10.03.07 – By Dave Domenico: I would like to focus on the hype end of this fight. I have constructed my trademark “ten list” of reasons why this fight was “hyped” well. Whenever Wladimir Klitschko gets in the ring, there is a natural interest in him. He is big and very skilled, yet he seems to have fundamental flaws. It almost seems like fight fans are waiting for an opponent to test him. Wlad is defending his IBF heavyweight title today against mandatory challenger Ray Austin. The question is, can Austin test him? The last fighter to test Wladimir was Sam Peter. Peter was big and tough and strong.
This created some hype because Austin seems to have many of the same attributes as Peter. Wladimir seems to have the most trouble with opponents who can take his power, keep the pressure on, and have some pop in their punches. I ask this: does Austin have what it takes, or is he a seriously overmatched victim for Klitschko. Never the less, this has been “hyped” very well. Here are the reasons:
#1: Wlad has that “aura” about him: Many feel his chin is suspect and is always vulnerable. This is a natural curiosity in a Klitschko fight.
#2: Don King is involved: As Austin’s promoter, well that speaks for itself.
#3: Klitschko’s overconfidence: Supposedly, Klitschko was on vacation while Austin was in the gym training.
#4: Austin’s improved form: In Austin’s last fight, he looked like a crude Larry Holmes. His camp has done a good job of building him up as an improved fighter.
#5: Many reporters are shouting upset: I’m not sure the reason for this, but many articles have been posted hyping this fight up as an upset.
#6: Austin looks focused: This may not be hype, but Austin appears to be in great shape for this fight. That in itself has raised some eyebrows.
#7: The glove controversy: This in itself is a bit absurd, but it has generated some last minute tension about the match. This suggests that the Klitschko camp may be worried, or that the Austin camp is trying go gain some last minute advantage.
#8: It is an American challenger: With Eastern Europeans dominating the division lately, Austin takes the role as the American underdog trying to bring the title back to the USA. This generates some hype for the discouraged yet ethnocentric American fight fan.
#9: No one really knows what to expect. Klitschko always appears a bit vulnerable. People are curious as to how good Austin really is. This is probably the main reason why this fight has been successfully hyped.
#10: The underlying truth: This is not as much a reason as it is a warning. I take this time to address Wladimir and his camp directly: “Be very careful about this fight, I hope you know what I mean”.
Well, we will have to wait and see what unfolds later today. We all hope the fight is as good as the hype.