Klitschko punches way to brink of Holmes’ mark

WLADIMIR Klitschko has reached rare territory among heavyweight champions.

Now, in his ninth year as champion, Klitschko is catching Joe Louis and Larry Holmes in terms of successful defences.

When Klitschko, pictured right, faces Bryant Jennings on April 25 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, he will risk his heavyweight belt for the 18th time.

A win over Jennings will place Klitschko within one successful defence of Holmes but he would still need six additional wins to match Louis’s record of 25.

“With all respect to Louis and Larry Holmes, they’re icons for me, I don’t want to be compared with them because they are fighters I always have looked up to,” Klitschko said.

'“As an outsider (media) you can observe the fights and title defences, you keep track. I’m an insider.”

Nonetheless, Klitschko has made deep inroads during his second heavyweight stint that began with a seventh-round technical knockout win over Chris Byrd for a sanctioning body title in April 2006.

Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson never enjoyed a title run as long as the native of Ukraine and part-time Hollywood, Florida, resident.

“My mind is in a tunnel; I’m getting ready for the next bout,” Klitschko said. “And I’m excited about the challenge. I do not compare myself with the records of those guys – Joe Louis and Larry Holmes. I just enjoy my game.”

Klitschko has built the impressive streak of title defences at a time when American heavyweights have faded from contention. Until Deontay Wilder’s victory over Bermane Stiverne on January 17, no American had held a piece of the heavyweight title since 2006.

Jennings earned the opportunity to face Klitschko after his split-decision victory over fellow contender Mike Perez last July.

Klitschko believes boxing is enjoying a revival. Attention to the sport has increased with the build- up to the mega- fight between welterweight champions Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas.

And Klitschko also predicts a future unification bout between him and Wilder would be appealing to fight fans who distanced themselves from the heavyweight division after Mike Tyson’s retirement.

“The demand is shifting back and forth and during the time when boxing was less popular in the heavyweight division, because of the lack of good (American) prospects, it shifted to Europe,” said Klitschko, who will make his first US appearance in seven years.

“I believe Deontay is an extremely talented athlete. We’ve sparred enough that we know each other well. I believe a unification fight is something the public wants.” – Daily Mail