beat the count.

Wladimir Klitschko boxing Hasim Rahman, 2008

Klitschko vs. Rahman, Chagaev & Chambers[edit]

Klitschko was scheduled to defend his titles against Alexander Povetkin later in 2008,[8] but on 25 October, Povetkin withdrew from the fight due to an ankle injury. Instead, Klitschko faced Hasim Rahman on 13 December 2008 and won by TKO. This was the third time Klitschko fought at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany. He dominated the fight, winning every round while making good use of his left jab. From the first bell the difference in physical strength was profound. Rahman seemed unable to withstand Klitschko's punch power. The referee finally called a stop to the one-sided contest in the 7th round after Rahman failed to respond to a series of good shots.

Klitschko was scheduled to face David Haye, who pulled out within weeks of the fight complaining of a back injury. Salvaging the 20 June 2009 date and venue, Klitschko instead retained the IBF, WBO and IBO Heavyweight titles and also won the vacant Ring Magazine heavyweight title by defeating replacement opponent and Ring No. 3 ranked Ruslan Chagaev when Chagaev retired after an onslaught of punches towards the end of the ninth round. As Chagaev was WBA Champion, the title was not on the line. Klitschko's win over Chagaev was seen as one of his most impressive performances in the ring. He controlled the tempo of the fight from the very beginning and hit Chagaev at will with the jab. He hit Chagaev with several hard right crosses and never allowed him to build momentum. Towards the end of the second round Klitschko caught Chagaev off balance and sent him to the canvas. Chagaev recovered but was dominated thereafter. This win had added significance because even though the WBA title was not on the line, many saw Klitschko as the rightful champion.

On 9 December 2009, Klitschko's management group, K2 Promotions confirmed that a bout with Eddie Chambers has been agreed to take place in Germany on 20 March 2010. This mandatory title defense, originally scheduled for December 2009 had to be delayed due to a hand injury that Klitschko sustained in training that required surgery.

Klitschko defeated Chambers by knockout five seconds before the end of the final round.[9] He was criticized between rounds by his trainer Emanuel Steward for not fighting aggressively enough despite having won all prior rounds and Chambers only fighting back weakly. Klitschko began punching more often during the final round than he had done before which eventually led to his left hook hitting Chambers to the forehead. The punch made Chambers fall forwards and lost consciousness for an extended period of time. The referee stepped in and called an end to the contest instantly.

Klitschko vs. Peter II & Haye[edit]

Klitschko in Hollenstedt, Lower Saxony, Germany, on 21 May 2010.

Following the match with Chambers, a unification fight between Klitschko and David Haye, who as of May 2009 held the WBA title, appeared to be in the offing. Klitschko called out the Briton on YouTube in April 2010, stating, "I want to send this message to boxing fans and directly to David Haye. David, you've bitched out on fighting both Klitschko brothers twice already and now's the time to make it happen. On behalf of the boxing fans around the world, I am officially calling you out to fight me. You can't run away from me forever and you need to follow through with this fight if you want to be respected. I'm ready. What're you waiting for?"[10][11] Haye's trainer, Adam Booth, has indicated that Haye would be willing to accept the challenge.[12] Both sides began negotiations for a potential fight and the bout was targeted for September.[13] As the negotiations continued to move forward,[14] the unification fight between Klitschko and Haye was expected to take place in Germany rather than England.[15][16] The IBF set a deadline to end negotiations on 17 May. A few days before the 17 May deadline to make the unification bout, Haye said he was interested in fighting the older Klitschko, Vitali, rather than Wladimir.[17] The fight did not materialize and Klitschko was set to take on mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin. On 17 May 2010, the 30-day period of negotiation began for Klitschko to defend his championship against Povetkin.[18] Within this period, discussions to make a fight with Haye were still ongoing.[19] At first, the bout between Klitschko and Povetkin was tentatively scheduled to take place in Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany, on 11 September 2010.[20] In July 2010, it was confirmed that the bout would be taking place in Frankfurt.[21] However, Povetkin, under trainer Teddy Atlas, backed out of the $2 million purse fight.

