Sultan Ibragimov - Articles - Zimbio

Klitschko Defeats Ibragimov

Sat, 24 Feb 2008 10:35:00 GMT

posted by kingtuts
Wladimir Klitschko blamed his rival Sultan Ibragimov's defensive style for producing a disappointing fight on the night he was proclaimed the first unified heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.

Klitschko easily outpointed Ibragimov at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night to regain the WBO title and add it to his IBF/IBO belts with his 50th professional victory (50-3, 44KOs).
Claiming an unanimous decision (119-110, 117-111, 118-110) he handed a first defeat to Ibragimov in what was the first unification contest the division has seen since 1999, when Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in the same arena.
While history was made, it was otherwise a night to forget as Ukrainian Klitschko and Russia's Ibragimov, who now slips to 22-1-1, served up a dreary contest punctuated only sporadically by significant moments of action.
"Ibragimov didn't do much to engage in the fight," Klitschko said afterwards. "I'm happy to have three belts and to get the WBO belt back as it was the first belt I had."
While agreeing with his fighter about Ibragimov's negativity, trainer Emanuel Steward said Klitschko could also have contributed more with his performance.

"Wladimir could have thrown more punches but I'm not disappointed because Ibragimov is a very difficult fighter because of his style," Steward said.
"Wladimir said Ibragimov kept leaning back and that was why he was having trouble going after him."He's a very difficult guy to fight, very careful."
With a four-and-a-half-inch height advantage, the six-foot six-and-a-half-inch Klitschko kept Ibragimov at arm's length throughout the opening rounds, patting down the Russian southpaw's leads while throwing only occasional left jabs of his own, keeping his right hand in reserve for fear of being caught off balance.
The tactics soon began to wear thin on many fans in the 14,011 crowd as sporadic boos rang out around the arena.
In the build-up to the fight Klitschko had described Ibragimov as not impressive but very effective and he seemed intent on emulating his rival.
Round seven saw both fighters open up a little, Klitschko landing a rare big right to the crouching Ibragimov's left temple while the Russian replied with a clean left to the Ukrainian's ribs. But the pair reverted type soon after and the jeers increased.

Klitschko again hurt his man with a right hook to the head midway through the eighth and this time followed up by landing another. Ibragimov hit the canvas soon after, although it was due to a push rather than a punch but at least the boos subsided.
Ibragimov, though, had trudged back to his corner and his mood was not improved as the ninth got underway. Klitschko burst into life once more, sending the WBO champion backpedalling into a neutral corner with a left jab-straight right, left jab-right hook combination that knocked the Russian onto his haunches and between the ropes.

Both fighters hit the floor in the 10th round as Ibragimov bundled Klitschko onto his back and landed on top of him and it provoked the most open exchanges of the fight as the champions finally traded blows.

Klitschko remained the dominant fighter, however, and again bore down on Ibragimov in the 11th round, picking his rival off intermittently with isolated left jabs and finishing the round by snapping the Russian's head back with a right hook just before the bell.
All Klitschko had to do was ride out the final round but the final three minutes only brought a return of the booing.
Ibragimov said he had been just as frustrated, saying of Klitschko: "He didn't jab, he chopped and grabbed throughout the fight. "I didn't see his right hand until the last two rounds. "I wasn't hurt during the fight but I did feel he was winning."

The State Of Boxing (Part 1): Heavyweights

Mon, 26 Feb 2008 01:51:00 GMT

posted by bweisman12
This article is the first in a series of posts examining the state of boxing's various weight classes. The state of each major weight class will be reviewed, from the heavyweights to the the lightweights and everywhere in between. Each weight class' top pros, rising prospects, and fading has beens will be dissected. I will also make my predictions for upcoming bouts and what fights may be coming up the pipe in the future. So, where better to start than with the heavyweights? Well, if you know anything about boxing, you could probably throw a rock and hit a more deserving weight class, but I'll start with them anyway.

If you've been living in a cave, you might not know that the heavyweight class is presently in shambles. The last time there was a real buzz about a heavyweight fight, it was June 21, 2003. I remember it like it was yesterday. Lennox Lewis was set to defend his title against Vitali Klitschko, a fight that would end up being the final fight in Lewis' illustrious career. Both fighters fought their heart out and by the end of the fight both fighters were a bloody mess. Lewis won a controversial unanimous decision, Lewis retired soon after and there hasn't been a reason to watch the heavyweights since.

