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Klitschko v Brewster – In Like A Lion, Out Like Lamon
MON July 9, BUSTER PARIS - The bell rang for round 5, and 20,000 fans passionately chanted his name – “Klitschko, Klitschko, Klitschko …”
Wladimir’s jabbed popped into Lamon’s face and the chants got even louder, and then the entire arena of Kölnarena, Köln, Germany was all one, united and booming overpowering voice, singing his name - “Kliiiitschko, Kliiiiitschko, Kliiiiiitschko …”
As the mantra finally began to fade, a sole voice rose. One brave voice rose alone in all of Germany, and in what must have been a Brooklyn accent, began his very own chant – “Brewwwwstuh, Brewwwwstuh …”
Saying it twice was apparently enough, and Lamon ate a couple more stiff jabs.
That pretty much summed up the entire fight on Saturday, July 7th 2007 between "Dr. Steelhammer" Wladimir Klitschko (W 49 - 44 ko's & L 3) and "Relentless" Lamon Brewster (W 33 - 29 ko's & L 4).
It was a completely one sided affair with Wladimir dominating every second of every round with his amazing jab, his awesome flipping of that jab into a hook, some good old fashioned one-two’s and a right hand lead that was stunning and dead on accurate.
Brewster kicked off the fight barreling in and going right at Klitschko, but that would have been it as far as applying pressure. Lamon simply couldn’t get it going. He was never able to enter the fight and it almost seemed like he had jetlag or was poiso… oh never mind.
Brewster’s trainer, the great Buddy McGirt, mercifully stopped the match after the 6th round. He wouldn’t allow Brewster to take more of those punishing head shots, and they were extremely punishing. Lamon’s head would snap back, hard, and unnaturally hinge backward and snap forward right where the head and neck meet.
There were two major things at play here that pointed towards a Wladimir victory. One – it was just not Brewster’s night. We’ve all had that experience, where it’s just not our night, and clearly we saw that in Lamon.
Two – no way was Wladimir Klitschko going to lose this fight to Lamon Brewster. This was his payback, his shot at redemption and his first rematch with a fighter that had at one time beaten him. Lamon was special to Wlad, and there was no way he was going to lose this fight.
It’s hard to know just how much better Klitschko is now than he was a year ago, but from what we saw, he did use a great fight plan, and carried it off almost flawlessly. He kept his distance, kept that jab pumping violently, and effectively, and he employed the right hand more than he normally does, and something of great interest, he had enough wind through 6 rounds.
The bigger story than the round by round action is what happens next for these two.
For Lamon, he gave the impression that he is more worried about his health and well being, than he is about fighting. Nothing wrong with that, but once fighters start thinking that way, it usually means that their career is nearing its end.
Brewster is 34 years old, is really a great guy, and has given us more than enough exciting fights. It’s sad to say, but it is getting more dangerous for him to be doing battle – specifically that detached retina (left eye) that he got from Serguei Lyakhovich (04.01.2006).
Obviously it’s Brewster’s decision as to what he does, but it might be time to start thinking about retirement.
For Wlad, well, he is and remains Ring Magazines #1 Heavyweight. He also holds two of the alphabet belts, and it’s now time to start collecting the rest and give boxing an undisputed Heavyweight Champ.
Looking at the other title holders, and considering his amazing and awesome skills, I think he has a great shot of accomplishing that.
However, here’s my list of fighters he should stay away from, as I think that they have a special ingredient that goes beyond the sport, and gives them an edge that would allow them to walk away victorious:
James Toney
Evander Holyfield
That’s right.
James Toney, IF he trains properly, and without question – “The Real Deal” Evander Holyfiled can beat Wladimir Klitschko.
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com - and always enjoys receiving your thoughts, comments and questions
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