5 Most Memorable Wladimir Klitschko Fights

Wladimir Klitschko was involved in many memorable fights throughout his career. He enjoyed massive success throughout his professional boxing journey, especially under the tutelage of the late Emanuel “Manny” Steward. The Ukrainian heavyweight endured setbacks with defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in the latter part of his career, but Big Fight Weekend wanted to pay homage to the retired heavyweight and look at 5 of the best Wladimir Klitschko fights. If you’re a boxing enthusiast looking to relive these epic moments or learn more about Klitschko’s legacy, an online betting guide can provide you with valuable insights and information about these legendary matchups.

5 Memorable Wladimir Klitschko Fights

If you're struggling with a project, just look at what you DON’T consider important.

That's where progress lies. #Focus on that. pic.twitter.com/bhSbDu9mMS

— Klitschko (@Klitschko) August 4, 2023

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd II

Following damaging TKO defeats to Lamon Brewster and Corrie Sanders in recent fights, Klitschko needed a morale-boosting win and performance. A fight with Chris Byrd was announced, and Klitschko brought his A game and done a job on his American opponent, who he sent to the canvas on two occasions, which led to the referee calling the fight in the Ukrainian’s favour via a TKO victory, which gave him the IBO and IBF heavyweight titles. This fight is seen by many as the turning point in his career as he went on an unbelievable run of victories from April 2006 until he met Fury on November 28, 2015.

Klitschko vs. Lamon Brewster

Lamon Brewster stunned the world of heavyweight boxing – when he knocked out Wladimir in 2004. That defeat marked a pivotal point in the Ukrainian’s career as he began a resurrection of it under the guidance of Emmanuel Steward. Dr Steelhammer had the chance to avenge his defeat to Brewster when the two collided in a rematch on July 7, 2007.

Also Read: 5 Underrated Heavyweights to Watch Out for in 2023

Klitschko worked diligently behind his damaging jab, which pummeled his American opponent. His accuracy behind that jab was a constant punishment for Brewster, whose corner threw in the towel after Round six. Being able to avenge this defeat showed how much the Ukrainian legend had improved since his loss to the American three years earlier.

Klitschko vs. Alexander Povetkin

Alexander Povetkin entered the ring at the Olympic Stadium, in Moscow, Russia, with a professional fight record of 25-0. The experienced Ukrainian gave a young Povetkin a lesson in boxing. He dominated his Russian counterpart, winning almost every round. Klitschko knocked down his opponent four times during the fight, with three occurring in round one.

Read More: 10 Years Ago Wladimir Klitschko Kayoed His American Foe

This win over Povetkin aged well, as the Russian went on to record notable wins over Dillian Whyte and Mariusz Wach, and he also gave Anthony Joshua a tough night during their 2018 title fight. The Ukrainian was too strong for Povetkin and bullied him early on before obtaining a dominant unanimous decision victory.

Klitschko vs. David Haye

David Haye enjoyed an impressive stint at cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight, where he defeated John Ruiz, Nikolai Valuev, and Audley Harrison before he travelled to the Imtech Arena in Hamburg to face Klitschko in an attempt to collect the IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles. Haye possessed the speed and power that had troubled Klitschko in the past, and the British fighter was full of confidence in the build-up. The Ukrainian was at his dominating best, using impressive footwork and keeping the distance between himself and Haye – which frustrated the British fighter who couldn’t get on the inside of his much bigger opponent. The judges scorecards read 117–109, 118–108, and 116–110 all in favour of Klitschko, and reflected just how dominating he was.

Klitschko vs. Ruslan Chagaev

Klitschko once again showed he was prepared to share a ring with anyone when he decided to face dangerous Uzbekistani southpaw Ruslan Chagaev. Dr Steelhammer was at his imperious best as he dominated Chagaev from the first bell, dropping the Uzbekistani fighter in round two with an impeccably timed right hand. His jab was at its accurate best, snapping his opponent’s head back on countless occasions before the referee ended the fight in favour of Klitschko at the beginning of the 10th round. It was a one-sided dominating victory, where the Ukrainian heavyweight added the Ring heavyweight title to his growing collection of titles.