Wladimir Klitschko hopes his heavyweight title fight against
Sultan Ibragimov will be a signature moment in boxing - and one
that could raise more than US$2 million for charity.
International Boxing Federation and International Boxing
Organization champion Klits-chko of the Ukraine and World Boxing
Organization titlist Ibragimov of Russia are doing their part to
add some clarity to boxing's glamour division by putting up their
crowns as a step towards establishing an undisputed champion.
"This is a historic fight," Klitschko told reporters in New York
about the February 23 matchup. "This sport deserves one heavyweight
champion. I believe this puts us on the road to unification. I'm
thrilled. I'm so happy. This is a dream and a dream for Ibragimov,
too. Now the fight is on.
"This is a risk for both sides, but this is to build up the
image of the sport. We have to get it back. We have to get
unification.
"We have to get one heavyweight champion," the 31-year-old added
of a division that includes World Boxing Association champion
Ruslan Chagaev of Uzbekistan, while Oleg Maskaev of Russia will
fight Nigeria's interim champion Samuel Peter for the World Boxing
Conference title in February.
Klitschko's brother Vitali is hoping for a crack at the winner
of that fight.
Klitschko, the 1996 Olympic champion who has a 49-3 record,
added the fight would also be an opportunity to raise money for a
Bronx community center that is being funded by the US Laureus
Foundation.
(Shanghai Daily December 6, 2007)