Ringside Boxing Report: Wladimir Klitschko vs Ruslan Chagaev
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
Last night, at the Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany, 61,000 people enjoyed a night of boxing and entertainment in the home of Schalke F.C.
It was indeed the biggest and most lavish boxing event I’ve ever witnessed.
There were seven fights in total – but of course – everyone was there to see the Heavyweight clash between immensely popular Wladimir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev.
Michael Buffer made the usual introductions and entering the ring first – to the sounds of ‘Guess who’s back?’ – came the Challenger Chagaev proudly sporting a Schalke F.C. tshirt. Shoots of fire and sparkling fireworks lit up the arena (inside!) to welcome the Champion who entered the ring amidst an entourage of red-track-suits with the three belts held aloft.
The National anthem of Chagaev rang out without a hitch – but the National Anthem for Klitschko fizzled out much to the groans of the crowd (and I’m sure many wondered if this was a bad omen). But that was the only real ‘flaw’ in this lavish production of celebrities, live music, magical lighting and electric atmosphere!
When they told us we would be glad to have been a part of it – I knew what they meant ! The 61,000 in attendance was a spectacle in itself !
‘Lets get ready to rumble!’ Michael Buffer roared and the crowd erupted.
Fighting commenced and Chagaev adopted a very defensive stance while Klitschko prodded away with the long left jab. In the last 20 seconds of the round, Klitschko lands a notable right which rouses a cheer from the packed arena.
Chagaev started off a bit better in the second round but despite keeping his gloves up high – Klitschko, who towered over his southpaw opponent, continued to get through with his punches. Then Klitschko lands a left on the forehead of Chagaev following it up with a right to the nose and Chagaev hit’s the canvas. He takes the count and is lucky that it’s in the closing stage of the round.
Round three and Chagaev is caught a number of times by Klitschko’s left, he tries to keep a tight defence and intermittently ‘bulldozes’ in to his opponent with no success.
In the first half minute of round four, Klitschko lands a decent right. Chagaev goes for the body, but Klitschko lands a left to the nose and another right. Chagaev cannot seem to get away from that ‘irritating’ left jab and Klitschko’s shots easily slip through his guard.
Round five and another big left-right combination rocks back the head of Chagaev.Chagaev continues with his defensive (but unsuccessful) stance, but it’s a relaxed Klitschko-corner.
Round seven and Chagaev launches at Klitschko pushing him back on the ropes under a small flurry of shots, but the Champion is unfazed and brushes him aside. Chagaev lands a left hook after the bell and the crowds jeer their disapproval.
Klitschko ‘stalks’ Chagaev – encircling him, then he stumbles backwards off balance against the ropes. Chagaev seems to gain a bit of confidence in the closing half minute – but as he goes back to his corner we see that he has sustained a cut to the left eye area so perhaps it was more desperation than confidence.
Round nine and Klitschko puts Chagaev under constant pressure the entire round, landing many punches to the face and I think we all sensed the end was near for Chagaev. There was some discussion as Chagaev sat in his corner at the end of the ninth and the Referee finally waved off the fight – Chagaev failing to come out for the tenth round.
Klitschko wins by TKO round ten and improves to 53 wins (47 by KO) and 3 losses.
Undercard results included:
Cedric Boswell v Serdar Uysal
6 Rounds Heavyweight Contest
Boswell wins on points
Andy Lee v Olegs Fedotovs
8 Rounds Middleweight Contest
Lee wins on points
Johnathan Banks v Paul Butlin
8 Rounds Heavyweight Contest
Banks wins on a stoppage – Round seven
Alexander Ustinov v Michael Sprott
10 Rounds Heavyweight Contest
Ustinov wins on points