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Q&A with Vitali Klitschko Dubbed Dr. Iron Fist (he has a Ph.D. in spors science), the Ukrainian heavyweight, 31, fights Lennox Lewis on SaturdayPosted: Thursday June 19, 2003 5:37 PM
Klitschko: I take this chance. Actually, for promotion of the fight it's not a lot of time, just two weeks. For preparation, it is not a lot of time. But the situation is that Lennox Lewis was prepared for his fight on June 21 against Kirk Johnson and I was prepared to fight on the undercard, so both of us are in training and in shape and that's why I really wished for this fight. If I didn't wish to have this fight, I would never say yes two weeks before. SI: Do you see the fight ending in a knockout or a decision? Klitschko: I want to stay in the ring like a winner and not like a loser. In this situation we have different ways [to win], by points, by KOs, but I think it will not be a points win. SI: What would being heavyweight champion mean to you? Klitschko: World champion to me means very global thing. In history we have a lot of champions and they are really big stars. To me, a world champion in the heavyweight division is something special. This is a goal for every heavyweight champion -- to be a champion and to beat a heavyweight champion. SI: What did you think of [your brother] Vladimir's acting in Ocean's Eleven? Klitschko: He did nothing. He played himself. SI: You've fought often in Germany. How are German boxing fans different from American boxing fans? Klitschko: I think Americans are very emotional, more emotional than the Old World. In Europe, we need more time to get hot, to express emotions. They are good fans, too, but they are different because they have a different mentality. In America, the fans are very open to showing emotion. SI: You are an avid chess player. During a 2001 exhibition, you hung in against former world champ Garry Kasparov for 31 moves Who is more intimidating, Kasparov or Lewis? Klitschko: Kasparov is a champion in chess. Actually, you have no chance against him. SI: Did you challenge Kasparov to spar with you in the ring? Klitschko: For sure, we make a lot of jokes about it. I invite him to train with me. SI: What is your favorite language to speak? Klitschko: My mother language is Russian-Ukrainian. Ukrainian and Russian are similar, and I grew up using these languages.
SI Klitschko: I don't want people to describe me as Ivan Drago. We are completely different. Ivan Drago did not have a brother, but I do. SI: You are still not well known in the U.S. What should American boxing fans know about you? Klitschko: It is difficult to say what they should know about me before the fight. I think they can spend more time on it after the fight. Right now I am not worried about this question because first I have to show good performance in the ring. Then we can go closer to the fans. I think they will have more interest in me then. SI: You go to the movies nearly every day, right? Klitschko: Yes, this is true. I try to go to the movies every second day. The movie theater is where you can learn language much better. I did it in Germany when I was learning the language, and now I do it in U.S. You have fun and you learn language. SI: Do you like the nickname Dr. Iron Fist? Klitschko: This I do not worry about. It was given to me by journalist. It was not my idea. SI: I read you sometimes play the guitar while entertaining close friends. What do you like to play? Klitschko: Russian songs. Growing up I would learn different Russian songs and melodies. SI: Did you and your brother fight each other as kids? Klitschko: It is a very interesting thing. We never have a problem with each other. Because I am five years older and my parents say to me, 'You have to take care of your younger brother.' He is a good brother so I have no problem with him. SI: Give me a prediction for the fight. Klitschko: I go to the ring not just to be in the ring. I go to the ring to win the fight. --Richard Deitsch Issue date: June 23, 2003
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