Samuel Peter replaced Povetkin for the scheduled fight. Klitschko faced Peter for a second time, as they had fought in 2005 previously. Peter fought Klitschko on 11 September 2010, for the Ukrainian's IBF, WBO & IBO Heavyweight titles. Klitschko won again, by knocking out Peter in the 10th round.[22][23][24] Peter weighed in at 241 pounds, two pounds lighter than their first fight. Klitschko came in at a career heavy of 247 pounds. Both fighters had promised knockouts in the pre-fight build up. Peter started the fight very aggressively and caught Klitschko with a good left hook in the opening minute although Klitschko ended the round well. Peter was caught with three hard right-hands in the second round, one of which seemed to stun him. Peter tried to duck under the Klitschko jab, but was being tied up on the inside. After four rounds the fight became one-sided in Klitschko's favour. Peter's right eye was closing and he was taking heavy punishment. After the ninth round, Peter's trainer Abel Sanchez said he would give him one more round. Emmanuel Steward also implored Klitschko to be more aggressive. Peter swung wildly in the tenth and Klitschko put him down with a concussive combination. Referee Robert Byrd did not start a count and waved the fight off, awarding Klitschko the win by knockout. Klitschko, however, was set to fight Dereck Chisora on 11 December, but the fight was later called off on 8 December due to Klitschko tearing a muscle in his abdomen.[25][26]

Main article: Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye
Vitali and Wladimir interviewed by Luzia Braun

On 5 January 2011, it was announced that Dereck Chisora would get his fight with Klitschko. This enraged David Haye's trainer Adam Booth, who described the move as a "disgrace" on a heated live phone-in with Sky Sports News. Booth alleged Haye had met every single one of Klitschko's demands.[27] The fight against Dereck Chisora was rescheduled for 30 April 2011 and was going to take place in SAP Arena, Mannheim.[28] However, on 4 March, it was announced Klitschko pulled out of the fight due to not being fully recovered from a torn abdominal muscle. On 5 March, it was instead announced that the highly anticipated fight against David Haye will take place on 2 July 2011.[29] The fight was contingent on Klitschko's recovery from a torn abdominal muscle injury. The contract was written so that if Klitschko is not fully healed, then Haye would fight his brother, Vitali.[30]

Klitschko fought David Haye in a heavyweight unification fight for the WBA (Super), WBO, IBF, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles. The fight took place at the Imtech Arena, Hamburg, Germany on 2 July 2011.[31][32][33] Klitschko dominated the fight, statistically outlanding Haye nearly 2 to 1. Haye looked to be off his game & unwilling to engage throughout the fight, and revealed afterwards that he had a broken toe. Klitschko won by unanimous decision.[34]

After winning the WBA title, all of the major Heavyweight titles were in the hands of the Klitschko family. Wladimir and Vitali became the first and only pair of brothers to hold all of the heavyweight titles simultaneously.[35]

Klitschko vs. Mormeck, Thompson II & Wach[edit]

On 6 October 2011, Klitschko announced his next fight. It was originally to be on 10 December 2011 against the former two time unified World Cruiserweight Champion, French Jean-Marc Mormeck. The fight would have taken place at Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf.[36] It was to be Wladimir's first title defense of the WBA (Super) belt, he won against David Haye. The fight was billed Alle Gürtel. Ein Champion. (All belts. One Champion).[37] However, on 5 December 2011, the fight was cancelled because Wladimir checked into a hospital to have a kidney stone removed. After the removal operation he suffered from fever and inflammation.[38] The fight was rescheduled for 3 March 2012, with Wladimir Klitschko knocking out Jean-Marc Mormeck in the fourth round. On 7 July, he faced Tony Thompson in a rematch in Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland. Tony Thompson had been named as Wladimir Klitschko's mandatory defense by the IBF.[39]

Klitschko boxing, 2012

On 7 July 2012, Klitschko faced Tony Thompson for a second time who had worked his way into a mandatory position. Klitschko stopped Thompson in the sixth round after putting him to the canvas with flush right hand shot. It was his 12th consecutive title defense, the 3rd most in heavyweight history.[40]

Klitschko defended his belts in Hamburg on 10 November 2012 via one sided unanimous decision. His opponent for the fight was former undefeated 27–0 (15 KO) polish contender Mariusz Wach. The fight with Wach was the first time in his 16-year pro career he had faced an opponent taller than himself.[41] At 2.02 metres tall, with a reach of 2.08 metres and weighing 251 pounds, the Kraków-born Wach, who is based in the United States, is 4 centimetres taller than Klitschko with a reach two centimeters longer.[42]

