In the not so distant past, a popular belief was that whites could not sing rap, play basketball, or box, for these were the domains of Black singers and athletes. Today white Eminem is one of the most popular rappers and his music enjoys immense popularity even among its founders. In the NBA, nobody is surprised to see white giants from across the world challenging the supremacy of African Americans in basketball. In boxing, whites have also won high ratings in the past couple of years, with the Ukrainian Klychko brothers as undisputed leaders. Their success has brought Ukraine recognition in the international arena. As a result, many foreigners began to identify Ukraine as an independent country and not merely as a segment of the former USSR.
The latest bout of Volodymyr Klychko was brief. As a rule, his custom is to win in the first rounds. Unfortunately, this time the tables were turned, and Volodymyr went down to the second defeat of his career. Most experts and fans blamed the defeat on Volodymyr and his coach, Fritz Zdunek, saying he underestimated lefty South African Corry Sanders and did not teach Volodymyr how to defend himself, and so forth. Volodymyr, however, blames himself only. In an open letter to his fans posted on the Boxnews.com.ua web site, Klychko the younger said: “Dear fans, it is from you that I have received the most support in my boxing career. For this reason, in the most difficult time of my sporting life I want to explain to you why I lost this bout. I am only human, and to err is human. For a split second I lost attention in the ring and the next moment I wanted to get even for the first knockdown. My emotions got the better of my reason. At least I did not lose when I suffered a knockdown. I lost the bout, but not my career and health. Dear fans, I saw some of you cry. The next day you sent me flowers, chocolates, letters, and e-mails with words of support. Thank you very much. Every time in the future, when putting on my boxing gloves to do my job of a boxer, I will bear in mind the task I face, keeping your love in my heart. I can promise you one thing: with your support I will return even stronger than before.”
Despite a recent streak of bad luck (Lennox Lewis refused to fight Vitaly, while Volodymyr is having problems with the HBO television company), their fans remain confident in the future victories of their idols. Colleagues also are trying to restore Volodymyr’s confidence. According to the official web site of the Klychko brothers, after the airing of Volodymyr’s bout on HBO he received a call from Emmanuel Stewart, coach of Lennox Lewis, who wished Klychko the younger “love and good fortune.” According to Stewart, the defeat has not changed anything for Volodymyr, as he remains the strongest heavyweight in the world, however, except for Lennox Lewis. The legendary George Foreman, in turn, has no doubt Volodymyr will soon make a comeback: “He will return to the ring even stronger than before. [Muhammad] Ali, Lewis, and I have all been through this. Mark my words, in four to five months he will look like a completely changed man.”
Interestingly, now Volodymyr Klychko and Corry Sanders have the same career record, 41 fights and 2 defeats each. And should the South African boxer agree to a rematch, Volodymyr could well tip the scales in his favor.
Meanwhile, after losing his WBO super heavyweight champion’s belt, Volodymyr Klychko managed to win yet another title with his brother Vitaly as both were named laureates of the International Book Fair in Leipzig. Their book Keep Fit with Us, published last year, won in the Book of the Year. Best Recommendations nomination. Receiving the prize, the brothers Klychko said it was their first book. “We would like to thank the readers for making their choice, as well as the bookstores and publishers that helped the book become a reality. We are grateful to all who assisted us with the project.” The awarding ceremony in Leipzig was attended by 600 guests, reports RIA News. Incidentally, the official Klychko [Klitschko] web site, referring to sources close to Lennox Lewis , informs that the British WBC world champion gave Mike Tyson just seven days to meet or drop the challenge. The bout is scheduled for June 21. If Tyson says no, Lewis will negotiate a meet with Vitaly Klychko. The latter had this to say on the subject: “I will be happy if Tyson refuses and Lennox decides on a match with me. This will solve a lot of problems that have occurred lately.”
There are supporters and bashers of the Klychko brothers in all spheres of human activity. The Day has approached our own athletes of the arts with the question:
How did you receive the defeat of Volodymyr Klychko? What did you feel like telling him after the bout?
Oleksandr PONOMARIOV, singer:
“Naturally, I was very sad. But I think this was not his last fight and that boxing is boxing. It’s a rough sport, the more so in the heavyweight category. I am confident that Volodia will show what he’s worth and get even with this South African. I would tell him that similar, not very successful streaks in life should teach one a lesson. Sometimes it’s even more useful than winning. We are friends with Vitaly and Volodia, and this is what really matters. Volodia, I’m with you!”
Les PODREVYANSKY, artist:
“In my view, Volodia was simply unprepared. He probably thought that his opponent was another also-ran. Or maybe success went to his head. I believe that one should prepare for each fight as if it were one’s last. Now I would advise Volodia not to worry, because he looked very sad after the fight. One should know how to lose and learn from one’s mistakes.”
