NY Boxing Conference: Klitschko v Ibragimov

ByJim Everett

**With Slideshow**

© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

Boxing fans of the Heavyweight division are finally getting what they deserve with the first unification fight in nearly a decade. Saturday night at Madison Square Garden IBF and IBO Champion Wladimir Klitschko 49-3 (44) will face undefeated WBO Champion Sultan Ibragimov 22-0-1 (17).

Although Ibragimov did not have too much to say as he addressed the media his supporters had no problem making some noise for him. As he stepped towards the microphone to speak his entourage chanted, Sultan, Sultan, Sultan!” Ibragimov smiled and laughed saying, “These are my friends from Puerto Rico,” which made them chant his name even louder in their full “Sultan” attire.

After the chanting died down Ibragimov said, “We had a great camp in Florida, the best camp ever. It’s unification, it’s going to be great. I’m honored to fight at the Garden.”

Klitschko was unphased by the chants and taunts of Ibragimov’s entourage and spoke eloquently about his challenger, “It is a very special event; it is a very special night, and a very special opponent. I won’t underestimate Sultan, and I won’t overestimate Sultan. Don’t miss it.”

“To be the heavyweight champion means a lot,” said Klitschko. “The title is very special and is different than other titles in sport. The heavyweight champion can use that title to inspire people outside of the ring all over the world.”

Klitschko continued to speak about how important the unification is to him, “I have to prove that I am the heavyweight champ and do it as impressively as possible. That is my determination and goal – to clean up the heavyweight division with each fighter I face.”

The “Heavyweight Unification” card will also feature some local New York favorites on the undercard matches.

Undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin 15-0 (12) will face Thomas Brown 11-3-1 (7) in an eight round Middleweight bout.

Rising star Middleweight contender John Duddy 23-0 (17) will be the co-feature event in a ten round bout against Walid Smichet 17-3-3 (13).