Klitschko vs. Pianeta, Povetkin & Leapai[edit]

At the end of 2012, the World Boxing Association ordered its super-champion Klitschko to fight WBA regular-champion Alexander Povetkin of Russia by 24 February 2013,[43] but the two sides couldn't reach an agreement.[44] WBA let Klitschko have another voluntary title defence before taking on Povetkin, but there should have been a signed contract with Povetkin before 28 February, with a new deadline for their bout no later than 31 July.[45][46][47]

Klitschko took on another undefeated contender, Italian Francesco Pianeta, on 4 May. From the start, he systematically broke down the Italian, consistently landing flush straight right hand shots. He dropped Pianeta with a right hand in round four, a left hand put Pianeta down in the fifth; the fight ended at 2:52 in round six when Klitschko put Pianeta down for the third time.

Klitscho vs. Povetkin took place in October 2013, his third undefeated consecutive opponent. The bout was marred with over 160 clinches, most initiated by Klitschko, followed by several repeated roughhouse tactics throughout the match against Povetkin. This included leaning on his opponent and pushing his head down and throwing Povetkin to the canvas, which resulted in the referee scoring some as knockdowns. Klitschko won by unanimous decision scoring a knockdown in round 2 from a flush jab, and 3 knockdowns in round 7 including one prompted from a big right uppercut. All 3 judges scored it 119-104 on the scorecards.

In his next fight, Klitschko defended his titles against WBO mandatory challenger Alex Leapai[48] on April 26, 2014 in Germany.[49] He knocked Leapai down three times, and referee Eddie Cotton stopped the fight with fifty-five seconds remaining in the fifth round.

Although Klitschko has said he wants to fight Bermane Stiverne for the World Boxing Council title his brother gave up following his second retirement, he will continue to make mandatory defenses of his other titles and is expected to face Kubrat Pulev, the IBF's top contender, next.[50] Should he at some point fight and defeat Stiverne not only would Klitschko be considered the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis but he would also become the first heavyweight boxer in history to hold all four major sanctioning organization's world titles, provided he does not lose the belts by either an in-ring loss or by having them stripped from him.

Other interests[edit]

Klitschko appeared with Lennox Lewis in the motion picture Ocean's Eleven. He is an avid chess player, kitesurfer, golfer and humanitarian. Both Klitschko brothers have been involved in charitable activities dedicated to supporting the needs of children around the world. Both brothers have formed their own charities that contribute to children in need in Africa and South America. They won humanitarian awards for their "Sport for Good" projects in 2002 and 2007. In 2002, the Klitschko brothers announced that they had agreed to work specifically for UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), which supports more than 180 projects in 87 countries. Klitschko is also a passionate golfer and was seen playing in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. The tournament was played over three courses in 2008 including St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns in Fife and Angus. Klitschko was named curator of the Ukrainian pavilion at the 2009 Venice Biennale.[51] Klitschko starred in the music video for Chris Cornell's song "Part of Me" in 2008, alongside rising dancer Carlos Kerr Jr. and Method Man.

Personal life[edit]

Though a celebrity in his former adopted home of Germany, he moved with his older brother Vitali to Beverly Hills, California, USA, in 2004.[citation needed]

Some media reported that Klitschko had been previously dating Yvonne Catterfeld;[52] the relationship was played up in German comedies Keinohrhasen and Zweiohrküken. After Wladimir's photo session[53] held for Vanity Fair magazine with Karolína Kurková, she claimed to have a romantic relationship with the boxer.[54] Alena Gerber was once his girlfriend.[55]

In 2009, Klitschko began dating American actress Hayden Panettiere.[56] Panettiere appeared ringside at some of Klitschko's fights, including at Klitschko's 10th round KO victory over Samuel Peter.[57] The couple broke up in May 2011, but as of April 2013 had rekindled their relationship.[56][58] In October 2013, Panettiere confirmed that she and Klitschko are engaged,[59] which had been rumoured since the summer.[60]

