Wladimir Klitschko Will Be Recalled As One of the Greatest Heavyweights Ever

IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion of the world “Dr. Steele Hammer” Wladimir Klitschko successfully defended his crowns against “The Nigerian Nightmare” Samuel Peter with a 10th-round TKO Saturday night in Frankfurt, Germany.

Klitschko (55-3, 49 KOs), a Ukrainian who captured a gold medal for his country as a super heavyweight at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, utterly battered Peter (34-4, 27 KOs) throughout the lopsided contest.

This was a rematch from a September 2005 bout in Atlantic City when Peter managed to floor the massive Ph.D on three occasions before Klitschko emerged with a controversial unanimous decision victory.

Peter is a former WBC titlist who is a powerful and intimidating figure in the ring.

“The Nigerian Nightmare” deserves kudos because he had the pearls to actually fight Klitschko rather than avoid him like the majority of “Dr. Steel Hammer’s” recent opponents have.

“He took a lot of punishment and fought until the end,” said Klitschko, 34, who has now won 13 consecutive scraps since he lost to a gump named Lamon Brewster by a fifth round TKO in April 2004. “But, from round two, it was clear that his game plan wasn’t working.”

Klitschko is a slow and methodical pugilist whose popularity amongst fight fans has suffered due to his somewhat boring style in the squared circle.

Nevertheless, Klitschko is easily the preeminent heavyweight today and it is hard to envision that he will be trumped anytime in the imminent future.

“Watching Klitschko fight is like watching grass grow,” said Brad Sherwood, 30, a resident of South Boston who is employed as a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym in Medford.

“He’s good. But, I can’t watch him. I need, boxing needs, someone exciting. Klitschko does not exactly stir excitement like Mike Tyson did.”

Klitschko, who fornicates with American actress Hayden Pannettiere, may not have the allure, appeal or savagery of Tyson.

Still, Klitschko is an absolute boxing tactician and he will one day be recalled as one of the greatest heavyweights in the annals of prizefighting.