06.03.07 – By Matthew Hamill: Wladimir Klitschko faces mandatory challenger, Ray Austin on Saturday and it will be a repeat of the Brock blow out. Austin stands at 6 feet 6 inches and weighed 245 pounds which means he will see eye to eye with Klitschko. The Rainman has an 80′ reach while Dr. Steel hammer has an 81′ span. While size is a wash, Klitschko’s superior physique is firmer and far more muscular. His vein popping muscles make for jackhammer type power..
Wladimir, 47- 3 (42 ko’s) with a great ko percentage of 84%, has had many clean one-punch icings. Klitchko was an Olympic Gold Medal winner. Austin was tough street fighter from Cleveland. Nothing more need be said.
Most of Ray’s big fights have ended in draws. Harold Sconiers beat Austin in a six rounder by UD on November 2, 2006. Austin then lost only once more in his next thirteen fights and went on to become a top contender fighting at the top level of his division. The once promising Sconiers, however, proceeded to hit a sharp detour, losing ten consecutive bouts.
If a won-lost analysis of the Doctor’s opponents were done, the result would be absolutely astounding. Most of his opponents had outstanding records coming in. Axel Schulz Phil Jackson, Cody Koch, Chris Byrd, Jameel McCline, Derrick Jefferson. Danell Nicholson, Eliseo Castillo, Samuel Peter and many more.
Manny Steward has created a highbred killing machine…..blending the best of American and European styles with a frightening result. His killer robot recipe will be perfect for Big Ray. He will quickly figure his plodding, one dimensional opponent. Ray will attempt to set himself and jab like a Larry Holmes, but Wald will adjust by beating him to the punch with his own superior jabs. He will then shift into automatic by sharply increasing the number and intensity of jabs often following up with straight rights.
Ray makes up for technical deficiencies with grit, determination and heart and will come into this fight in great shape. It’s his one and only shot at the brass ring and he knows it. His best chance to win, albeit a slim one, may be to let it all hang out ala Corrie Sanders and try to mug Klit with an all-out attack at the bell. But in this one, he will be in way over his head. Wladimir will then execute. His brutal jabs will take a terrible toll on the Rainman who will not see the sledgehammer right coming down the middle in either the 5th of 6th round. Upon landing, it will end this fight decisively.
The only caveat is that Klitschko must fight overconfidence. Manny should be able to keep him inside himself. One thing, however. Based on the Brock fight, Klitschko needs a better cut man in his corner.
“I’m not Calvin Brock,” Austin said. “I’m not a 213-pound Chris Byrd, either. I’m a full-grown heavyweight. The last time Klitchko faced a man his weight was against Samuel Peter, who knocked him down three times while giving away five inches in height. Same thing when Lamon Brewster knocked him out. I guarantee some rain is going to fall on Klitschko when we fight.” Ray Austin.