Steward talks Valuev-Klitschko
Emanuel Steward, the celebrated trainer of WBO/IBO/IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, has confirmed a primary opponent for his fighter on December 11 is seven-foot Russian former champion, Nikolai Valuev.
Steward told reporter Alexander Pavlov that Valuev is a likely opponent for Klitschko, and a fight fans want to see, but also added it may not be feasible for December due to Valuev’s recent shoulder surgery.
In the recent past, Valuev and Vitali Klitschko attempted to reach fighting deals several times, but were impeded by financial expectations. Vitali currently holds the WBC heavyweight crown and is looking for a successful defense against Shannon “The Cannon”
Briggs on October 16.
"I think that the fans around the world would like to see Valuev fight against one of the Klitschko brothers, because the Klitschkos constantly have an advantage in height, and the audience would be interested to see how they will perform against a taller
opponent," reflected Steward.
Wladimir Klitschko is coming off a spectacular tenth round TKO of challenger Samuel Peter. The two squared off last weekend in Frankfurt, Germany, with Klitschko controlling the fight and eventually rallying to an exciting win. Peter was the shorter opponent.
Steward continued, “When Vitali fought against Lennox Lewis (Steward trained Lewis at the time), they were about the same height. Lewis worked on defense, keeping a distance, and Vitali attacked him, and [Lennox] was not used to working against the tall
guys. So either of the Klitschko brothers fighting Valuev would be quite different because he's different than against any other opponent."
Though on the market for a prospective opponent, Wladimir Klitschko has de facto ruled out WBA champion David Haye and prospective challenger Alexander Povetkin to the dismay of many fans who feel these fights would rejuvenate the division. But in both
cases, the fighters have previously avoided Klitschko even after he challenged them, an indication of their unwillingness to fight.
Tags: