Published: 23 February, 2008, 20:43
Edited: 23 February, 2008, 20:43
For the first time in boxing history, three heavyweight belts are on the line at one go. Russia's Sultan Ibragimov and Ukraine's Wladimir Klitschko are getting ready for battle in the Big Apple at the famed Madison Square Garden. RT has met both boxers ah
Klitscko, the IBF Champion, tipped the scales at 238 pounds, the slimmest he's been since 2000. His opponent, Ibragimov, the WBO king, was lighter still, weighing in almost twenty pounds less.
Ibragimov is the second Muslim boxer to be world heavyweight champion, the first being, of ourse, Muhammad Ali.
RT has spoken to both boxers ahead of the fight.
Ibragimov doesn’t seem to be worried about the fact that Klitschko is quite a bit taller than him.
“You know, it’s boxing, someone is tall, someone is short. I've had opponents as tall as him earlier,” Ibragimov said.
Vladimir Klitschko says he will not underestimate his opponent as Sultan Ibragimov has been very successful so far.
“He’s been very successful, he’s very intelligent, very fast,” the Ukrainian said about his Russian rival.
The fight will start at 10 pm NY time on February 23.