Last weekend the first title unifying (IBF and WBO) bout in 9 years was finally fought at MSG. Vladimir Klitschko (50-3, 44KOs), older brother of the afore mentioned Vitali squared off against Sultan Ibragimov (22-1-1, 17KOs). Klitschko appeared to have control of the fight throughout, appearing to hurt Ibragimov in the later rounds. Vladimir, who is widely considered the top heavyweight in a class of nobodies was victorious by unanimous decision over Ibragimov in a disappointingly uneventful match, culminating what has been a horrific era in heavyweight boxing.

So what's next? Do we care? Well, maybe. Klitschko has been quoted as saying he would like unify the entire heavyweight division. Two more belts remain for Klitschko, one owned by Oleg Maskaev (34-5) who will fight on March 8 (HBO) against the #2 ranked heavyweight Samuel Peter (29-1) and the other by Ruslan Chagaev (24-0-1), who was in attendance. There is something compelling about a fighter trying to unite all the titles in one weight class, and while it's not easy to do, anything is possible in this heavyweight class.

Predictions:
March 8th (HBO) - Oleg Maskaev (34-5) vs. Samuel Peter (29-1)
In the first heavyweight title bout ever held in Mexico I think Peter will emerge victorious by unanimous decision. Peter is a big knockout guy (22 KOs) and a very good fighter, his only defeat coming at the hands of Klitschko. Maskaev has lost to the likes of Kirk Johnson, Lance Whitaker and Corey Sanders, none of which currently hold a spot in the top 10 heavyweight rankings. While Maskaev does have some questionable defeats, he has also proven he can take a punch and I think he'll be able to sustain through 12 rounds against Peter, not possessing the talent to outpoint him.

Sultan Ibragimov Remained Undefeated

Tue, 17 Oct 2007 03:13:06 GMT

posted by garryb

Sultan Ibragimov wins by a unanimous decision over Evander Holyfield to remain the WBO Heavyweight Champion Saturday at The Khodynka Arena.

Ibragimov remained undefeated at 22-0-1. He was originally scheduled to fight WBA Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev, but he withdrew from the event due to undisclosed medical reasons.

Round By Round: Klitschko-Ibragimov

Sat, 24 Feb 2008 03:25:00 GMT

posted by NTylwalk7
We're still waiting for tonight's main event between Wladimir Klitschko and Sultan Ibragimov from Madison Square Garden. First up on the broadcast is a replay of last week's rematch between Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor. It was interesting to see the fight with the judge's scores displayed, as I disagreed with several rounds but agreed with the decision.

Now we've got a little debate about the heavyweight division with Lennox Lewis. The former champ gives props to Ibragimov for his caginess, but thinks Dr. Steelhammer will catch up with him sooner or later.

I give Ibragimov the edge in gear, simply because my taste in clothing runs more toward Affliction than Hugo Boss. This has been Klitschko's longest period of inactivity; we'll see if that means anything. Ibragimov enters tonight's fight at 219 pounds, Klitschko at 238.

Rd. 1

Klitschko using his left hand to smack away Ibragimov's numerous quick jab attempts. That was about 90 seconds of boredom as both guys are being extra cautious. First punch that lands is a left to the body by Ibragimov. Maybe another left or two and some wild swings at the bell that miss. Not much action in that round, to say the least.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Ibragimov

Rd. 2

More of the same to start the second, though Wlad does land a jab or two. Another jab and Ibragimov has to jump in to get anything off. Quick left to the body by Ibragimov but it just doesn't look like he can do anything to hurt Wlad. The crowd boos, understandably in my opinion.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 3

Klitschko looks like he could wade in there if he wants, but he's not doing it yet. Sultan backed up into the corner but escapes without harm. Double up on the jab by Wladimir and they snap Sultan's head back. We haven't seen the right hand behind the jab yet though. Ibragimov chases Klitschko across the ring but to no avail. More boos and the announcers think Ibragimov may be tiring already.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 4

First semi-exchange in the center of the ring and Wladimir gets the best of it. Sultan gets in with some shots to the body. Nice powerful jab by Wlad. Left to the body by Ibragimov. He comes forward for a second behind another left. Crappy round but Ibragimov may have won it with activity.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Ibragimov

