Interview: Vladimir Klitschko

By Ike Enwereuzor

After winning the 1996 Olympic gold medalist in the super heavyweight division, WBO heavyweight champion, "The Steelhammer" Wladimir Klitschko of Kiev, Ukraine, turned professional November 16, 1996. He has since amassed an impressive record of 36-1 with 33 knockouts. He seized the WBO heavyweight championship on October 14, 2000 from Chris Byrd and in his last fight KOed Derrick Jefferson to retain the WBO laurel. Klitschko makes his second title defense at "Summer Storm" on August 4 at Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas against Charles Shufford. I caught up with Klitschko in Las Vegas and here's what he had to say:

What can you tell us about your upcoming fight with Charles Shufford?
Klitschko: He's a very serious guy and I saw him fight before. He makes a lot of mistakes so I'll capitalize on that. He's got good jab and right. He played a role in the Muhammad Ali movie and I did a movie with Lewis and I played myself so I think this fight will be a championship but more like a fight of movie stars.

Tell us about your last fight against Derrick Jefferson?
Klitschko: It was an important for me and for those that saw it. It was my first HBO fight so I was just too hungry.

Describe your experiences at the 1996 Olympics?
Klitschko: It was a successful event for me. I started boxing at 14. I never thought of a big future in boxing. I wanted to go to the Military School like my father did. I also thought of going to Medical School to become a Doctor but I saw my chance in sports, because I love to travel and sports is one thing that makes you travel a bit.

What's your assessment of your brother, ex-WBO heavy champ Vitali?
Klitschko: When you're in the ring with your opponent, nobody is there to help you. You have to make things happen in there by yourself. He's my brother. We're very close. I have always been in his corner at his fights. He's a very strong fighter.

What are your thoughts on his fight with Chris Byrd?
Klitschko: It was a tough fight for him. He hurt his shoulder and couldn't fight back. You know, Byrd's a quick boxer. My fight with him was difficult, too.

Compare his fight to your fight with Byrd?
Klitschko: My brother didn't do it so I did it. I had to be cool in there, without emotion. It was difficult because Chris Byrd was quick and difficult to fight against. Look at what happened in the Rahman-Lewis fight. Lewis was the stronger man, but Rahman was more hungry. People never gave Rahman a chance to win but see what happened. Anything can happen in the heavyweight division. One punch brought Rahman to fame. It was like winning a lottery.

Your impression of Hasim Rahman?
Klitschko: He's a standard good boxer, nothing special and I know I can beat him if given the chance.

Please, tell our readers about your fight with Ross Puritty three years ago?
Klitschko: I lost to myself. I think I was too young for that fight. I didn't have much experience. I've been trying to rematch him, but now my brother wants to do it for me. He gave me an opportunity to fight Chris Byrd

Describe your fight with Monte Barrett?
Klitschko: He was a strong opponent but I was the better man that night.

Your impression of Kirk Johnson, your prediction if you had to fight him?
Klitschko: He's a good fighter but I know it will be an interesting fight for me. I know I'll beat him if we ever meet.

Compare boxing in Europe to boxing in America?
Klitschko: America has a strong and interesting market. It's hard for us European boxers to get into the market here in the USA but we're here now to give it a shot and see how it goes.

Your thoughts on former world champion, Lennox Lewis?
Klitschko: I like Lewis. We did a movie together and I think we should meet each other in the ring. I know it's a fight the public wants to see.

Your favorite music?
Klitschko: It differs. It depends on how I feel at a particular time.

Your dream car?
Klitschko: It's a time machine

Your favorite dish?
Klitschko: I like good food. I like Italian, Japanese, Chinese, French, just a fan of good food.

Your closest friend?
Klitschko: My brother, Vitali

Why is Arnold Schwarzenegger your favorite actor?
Klitschko: As a child, I always wanted to be like him. I use to try act, speak like him, dress and make my hair style just like Schwarzenegger. I always wanted to shake his hand.

Childhood goal?
I never thought of coming a boxer as a child. I always thought of going to military school like my father or to go to medical school and become a doctor. I started boxing when I was 14 years old. I liked it after a while.

Your most memorable sports moments?
Klitschko: It was becoming the gold medalist at 1996 Olympics at Atlanta, Georgia...and winning the WBO heavyweight title from Chris Byrd.

Your impression of Max Schmelling?
Klitschko: He's my idol and a big legend. He's 96 years old now and still very strong. He has a great personality. He was a successful boxer and businessman. His mind is still sharp and he was the first Cocoa Cola dealer in Germany. I met him three years ago with my brother and we talked for a long time with him. He was 93 then. He remembers everything and speaks clearly, not like Muhammad Ali. Max Schmelling is a great example [that] a boxer should get out of the game with their health. Boxing can be a brutal sport.

Your father's name is Wladimir Senior. What rank is he now in the Ukrainian armed forces?
Klitschko: He's a General in the Army. This year will be his last.

Thank you for your time.
Klitschko: You're welcome, Ike

Used with permission from Ike Enwereuzor