On 29 March 2012, during a charitable auction in Kiev, Ukraine, Wladimir auctioned off his 1996 Olympic gold medal to a buyer who bid $1 million. Klitschko said he would use the money to help the dreams of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children. After the sale, the buyer immediately returned the medal out of respect for Wladimir and because he wanted it to remain with the Klitschko family.[61][62]

On 6 December 2013 Klitschko and his fiancée Hayden Panettiere visited the Euromaidan-protests in Kiev.[63] His brother Vitali is one of the leading figures of these protests.[64][65] He and his fiancée addressed the crowds.[66]

Professional boxing record[edit]

62 Wins (52 knockouts, 8 decisions, 2 disqualifications), 3 Losses, 0 Draws[67]
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Win 62–3 Australia Alex Leapai TKO 5 (12), 2:05 2014-04-26 Germany König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 61–3 Russia Alexander Povetkin UD 12 2013-10-05 Russia Olympic Indoor Arena, Moscow, Central Federal District Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 60–3 Italy Francesco Pianeta TKO 6 (12), 2:52 2013-05-04 Germany SAP Arena, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 59–3 Poland Mariusz Wach UD 12 2012-11-10 Germany O2 World Arena, Altona, Hamburg Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 58–3 United States Tony Thompson TKO 6 (12), 2:56 2012-07-07 Switzerland Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Bern, Canton of Bern Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 57–3 France Jean-Marc Mormeck KO 4 (12), 1:12 2012-03-03 Germany Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 56–3 United Kingdom David Haye UD 12 2011-07-02 Germany Imtech Arena, Altona, Hamburg Won WBA (Super) Heavyweight title.
Retained IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 55–3 Nigeria Samuel Peter KO 10 (12), 1:22 2010-09-11 Germany Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt, Hessen Retained IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 54–3 United States Eddie Chambers KO 12 (12), 2:55 2010-03-20 Germany Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained IBF, WBO, IBO & The Ring Heavyweight titles.
Win 53–3 Uzbekistan Ruslan Chagaev RTD 9 (12), 3:00 2009-06-20 Germany Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen Won vacant The Ring Heavyweight title.
Retained IBF, WBO & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Chagaev´s WBA Heavyweight title was not on the line.
Win 52–3 United States Hasim Rahman TKO 7 (12), 0:44 2008-12-13 Germany SAP Arena, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg Retained IBF, WBO & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win 51–3 United States Tony Thompson KO 11 (12), 1:38 2008-07-12 Germany Color Line Arena, Altona, Hamburg Retained IBF, WBO & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win 50–3 Russia Sultan Ibragimov UD 12 2008-02-23 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Won WBO Heavyweight title.
Retained IBF & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win 49–3 United States Lamon Brewster RTD 6 (12), 3:00 2007-07-07 Germany Kölnarena, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen Retained IBF & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win 48–3 United States Ray Austin KO 2 (12), 1:23 2007-03-10 Germany SAP Arena, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg Retained IBF & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win 47–3 United States Calvin Brock TKO 7 (12), 2:10 2006-11-11 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Retained IBF & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win 46–3 United States Chris Byrd TKO 7 (12), 0:41 2006-04-22 Germany SAP Arena, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg Won IBF & vacant IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win 45–3 Nigeria Samuel Peter UD 12 2005-09-24 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey Won NABF & vacant WBO NABO Heavyweight titles.
IBF & WBO Heavyweight Title Eliminators.
Win 44–3 Cuba Eliseo Castillo TKO 4 (10), 2:51 2005-04-23 Germany Westfalenhallen, Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 43–3 United States DaVarryl Williamson TD 5 (10), 3:00 2004-10-02 United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
Loss 42–3 United States Lamon Brewster TKO 5 (12), 3:00 2004-04-10 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada For vacant WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 42–2 United States Danell Nicholson TKO 4 (12), 1:44 2003-12-20 Germany Ostseehalle, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 41–2 Argentina Fabio Eduardo Moli KO 1 (12), 1:49 2003-08-30 Germany Olympiahalle, Munich, Bayern Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Loss 40–2 South Africa Corrie Sanders TKO 2 (12), 0:27 2003-03-08 Germany Preussag Arena, Hannover, Niedersachsen Lost WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 40–1 United States Jameel McCline RTD 10 (12), 3:00 2002-12-07 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 39–1 United States Ray Mercer TKO 6 (12), 1:08 2002-06-29 United States Taj Majal Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 38–1 South Africa Francois Botha TKO 8 (12), 0:47 2002-03-16 Germany Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 37–1 United States Charles Shufford TKO 6 (12), 2:55 2001-08-04 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 36–1 United States Derrick Jefferson TKO 2 (12), 2:09 2001-03-24 Germany Rudi-Sedlmayer-Halle, Munich, Bayern Retained WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 35–1 United States Chris Byrd UD 12 2000-10-14 Germany Kölnarena, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen Won WBO Heavyweight title.
