World heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko
remembered his late coach Emanuel Steward on Monday, saying victory over
Poland’s Mariusz Wach in Hamburg at the weekend would also be for his long-time
mentor.
The 68-year-old Steward, who worked with several
world champions at his fabled Kronk Gym in Detroit and joined forces with
Klitschko in 2004, died on Oct. 25 after developing complications following surgery
for diverticulitis.
“It is a big blow to everyone,” said the
Ukrainian, wearing his trademark red tracksuit at a news conference. “It felt
strange in preparation but we know what he would do and what he would want us
to do.
“It is a fight without Emanuel Steward but I will
be going into the ring on Saturday with his presence to defend those titles we
gathered together.”
Vladimir, the younger of the Klitschko brothers
who holds the WBO, IBF, IBO and WBA belts, defeated American Tony Thompson in
July to retain his titles.
Brother Vitali holds the WBC crown.
The 36-year-old Vladimir, who has a record of 58
wins and three defeats, will face a taller opponent for the first time as the
2.02-metre Wach has four centimetres on him.
Wach, 32, has a perfect record, with 27 victories
from 27 fights, and Klitschko said he would be an agile opponent.
“He is skilled, he can go the distance, and there
is no doubt about that. For his height he moves very well,” explained the
champion.
“But I will say one line that Emanuel used to
say,” said Klitschko as he turned to the Pole sitting near him before adding,
“Welcome to big-time boxing.”
Wach, dressed in a black shirt and grey suit,
looked unfazed and thanked the Ukrainian for giving him a shot at his titles.
“On Saturday you will see a different Mariusz
Wach, a Mariusz Wach who will want to take those belts off Klitschko,” said the
softly-spoken challenger. “You will remember that fight not for hours later but
for days and months to come.
“If I need 12 rounds then 12 rounds it is. I am
prepared for everything.”
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