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Klitschko, Ibragimov in first step to heavy unification
(By Larry Fine via Reuters)
December 04, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wladimir Klitschko hopes his heavyweight title fight against Sultan Ibragimov will be a signature moment in boxing -- and one that could raise over $2 million for charity.
IBF and IBO champion Klitschko of Ukraine and Russian WBO titlist Ibragimov 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 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 WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev of Uzbekistan, while Oleg Maskaev of Russia will fight Nigeria's interim champion Samuel Peter for the WBC 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 professional record, added the fight would also be an opportunity to raise money for a Bronx community center that is being funded by the U.S. Laureus Foundation.
The strapping Ukrainian hopes as many as 10,000 fans will pay $199 each through his Web site (www.klitschko.com) to have their names put on the red and gold boxing robe he will wear into the Madison Square Garden ring for his clash against the 32-year-old Sydney Olympics silver medallist.
The robe will later be auctioned off, with a bid of $150,000 already received.
"The kids on the street are going to be the winners," said Klitschko, who was inspired by his work as an UNESCO ambassador to raise nearly $1 million for impoverished children in Namibia from his fight last November against Calvin Brock.
(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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