Klitschko Hosts A Media Work Out
Posted by Igor Frank on 09.04.2009
Vitali "Dr Ironfist" Klitschko is ready to face Christobal "The Nightmare' Arreola for the WBC heavyweight championship for the world on September 26th,2009 at Stapples Center in Los Angeles.
"Life is boring without dreams," said Vitali Klitschko addressing a group of reporters assembled for his media day work out at Pound for Pound Gym in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning. Vitali and his brother Vladimir had a dream of being heavyweight champions simultaneously. Their next dream is keeping all the heavyweight titles in the family. Christobal Arreola hopes to turn this dream into a nightmare when he challenges Vitali for a WBC heavyweight title on September 26th at Staples center in Los Angeles, California. "Boxing is a global sport," said Klitschko. So besides being televised live by HBO in United States, it is being broadcast in about hundred other countries.
What surprised me the most about media day work out is that it started precisely at the scheduled time 11:00 am. It speaks highly about the champion's work ethic and professionalism. Thirty eight year old Klitschko that looks like a Greek god did a light work out for members of the media that included stretching, jump rope, knuckle push ups, light mitt work with his long time trainer Fritz Sdunek and then hitting a heavy and a speed bag.
"I feel comfortable in the gym, said Klitschko:" I am in good shape now, but not in my best shape. I will be in my best shape for the fight. I know Arreola will train very well for this fight. I take him very seriously. I will be in top shape and I will give my best. You will see in my performance on Sept. 26. Arreola has a big punch and a big heart as do all Mexican fighters. Nothing about this fight will be simple, but I will win."
The announcement was made that Vitali Klitschko will be donating 100 tickets for the championship bout to Southern California firefighters. Currently living and training in Los Angeles, Vitali could see first hand the challenges that our firefighters face putting their lives on the line every day. The WBC heavyweight champion who is well known for his philanthropy decided to show a gesture of gratitude to those who keep streets of Los Angeles safe.
"Every day, I'm asked ‘where do I live?" continued Klitschko: "I love being in Los Angeles where I have my house. I also have many friends and a place in Germany and at the same time I'm a Ukrainian citizen. But I'm a sportsman and travel around the world. If you want to know where I stay the most, it is in a plane. For boxing fans, it's not a question of which country you're from, or which flag you wave. It's about performance in the ring. That's what the fans appreciate. Which country you're from, which country you're a citizen in, is not an important question."
According to a popular online gambling site 5dimes.com "Dr. Iron fist "Klitschko is nine to one favorite to beat number contender Christobal Arreola on September 26th. Klitschko has a knock out ratio of 92.3% and Arreola has a knock out ratio just below 90% because two of his opponents were disqualified on the way to being stopped. The champion does not expect this fight to go the distance: "I doubt the fight will be won by decision. The fight will be much shorter than 12 rounds. Arreola is a good fighter. I don't want to underestimate him. I don't want to make mistakes. I will show him my skills. I am much stronger than Arreola. Arreola has a big heart and a big punch. But I have a big punch, too."
Both warriors who are very respectful of one another are going for the records: the champion will be the first man to headline a Staples Center boxing championship event for the third time, Arreola, should he be victorious, will be the first Mexican American man to win a heavyweight title. Memories of Klitschko fight with Lennox Lewis six years ago along with ever growing popularity of local favorite Chris Arreola are creating quite a buzz for the upcoming showdown. My Russian, seventy years old mother in law, who has never been to a live boxing show, has asked me repeatedly to get her tickets to this fight. Russian speaking newspaper Panorama is promoting this fight heavily for the local Russian community.
Members of German media, who consider Vitali their house fighter, attended the work out. Do not miss this one as it is guaranteed to produce fireworks. Tickets, starting at $25, can be purchased at STAPLES Center, all TicketMaster outlets, by phone (800) 745-3000 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.
