Published: 22 February, 2008, 07:30
Edited: 22 February, 2008, 07:30
Two boxing champions are to do battle in a multi-million dollar fight in New York. The bout at Madison Square Gardens between Sultan Ibragimov and Wladimir Klitschko is sure to attract the large number of Russians and Ukrainians living in the Big Apple.
For years they have been punching, jabbing and knocking their opponents out. They have reached the top, becoming world’s best heavyweight boxers.
Now as their paths cross, three champion belts will be on the line in a ten-million-dollar fight.
Philosophical view…
Just days before what could be the fight of his life, Russian Sultan Ibragimov looks calm chilling out on the beach with his friends and from time to time rewarding passing fans with an autograph.
Despite all the tension and hectic training schedule, the Muslim fighter is philosophical about his upcoming golden chance.
“Only Allah knows what awaits me. I’m determined to win. If it’s my night, I’ll win – if it’s his night, he’ll win. But if Allah won’t let me have this victory, I won’t be too upset,” said Ibragimov.
…And hours in the gym
The mood is a little different in the opposite camp. Wladimir Klitshcko can hardly be seen anywhere but in the gym, though his training sessions have been closed off to the cameras. The Ukrainian is seen as favourite by most experts, but he himself regards the bout with Ibragimov as a serious test for his skills.
“I think he’s the best of all champions right now. Sultan Ibragimov shouldn’t be underestimated. He may not look very impressive, but he’s every effective. So I won’t underestimate him,” Klitshcko said.
Big hopes
Millions across the world will be watching the fight on television. But for the people in Brighton Beach it has a special meaning. Brighton Beach in New York’s South Brooklyn is a neighbourhood inhabited by immigrants from the former Soviet Union. It’s hard to say who has the greater numbers – Russians or Ukrainians, but the traditional rivalry in sports between the two former Soviet countries is on everyone’s lips here.
Russian Aleksander Ovechkin is now the highest paid NHL player. He says he wants Ibragimov tol win and thinks he will.
But, of course, many of those who'll be watching the bout while holding their breath are people back home.
“Vlad, you’ve got to use the forehand more often and use the technique like in other previous fights you,ve had,” advises Klitschko’s first coach Aleksandr Polishuk.
Mugamedsalikh Ibragimov, Sultan's father, says he hopes first for Allah, second for Sultan. “We’re hoping that Allah will send his opponent to the canvas!” he exclaims.
Madison Square Garden, New York, is the legendary home of professional boxing. Both Ibragimov and Klitschko say they like this arena and that so far it has brought them luck. But who is going to win this time – the southpaw stance or regular style? The Hunter or Dr. Steelhammer? The cream of Russian or Ukranian boxing? We'll find out after 10 pm NY time on February 23.