KEY POINTS:
Sultan Ibragimov is not particularly big and does not pack a scary knockout punch - yet Wladimir Klitschko says the Russian deserves respect leading into their heavyweight title clash this month.
World Boxing Organisation champion Ibragimov (22-0-1), fights International Boxing Federation champion Klitschko (49-3) at Madison Square Garden on February 23 in the first heavyweight title match between different belt holders in nine years.
"This guy is very intelligent, a smart fighter," Klitschko said, no small compliment coming from the Ukrainian fighter nicknamed Dr Steelhammer for the doctorate he holds in sports science.
"He is a champion. He is holding a title and he is undefeated and won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics. He is not impressive, but is a very effective fighter."
Klitschko's trainer, Emanuel Steward, gave Ibragimov even more credit despite giving up 10cm in height and about 9kg in weight to his 1.98m boxer.
"He will be the best fighter that Wlad will have fought in his career," Steward said.
"He is a very smart little guy. He knows how to win fights. He has pretty good hand speed, makes a big guy miss a punch. And he's left-handed and puts himself in a position that makes him hard to hit.
"He's fought big guys all of his life. We are training six hours a day. We're not taking him lightly."
That is not to say Steward is worried about his man.
In fact, the noted trainer says it is frustrating there are no better opponents out there for Klitschko to build his legacy.
"It does frustrate me," said Steward, who trained British champion Lennox Lewis in the last world heavyweight unification bout back in 1999 against American Evander Holyfield.
"I feel like I'm working with one of the best heavyweights in history. I think he's at his peak but he doesn't have anyone to fight.
"Wlad is just unfortunate that there are no names out there. The only way to gain recognition is to try and be the unified champion."
This fight will reduce the number of heavyweight champions from four to three.
The World Boxing Council champion is Oleg Maskaev of Russia and the World Boxing Association title holder is Ruslan Chagaev of Uzbekistan.
"The sport of boxing needs one heavyweight champion badly," said Klitschko.
Ibragimov agrees.
"After this fight, I hope my next fight will be another unification fight," the Russian said. "I hope so, for the people."
- REUTERS