Win 34–1 United States Monte Barrett TKO 7 (10), 2:40 2000-07-15 United Kingdom New London Arena, Millwall, Greater London
Win 33–1 United States David Bostice TKO 2 (12), 1 :27 2000-04-29 United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 32–1 Tonga Paea Wolfgramm KO 1 (12), 1:30 2000-03-18 Germany Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg Won vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.
Win 31–1 Hungary Lajos Eros KO 2 (12), 2:35 1999-12-04 Germany Stadionsporthalle, Hannover, Niedersachsen Retained WBA Inter-Continental & EBU Heavyweight title.
Win 30–1 United States Phil Jackson KO 2 (10), 1:59 1999-11-12 United States The Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win 29–1 Germany Axel Schulz TKO 8 (12), 2:42 1999-09-25 Germany Kölnarena, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen Won vacant EBU Heavyweight title.
Retained WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 28–1 Zambia Joseph Chingangu RTD 4 (12), 3:00 1999-07-17 Germany Philips Halle, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title.
Win 27–1 United States Tony LaRosa TKO 1 (10), 2:57 1999-05-22 Hungary Sport Palace, Budapest, Central Hungary
Win 26–1 United States Everett Martin TKO 8 (8) 1999-04-24 Germany Circus Krone, Munich, Bayern
Win 25–1 Montenegro Zoran Vujicic KO 1 (8), 1:02 1999-02-13 Germany Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
Loss 24–1 United States Ross Puritty TKO 11 (12), 0:18 1998-12-05 Ukraine Sports Palace, Kiev, Kiev Oblast Lost WBC International Heavyweight title.
Win 24–0 United States Donnell Wingfield KO 1 (8) 1998-11-14 Germany Circus Krone, Munich, Bayern
Win 23–0 United States Eli Dixon KO 3 (10), 2:26 1998-10-03 Germany Prinz-Garden Halle, Augsburg, Bayern
Win 22–0 United States Steve Pannell KO 2 (10) 1998-09-19 Germany Arena Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 21–0 United States Carlos Monroe TKO 6 (10), 2:28 1998-08-06 United States Grand Casino Avoyelles, Marksville, Louisiana
Win 20–0 United States Najee Shaheed KO 1 (12) 1998-07-10 Germany Circus Krone, Munich, Bayern Retained WBC International Heavyweight title.
Win 19–0 United States Cody Koch KO 4 (12) 1998-05-23 Germany Oberrheinhalle, Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg Retained WBC International Heavyweight title.
Win 18–0 United States Everett Martin UD 8 1998-03-14 Germany Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg
Win 17–0 United States Marcus McIntyre KO 3 (12) 1998-02-14 Germany Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg Won vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.
Win 16–0 United States Derrick Lampkins TKO 1 (8) 1997-12-20 Germany Oberrheinhalle, Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg
Win 15–0 Slovakia Ladislav Husarik TKO 3 (8) 1997-12-13 Germany Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Alsterdorf, Hamburg
Win 14–0 United States Jerry Halstead TKO 2 (8) 1997-12-06 Germany Stadthalle, Offenbach, Hessen
Win 13–0 Mexico Marcos Gonzalez KO 2 (8) 1997-10-11 Germany Stadthalle, Cottbus, Brandenburg
Win 12–0 United States James Pritchard TKO 3 (8) 1997-09-20 Germany Tivoli Eissporthalle, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 11–0 Democratic Republic of the Congo Biko Botowamungu DQ 5 (8), 0:02 1997-08-23 Germany Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
Win 10–0 United States Gilberto Williamson TKO 3 (8) 1997-07-12 Germany Berlethalle, Hagen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 9–0 Mexico Salvador Maciel KO 1 (8) 1997-06-27 Germany Oberrheinhalle, Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg
Win 8–0 United States Paul Ashley KO 2 (8), 1:25 1997-06-13 Germany Arena Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 7–0 United States Mark Wills KO 1 (8), 2:58 1997-05-10 Germany Ballsporthalle, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 6–0 United States Mark Young RTD 2 (6), 3:00 1997-04-12 Germany Eurogress, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Win 5–0 United States Carlos Monroe DQ 6 (6) 1997-02-15 Germany Stadthalle, Cottbus, Brandenburg
Win 4–0 United States Troy Weida TKO 3 (6), 0:36 1997-01-25 Germany Maritim Hotel, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
Win 3–0 United States Bill Corrigan TKO 1 (4), 1:21 1996-12-21 Germany Zoo-Gesellschaftshaus, Frankfurt, Hessen
Win 2–0 United States Exum Speight TKO 2 (4), 1:54 1996-11-30 Austria Nova Arena, Wiener Neustadt, Niederösterreich
Win 1–0 Mexico Fabian Meza KO 1 (4), 1:35 1996-11-16 Germany Sporthalle, Wandsbek, Hamburg Professional debut.

