Headbutt Ends Klitschko Comeback Early
by Coyote Duran
10/3 - Wladimir Klitschko's (43-3 with 39 KOs) return in the main event of Showtime's triple header last night in Las Vegas was supposed to be, in a way, his chance at retribution. However, more questions were asked than answered as the Ukrainian with the questionable chin performed rather tentatively against DaVarryl Williamson (20-3 with 17 KOs). In the 10-round heavyweight feature, it was make or break for the two academically brilliant men, Klitschko, 28, being a doctor in sports medicine, while Williamson, 36, is a holder of a Master's degree in administrative services.
The 244-pound super heavyweight Olympic gold medalist, returning from a devastating loss against WBO heavyweight titlist Lamon Brewster, probably could've taken on a lesser challenge as a tune-up but opted to risk fighting Williamson, 218, Denver, Co. who is a capable distance fighter.
The event started in peculiar fashion before the bout even began when it was reported that Klitschko was suffering from a nosebleed up until his ring walk. It didn't seem to emerge at the bell, though, when the former WBO titlist took the initiative and cautiously jabbed Williamson and, in my opinion, won the first round.
Prior to the second heat, trainer Emanuel Steward advised Klitschko to be patient and use his jab while Williamson's trainer, George Durbin, chastised his fighter for not "doing what he was supposed to do" prior to the third. Williamson seemed very gunshy, much like Jameel McCline had when he faced Klitschko in 2002 and was TKO'ed in the 10th round.
Wladimir seemed to be measuring himself and conserving his energy, lest he become gassed like he had during his fight against Brewster this past April. Klitschko jabbed methodically and utilized his patented left hooks sporadically when suddenly at about 2:25 of the fourth round, he missed a right cross that threw off his balance and opened him up to a lightning fast Williamson right hand that caught him on the chin and produced, at best, a flash knockdown.
Klitschko calmly arose, very aware of his surroundings and fielded his suddenly confident opponent's attacks. Both men would soon maul each other, throwing recklessly and while desperately wrestling each other to avoid each other's shots. A regular donnybrook would break out as Klitschko forced Williamson to a corner with a couple of shots while Williamson popped Wladimir with a left at the bell.
Steward, before the fifth, told his fighter to calm down and relax and Wladimir obliged. Klitschko would return to his jab, but Williamson was less shaky. At the moment of the bell, both men would lunge at each other to seemingly fire at each other when they accidentally cracked heads, lacerating Klitschko above his right eyebrow, opening a nasty gash.
Dr. Margaret Goodman immediately intervened and advised referee Jay Nady to halt the bout. Later, Dr. Goodman informed Jim Gray that the gash was deep, close to the skull and dangerously close to a nerve that controlled the pupil of the right eye. Since 5 rounds were completed at the time of the headbutt, the scorecards would be used to determine the victor. The end result was a split decsion as judges Chuck Giampa and Jerry Roth scored for Klitschko, 49-46 while Doug Tucker scored in favor for Williamson, 48-47. My card read 48-46, Klitschko. Although Klitschko officially won the bout, he obviously wasn't satisfied, much like the crowd in attendance. Plus, this leaves the question open as to whether or not Wladimir Klitschko's conditioning would have favored him.
Post fight, Emanuel Steward understandingly supported his man and alluded to Klitschko returning as soon as he healed, maybe to even meet DaVarryl Williamson once more. Both fighters also agreed. Time, now, will only have the answers to the mystery which is Wladimir Klitschko.
Agree or disagree? Comments can be sent to Coyote Duran at theboxingguy@yahoo.com
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