Why Doesn't Wladimir Klitschko Get Credit?

Wladimir Klitschko is and has been the reigning heavyweight champion since 2005 and an Olympic gold medalist. So why does he not get the credit he feels he deserves?

Well, it is in large part the fact that the heavyweight division has been full of better than average fighters. However, if you were to look at Klitschko's record, all of his past opponents while he's been the champ have had very impressive records—all with only one or two losses on their record, and Ruslan Chagaev was undefeated with wins over John Ruiz and Nikolay Valuev.

So what is the point I am trying to make? Well, it's quite simple: Wladimir has become the superior fighter in the Klitschko family over his long-time champion brother, Vitali.

Back in 2003, Vitali fought one of the greatest heavyweights in history, Lennox Lewis, and was winning on all the scorecards. Due to a cut over his eye, the fight was stopped and Vitali had lost.

One of Wladimir's only losses was to Lamon Brewster, a big puncher who stopped Klitschko in their first fight in 2004. He later fought a rematch with Klitschko in 2007. However, in the rematch, the roles would be reversed as Klitschko would stop Brewster in the Sixth round. Clearly, Klitschko was far better and improved in almost every aspect of the game.

Everybody says the heavyweight division is either dead or dying. I don't see it that way and even if it was, it's not Klitschkos fault as he has faced every champion or contender out there.

With, of course, the exception of David Haye, who ran his mouth about Klitschko several times. He also wore a t-shirt indicating he would decapitate the Klitschko brothers. Then, when the fight was signed, he for some reason backed out.

Wladimir Klitschko has been an amazing champion who gets no credit where credit is due. It's not his fault these guys don't even come close in comparing skills with Klitschko. He takes on all fighters and beats them easily. It just makes me wonder how he would have done against a Mike Tyson or a Joe Luis or even a Muhammad Ali—we will never know. But something I know is we should all give Wladimir his credit.