By James Slater: Sitting on top of the heavyweight boxing word as they are right now, the all-conquering Klitschko brothers have plenty of options – and retirement is the last thing Wladimir and Vitali are thinking about when it comes to the possibilities on their list.
Big brother and reigning WBC king Vitali reaches the milestone age of 40 today, yet he says he feels as good as ever and is ready to give his fans two more exciting, memorable fights before retiring. Next up for the second-oldest heavyweight ruler in history is his September 10th date with Polish hero Tomasz Adamek. As popular and as gutsy as Adamek is, not too many fans are willing to give him more than a slight chance at best when it comes to derailing one half of the duo holding all four heavyweight belts.
It seems there is next to no doubt “Dr. Iron Fist” will prove to be too big, too strong, too powerful and too good for the warrior known as “Goral,” with another comprehensive win imminent. Adamek’s best chance may be Klitschko’s age catching up with him. 40 is a serious age for any fighter, and it has been a while since Vitali was tested. A one-round winner last time out when he stopped Cuban hope Odlanier Solis in that disappointing affair, Vitali’s previous fight saw him win every single second of every single round against a brave but static Shannon Briggs. Adamek at least promises to give the WBC king a tougher assignment, what with his movement and quickness. And if – if – Vitali does feel his age (don’t bet on it!), Adamek could win a few rounds with a hit-and-move approach. That’s about the best we can hope for, in my opinion anyway.
As for 35-year-old, at-his-peak Wladimir (who, like his brother is currently mourning the death of his father), he is currently shopping around, waiting for his next challenger. Having silenced the trash-talking David Haye back on July 2nd, “Dr. Steel Hammer” would like an encore to see out 2011 with.
Speaking with Ringtv.com recently, Wladimir said he has one fighter in his sights; with the venue he would like to box at also clear in his mind.
“For me, the best option now is to fight Chris Arreola,” he said. “In 2009, he fought against my brother. It was a great event for L.A. I want to fight with him in New York City. I did not go into the ring at Madison Square Garden for more than three years; this place is special to me.”
The last time Wladimir fought at Madison Square Garden was back in February of 2008, when he had that dull but wide win over Sultan Ibragimov. I’m pretty sure Wladimir Vs. Arreola would be a far more exciting clash. As is the case with any other heavyweight you care to mention, Arreola would be a big underdog against Wladimir, but the Mexican-American has shown renewed dedication recently, as he has fought on a very active basis, at a far more appealing weight.
The winner of Dereck Chisora-Tyson Fury aside (a fight Wladimir has said he is interested in watching), Arreola definitely looks like the best available challenger for Wladimir right now. The 30-year-old gave Vitali a decent test, even winning a couple of rounds on the cards of the judges, and he can be relied upon to give his all against the Ring Magazine, WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO ruler.
I’m also pretty sure this match-up, if it happened at Madison Square Garden, would prove very attractive to the U.S fans. The best heavyweight on the planet facing the best available contender in the best and most traditional fight venue – what’s not to like?