Titles in boxing[edit]

Major World Titles:

Minor World Titles:

The Ring Title:

Regional/International Titles:

References[edit]

  1. ^ Wladimir Klitschko. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  2. ^ Wladimir Klitschko is a German transliteration of Russian: Владимир Кличко, tr. Vladimir Klichko, IPA: [vlɐˈdʲimʲɪr klʲɪt͡ɕˈko], equivalent English spelling is Vladimir Klichko, /ˈvlædɨmɪər ˈklɪtʃkoʊ/; In Ukrainian his full name is Ukrainian: Володимир Володимирович Кличко, tr.Volodymyr Volodymyrovych Klychko, IPA: [wɔlɔˈdɪmɪr klɪt͡ʃˈkɔ]
  3. ^ Wladimir Klitschko. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 1 May 2013.
  4. ^ Vester, Mark. "Wladimir Klitschko A Fan of Borat", BoxingScene.com, 22 November 2006
  5. ^ "Vitali & Wladimir Klitschko", Tour2Kiev.com, n.d.
  6. ^ У братьев Кличко умер отец. Komsomolskaya Pravda (in Russian) 13 July 2011
  7. ^ ["Kliczko już w Polsce nokautował" http://www.tvn24.pl/sport,4/kliczko-juz-w-polsce-nokautowal-wyrywal-naszych-z-korzeniami,158132.html], TVN24, 7 January 2011
  8. ^ Klitschko's company wins purse bid for 13 December fight. Sports.espn.go.com (16 September 2008). Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  9. ^ "Klitschko KOs Chambers to keep titles". CNN.com. 21 March 2010. 
  10. ^ Vladimir calls out Haye. Skysports.com. Retrieved on 19 June 2011.
  11. ^ Vester, Mark (14 April 2010). "Klitschko: "David 'The Loser' Haye is scared and a liar"". BoxingScene.com. 
  12. ^ Booth: Wlad will do nicely. Skysports.com. Retrieved on 19 June 2011.
  13. ^ Vester, Mark (1 May 2010). "Vladimir Klitschko-David Haye Targeted For September". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 9 May 2010. 
  14. ^ Chikov, Ruslan (3 May 2010). "Vladimir Klitschko-David Haye Talks Go Well With HBO". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 9 May 2010. 
  15. ^ Chikov, Ruslan (4 May 2010). "Vladimir Klitschko-David Haye Is Heading To Germany". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 9 May 2010. 
  16. ^ Satterfield, Lem (11 May 2010). "Vladimir Bitschko's Reps Sent Fight Offer To David Haye". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 15 May 2010. 
  17. ^ Chikov, Ruslan (14 May 2010). "Haye Wants Vitali, Vladimir-Povetkin As Deadline Nears". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 15 May 2010. 
  18. ^ Chikov, Ruslan (17 May 2010). "Klitschko vs Haye Negotiations Continue, Despite Deadline". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 18 May 2010. 
  19. ^ Reeno, Rick (28 May 2010). "Klitschko's Trainer: If Haye Was a Man, He Would Respond". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 28 May 2010. 
  20. ^ Thomas, Eric (9 June 2010). "Povetkin wants to fight Vladimir Klitschko in Moscow". BoxingNews24.com. Retrieved 10 June 2010. [dead link]
  21. ^ Kim, Jason (4 July 2010). "Klitschko vs. Povetkin in Frankfurt, Germany – News". BoxingNews24.com. Retrieved 5 July 2010. 
  22. ^ "Klitschko vs Peter Details; Bowman vs Acevado Tops". BoxingScene.com. 30 July 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2010. 
  23. ^ Kim, Jason (29 July 2010). "Samuel Peter signs contract for fight against Vladimir Klitschko". BoxingNews24.com. Retrieved 31 July 2010. [dead link]
  24. ^ Sukachev, Alexey (11 September 2010). "Klitschko Batters Peter For Ten Rounds, Knockout Win". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 12 September 2010. 
  25. ^ Chris Mannix, SI.com (8 December 2010). "Klitschko tears adbominal muscle, pulls out of Saturday title defense". SI.com. Retrieved 9 December 2010. 
  26. ^ Dan Rafael (9 December 2010). "Wladimir Klitschko withdraws from fight". ESPN.com. Retrieved 9 December 2010. 
  27. ^ SkySports, SkySports.com (5 January 2011). "Chisora to get his chance". SkySports.com. Retrieved 5 January 2011. 
  28. ^ Home – Klitschko.com – English. Klitschko.com. Retrieved on 19 April 2011.
  29. ^ Klitschko-Haye could take place outside Germany – Boxing – Yahoo! Sports. Sports.yahoo.com (12 April 2011). Retrieved on 19 April 2011.
  30. ^ ESPN, espn.go.com (6 March 2011). "Wladimir Klitschko-David Haye fight set". espn.go.com. Retrieved 7 March 2011. 
