WLADIMIR INVOKES FEAR

By Ron Brashear
Inside Boxing Writer/Columnist

LAS VEGAS, NV (IB - December 7, 2002) – Dr.Wladimir Klitschko (40-1, 37 KOs) made his 6th successful WBO title defense against the WBO’s #1 contender in Jameel “Big Time” McCline (28-3-3, 16KOs) by TKO in the 10th round.

The hype for this fight was that we would be seeing two “BIG” Heavyweights exchanging blows to determine the outcome. However, the “Big Time” Upset was that McCline appeared more focused on KO prevention than KO administration.

Klitschko displayed good poise as he methodically took McCline apart and knocked him down late in the 10th round. As a result of wise decision made by McCline’s corner, the fight was stopped prior to McCline coming out for the 11th round, which would have led to an inevitable Knockout.

This fight did not provide the answer the question that is on a lot of folks mind. How would Wladimir react if he gets caught with a solid shot? Again, we still don’t know, and may never know unless a Heavyweight puts forth the courage to exchange punches with this man from the Ukraine. Klitschko’s job is to keep knocking the opponents off and hopefully get an opportunity to take on Lennox Lewis for the Grand Championship. In the meantime, this Dr. will have to keep dissecting his patients as they show up for their appointments.

Wladimir said after the fight, "The plan was to take my time and take minimum risks, I used my head in the ring because I want to use my head again in the future."

You don’t have been a Dr. to understand that logic.

As for Mcline, I was hoping to see him fight similar to the way he fought Shannon Briggs and be willing to take a few to give a few. Oh well, I’m sure he would have, if he could have, been able to overcome the fear.

Nevertheless, we will keep an eye on the appointment book for Dr. Wladimir Klitschko to see who is next in line.


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Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@brasheargear.com