Rd. 5

Double jabs by Klitschko and Ibragimov fires back with a left. The crowd boos again in displeasure. Finally a right hand by Klitschko and it scores. Ibragimov tries to come forward again but it ends up in some wrestling. Sultan goes for the body. No connections of note in the round's final ten seconds.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 6

Jim Lampley makes a good point that Klitschko ran out of gas against Lamon Brewster, which may be something he's keeping in mind here. The fans may not be happy with that explanation. Sultan rushes inside but ends up in a clinch once again. Klitschko dances back away from a combo, looking effortless. More wrestling inside, then a one-two combo that sort of lands by Ibragimov.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 7

A right lands from Klitschko, but Ibragimov doesn't appear hurt. Left from Wlad and Sultan retreats. Sneaky right gets in there from Klitschko. More jabs landing from Wladimir. Sniping lefts and rights as Ibragimov looking a little more hesitant. Lennox Lewis imploring Klitschko to throw more combos against the ropes. It doesn't happen, as the boos prove.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 8

Wladimir starts coming forward a little more to start the eighth. A big right finds the mark, then Ibragimov goes down but it's ruled a throw or slip. Straight right finally starting to land for Klitschko. Left to the body by Ibragimov. Right and left by Klitschko and Ibragimov is brave facing them down. It took eight rounds, but Dr. Steelhammer connected with a few big shots.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 9

Looping shots from Ibragimov answered by straight shots from Klitschko. Ibragimov uses the ropes to save himself and the ref does not score it a knockdown. Three unanswered jabs by Klitschko. Sultan's combo answered by a Klitschko right hand. A little more wrestling late in the round, which was an easy Steelhammer round.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 10

Sultan still showing some spark but doesn't seem to have even a puncher's chance right now. Both guys go down in a move straight out of WWE. Headlock action is the dominant theme of this round. Partial score with a right by Klitschko and more tie-ups. Left hook finds the mark but Ibragimov still making an effort. The announcers are praising Klitschko's defense though the crowd still sounds unimpressed.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 11

It's kind of hard to believe this fight is still going, and Emanuel Steward just told Klitschko he should never be going 12 rounds with Ibragimov. Jabs still landing for Steelhammer, but where is that right hand? This fight may end with a whimper instead of a bang. A brief flurry breaks out right before the bell, though nothing lands of consequence.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Rd. 12

Steward just told Klitschko he should get the knockout or "it's going to be bad." Let's see if that lights a fire under him. He does look a little more aggressive. Lewis is dropping all kinds of vrbal gems, which have been the most entertaining parts of this fight. He and Max Kellerman are debating the merits of Steward's instructions. Lots of swinging and missing from Ibragimov. Wladimir looks like he will jab his way to victory, and we'll have to be content with that. A late right hand from Klitschko but not the performance many fans expected, or hoped for, quite frankly.

Franchise scores it: 10-9 Klitschko

Franchise scores it 118-110 for Klitschko. The judges score it 119-110, 117-111 and 118-110, all for Klitschko.

No surprise that Steelhammer got the easy decision, but it will be interesting to see what kind of criticism comes his way. I know his chin isn't the best, but it really didn't look like he was in much danger, so his caution seemed to be a bit excessive.

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO VS. SULTAN IBRAGIMOV LIVE ONLINE

Sat, 24 Feb 2008 02:42:39 GMT

posted by gokhank

The first heavyweight unification title fight since 1999 highlights a special evening of Boxing-oriented programming when World Championship Boxing: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Sultan Ibragimov, Saturday, Feb. 23 (9:30 PM. ET/ 6:30 PM PT) from New York’s Madison Square Garden. The fight will be available in HDTV, as well as closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdate: Feb. 24 (9:30 AM)

Wladimir Klitschko (49-3, 44 KOs), from Kiev, Ukraine, has been storming through the heavyweight ranks for the past two years. Now he puts his title on the line against fellow title-holder Sultan Ibragimov (22-0-1, 17 KOs) of Russia. Though Klitschko is a year younger than the 32-year-old Ibragimov, he has more than double the pro experience. Klitschko’s last appearance in the Garden was a convincing KO over Calvin Brock in fall 2006, the first time he headlined at the Mecca of boxing.

Both fighters have enjoyed success at the Olympics. At the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Ibragimov captured a silver medal, while Klitschko secured a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.

All WCB events are broadcast in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

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