Boxing Role Models - ''Steel Hammer'' Dr. Wladimir Klitschko and ''The Boxing Banker'' Calvin Brock

By Carlos Guzman
wagerweb.com Contributing Writer

Tuesday's press conference between heavyweight champion "Steel Hammer" Dr. Wladimir Klitschko and "The Boxing Banker" Calvin Brock was without the usual hoopla, and that's a good thing. No threats of eating someone's children, barroom brawls or even a single four letter word. Klitschko was more interested in saving children in Africa, and a lot of media didn't even recognize Brock. It was the luscious Laila Ali and her low-cut blouse that drove the media insane. Laila Ali is fighting an undisclosed opponent on the undercard of Kltischko-Brock (but it won't be televised). HBO doesn't televise women's boxing -- thank God.

The conference kicked off with an interesting video of the Klitschko brothers visiting Africa as ambassadors for The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which was founded on Nov. 16, 1945. I was very touched by the video, so to help spread the word I'm sharing my video of Wladimir Klitschko's presentation. You can check on it by clicking here:
http://www.fightbeat.com/player2.php?FILENAME=9_wlad.swf

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Afterward, the boxers got down to business. Team Brock felt a little disrespected that Team Klitschko was calling this an "easy" fight for Wladimir. Emanuel Steward told me:

"I'm glad we are fighting a straight basic fighter. Wladimir didn't need to fight Samuel Peter, but because Samuel was declared the next in line for a title Wladimir chose him, and he beat him."

Emanuel continued to explain: "Wladimir has a tremendous amateur background and broke many boxing records. He had like 17 consecutive one-round knockouts"



Calvance Brock, Calvin's father, had a few words to share with the media: "When Wladimir couldn't fulfill his desire for a unification bout, they came to us" said an upset papa Brock. "They said they would make quick work of Brock, but give him a seven figure payday (described as a nice chunk of change) -- BIG MISTAKE!"

Papa Brock looked so upset and animated for this bout I was getting ready to change the banner to Papa Brock vs Wladimir Klitschko.

Calvin was quite the opposite. He was courteous, thankful for the opportunity, and never even talked about some of the disparaging remarks by Team Klitschko. He just said his peace and walked away. Calvin is a devout Christian. During an interview he told me: "My dad just isn't used to the criticism, but it doesn't bother me. This is my dream come true, and God has led me here."



Wladimir Klitschko continued the role as an ambassador of goodwill by hyping up NY:

"NY is the capitol of the world! I'm starting to understand that. Where else can you see Jews living with Muslims and no real problems? Chinese, Mongolians, Indians, and other cultures all living together with no big problems. NY is the model city for the entire world."

Truth be told, I can't even recall if he even talked about his bout with Brock.

After the listless speeches both gladiators did the customary stare-down. They were nose to nose and completely focused. But, they both acted like altar boys during a Sunday mass. Calvin even shook Wladimir's hand and said, "That's the best darn speech I've ever heard."

In a time where the sport of boxing needs role models, Klitschko and Brock have emerged as possible saviors for the heavyweight division. Who will win? Wladimir said:
"The children of Africa will win. I'm donating $250,000 of the ticket sales to help their cause."

How about Wladimir Klitschko for president?

Winky-Quartey Set To Clash!
According to the St. Petersburg Times, Winky Wright has finalized a deal to fight Ike Quartey at the St. Pete Times Forum (which is in Tampa) on Dec. 2.

"Looks like we're coming to Tampa," said Lou DiBella, who promotes Quartey. "They made us a fair offer, and we agree. Ike said he and Winky are both used to going into the lion's den, so he's willing to sign a contract. At this point I believe we have a deal."

Wright told the Times he's excited to come home:

"I've been wanting to come back for a long time, but I just didn't have the television networks coming with me," said Wright. "But now I get the chance to show all my fans I appreciate them, and to thank them for following me out to Vegas and all the other little towns I've fought in."

Financial terms haven't been disclosed, but it looks like Quartey will get about $1 million.

Rumor Mill
I bumped into junior welterweight contender Paulie Malignaggi, who lost a hard-fought battle against Miguel Cotto earlier this year, and he said that they've been looking for an opponent. I mentioned that jokingly I asked his good friend Vivian Harris if he would fight Paulie. At first Vivian said no, but he said "Well, if the money is right I might!"

Paulie shocked me: "Actually, his name was brought up as a possible opponent. My people have been in touch with Gary Shaw to see if we can work something out."

Wow, very good friends fighting for their futures, and on NY turf! I hope this battle comes off because it would be explosive. I'll keep you informed.



---

by Carlos Guzman at wagerweb.com on September 26, 2006


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