  31. ^ BoxRec Boxing Records. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 19 June 2011.
  32. ^ Boxing – Klitschko-Haye in Hamburg. Fightnews.com (20 April 2011). Retrieved on 19 June 2011.
  33. ^ Boxen | Klitschko | Haye. RTL.de. Retrieved on 19 June 2011.
  34. ^ "Klitschko comprehensively settles score with Haye". ESPN. 2 July 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2011. 
  35. ^ Wladimir Klitschko – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 8 July 2012.
  36. ^ Home: Official Website of Vitali & Wladimir Klitschko. Klitschko.com. Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  37. ^ Profielfoto's. Facebook. Retrieved on 25 November 2011.
  38. ^ "Klitschko pulls out of title bout". BBC News. 5 December 2011. 
  39. ^ Wladimir Klitschko to make 12th title defense in a rematch vs. Tony Thompson – ESPN. Espn.go.com (27 March 2012). Retrieved on 8 July 2012.
  40. ^ Klitschko KOs Thompson again. Fightnews.com (7 July 2012). Retrieved on 8 July 2012.
  41. ^ "Wach confirms fight with Klitschko". Boxingnews24.com. Retrieved 15 August 2012. 
  42. ^ [1][dead link]
  43. ^ Klitschko vs Povetkin negotiations begin. Wbanews.com. Retrieved on 1 May 2013.
  44. ^ Purse Bids for Povetkin-Klitschko | Boxing / MMA | R-Sport. All the top sports news. En.rsport.ru (17 January 2013). Retrieved on 1 May 2013.
  45. ^ Klitschko gets special permit to reschedule Povetkin bout — RT Sport. Rt.com (31 January 2013). Retrieved on 1 May 2013.
  46. ^ WBA lets Wladimir Klitschko delay fight against Povetkin. Kyivpost.com. Retrieved on 1 May 2013.
  47. ^ WBA gives special permission to Klitschko but ratifies his mandatory against Povetkin. Wbanews.com. Retrieved on 1 May 2013.
  48. ^ "WBO makes Alex Leapai the mandatory for Wladimir Klitschko". Boxing News 24. Retrieved December 4, 2013. 
  49. ^ "Klitschko and Leapai set April date for mandatory bout". World Boxing News. Retrieved January 5, 2014. 
  50. ^ http://www.boxingscene.com/w-klitschko-eyes-stiverne-arreola-winner-us--74324
  51. ^ Venice Biennale: The 'Olympic Games of the art world'. Edition.cnn.com (9 June 2009). Retrieved on 19 June 2011.
  52. ^ (Russian) Полина СЕМЕНОВА (13 May 2010). "Жёны и любовницы братьев Кличко". Экспресс газета. Retrieved 6 May 2011. 
  53. ^ "Photo session". Vanity Fair Deutschland. 21 August 2008. Retrieved 6 May 2011. 
  54. ^ (German) "Karolina ist ein ganz offenes Mädel". Bild.de. 26 August 2008. Retrieved 6 May 2011. 
  55. ^ (German) "Hayden hat es voll drauf angelegt". Gala.de. 14 January 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2011. 
  56. ^ a b "It's over: Hayden Panettiere splits from boxer boyfriend Wladimir Klitschko", Daily Mail, 12 May 2011
  57. ^ Eisinger, Amy (5 January 2010). "Hayden Panettiere Gets Cozy with Boxing Champ Wladimir Klitschko in Miami". New York: nydailynews.comcom. 
  58. ^ "Hayden Panettiere opens up about beau Wladimir Klitschko". Los Angeles Times. 2 April 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2013. 
  59. ^ Messer, Lesley (9 October 2013). "Hayden Panettiere Is Engaged!". ABC News. Retrieved 9 October 2013. 
  60. ^ Billups, Andrea (15 August 2013). "Hayden Panettiere: Is She Engaged to Boxer Wladimir Klitschko?". People. Retrieved 9 October 2013. 
  61. ^ Ruslan Chikov (29 March 2012). W. Klitschko's Gold Medal Grabs $1 Million at Charity Event – Boxing News. Boxingscene.com. Retrieved on 8 July 2012.
  62. ^ http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hLUmLz3C9OAjiKvD9VX8eBt0TIJg?docId=CNG.e8f28d11eaabfa59d4b6cc7c228837de.141
  63. ^ Panettiere on Euromaidan: I have a lot of respect for people who come out for what they believe in, Interfax-Ukraine (6 December 2013)
  64. ^ Why do Ukraine protests matter?, BBC News (3 December 2013)
  65. ^ Activists pitching army tents at Independence Square in Kyiv, Interfax-Ukraine (3 December 2013)
  66. ^ (Russian) Владимир Кличко и Хайден Панеттьери на Евромайдане: видео Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere on Euromaidan: video, LIGA (7 December 2013)
  67. ^ Wladimir Klitschko – Boxer. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 19 April 2011.

External links[edit]

Achievements
Preceded by
Chris Byrd		 WBO Heavyweight Champion
14 October 2000 – 8 March 2003		 Succeeded by
Corrie Sanders
Preceded by
Chris Byrd		 IBF Heavyweight Champion
22 April 2006 – present		 Incumbent
Vacant
Title last held by
Lennox Lewis		 IBO Heavyweight Champion
22 April 2006 – present
Preceded by
Sultan Ibragimov		 WBO Heavyweight Champion
23 February 2008 – present
Vacant
Title last held by
Vitali Klitschko		 The Ring Heavyweight Champion
20 June 2009 – present
New title
Titles unified against David Haye
 WBA Heavyweight Champion
Super Title
2 July 2011 – present
Sporting positions
Vacant
Title last held by
Ike Ibeabuchi		 WBC International Heavyweight Champion
14 February 1998 – 5 December 1998		 Succeeded by
Ross Puritty
Vacant
Title last held by
Donovan Ruddock		 WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion
17 July 1999 – 10 October 2000		 Vacant
Title next held by
Vitali Klitschko
Vacant
Title last held by
Vitali Klitschko		 EBU Heavyweight Champion
25 September 1999 – 14 October 2000		 Vacant
Title next held by
Vitali Klitschko
Vacant
Title last held by
Vitali Klitschko		 WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion
30 August 2003 – 24 July 2004		 Vacant
Title next held by
Nikolay Valuev
Vacant
Title last held by
DaVarryl Williamson		 WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion
24 September 2005 – 18 March 2006		 Vacant
Title next held by
Shannon Briggs
Preceded by
Samuel Peter		 NABF Heavyweight Champion
24 September 2005 – 22 April 2006		 Vacant
Title next held by
Samuel Peter
1984 – 2012: over 91 kg
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wladimir Klitschko.
Authority control
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wladimir_Klitschko&oldid=608210782"