Save the Klitschko bashing until someone is capable of doing it in the ring

PUBLISHED: 18:01 EST, 7 October 2013 | UPDATED: 04:58 EST, 8 October 2013

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Klitschko bashing is back in vogue following Wladimir’s comprehensive away win in Moscow on Saturday night.

The younger of the two world heavyweight champion brothers is under fire for ensuring victory rather than entertaining the 35,000 crowd in Russia, president Vladiimir Putin among them, and the millions of viewers around the world.

Interestingly, much of the criticism comes from the many who proclaimed Alexader Povetkin to be the most authentic and dangerous challenger who either Wladimir or Vitali Klitschko have faced in recent years.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Wladimir Klitschko reaction after defeating Povetkin

Still champion: Wladimir Klitschko beat Alexander Povetkin but was criticised for his negative holding tactics

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Wlad the Impaler took them at their word, took Povetkin seriously, so took no foolish risks against him.

He picked off the challenger for all his belts with that demoralising left jab. When Povetkin was reduced to bull-rush head-butting of his chest while grabbing him around the waist, Klitschko had little option but to lean on the shorter man.
It was not a pretty fight but come on, was he supposed to hang his chin out against the man rated as the heaviest puncher in the hard old game?

And, after all, he gave the simple thrill-seekers their ration of four knock-downs on his way to winning every round except the one shared because he had a point deducted.

Had the three knock-down rule been in operation his triple decking of Povetkin in the seventh round would have ended it there and then and Klitschko would have been credited with a satisfactory TKO.
Instead, the gallant Russian kept getting up to take further punishment, which became monotonous the longer it went on.

Yet when the cat-calls began, after Klitsckko was given a yawning 119-104 decision on all three score-cards, Povetkin applied some perspective by saying: ‘He’s the best in the world. That’s obvious.’

Well, it is to most of us.

The record books say so, too. This was Wladimir’s 15th consecutive successful defence of his WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine world titles. He and Vitali, the WBC champion, have dominated the heavyweight division for seven years.

The Ukrainian brothers are also distinguished ambassadors for their at-times embattled sport, so a little respect is in order here.

And even at 37, Wladimir is modest enough to respond to his critics by saying: ‘I still want to improve.’
It not always possible to put on an exciting show and Povetkin’s style had as much

Wladimir Klitschko: Alexander Povetkin was wanting lucky punch

Down and out: Povetkin was knocked down four times as he lost his unbeaten record in Moscow

And for those eager to see David Haye get it on with Tyson Fury on February 8, it is worth noting that by denying Povetkin any chance of an upset Klitschko put an efficient end to speculation in Europe that the Hayemaker might change direction to challenge the Russian instead.

For that alone, in the British interest, Klitschko was worth his £11 million purse.

Klitschko bashing?

It is not time for that until boxing can find someone capable of doing it in the ring.

BRADLEY AND MARQUEZ BATTLE FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS

The only two men to have beaten Manny Pacquiao in the last seven years – Juan Manuel Marquez by dynamite KO and Tim Bradley by dodgy decision – collide in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Officially this fight is for Bradley’s WBO world welterweight title but it is the standing of each man in the game which is really at stake.

Marquez is bidding to become Mexico’s first five-division world champion, while Bradley believes he can establish himself as one of the top three pound-for-pound boxers in the world.

Stunning: Juan Manuel Marquez (above) and Timothy Bradley (below) both boast wins over Manny Pacquiao

With the drugs issue which surrounded Marquez after his shock defeat of the PacMan still swirling, independent viewers will again be studying his physique and performance with closer-than-average attention.

There are so many vested interests at work here, not the least of them commercial.

Any revived suspicions about the validity of that Marquez victory will bring back the clamour for what would become the richest fight of all time – Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather.

EUBANK JNR TIPPED FOR BRIGHT FUTURE

It was good to see Chris Eubank at a high-power dinner in London on Sunday in honour of Jarvis Astaire, the legendary boxing promoter.

Astaire became the first Life President of Variety, the most-worthy children’s charity which is dear to the heart of so many sporting and show business personalities, while celebrating his 90th birthday.

Eubank – along with Frank Bruno one of the many fighters Astaire propelled to fame – received an enthusiastic ovation as he took his seat in star-packed room.

He's got the skills: Chris Eubank Jnr has been tipped to go all the way by his former world champion father

We reminisced about Eubank’s epic fights against Nigel Benn, Michael Watson and Steve Collins.
Eubank was as nattily dressed as usual and confided that he senses in his son Chris – still unbeaten at the start of his ring career – ‘much of the driven energy I saw in the young Mike Tyson.’

Like father, like son?

TEACH WESTWOOD A LESSON IN THE GYM

Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua landed a succession of heavy blows in knocking out Italy’s Emanuel Leo in the first round of his professional debut.

But the nastiest punch of this sporting Saturday was thrown not in the ring but during Rugby League’s Grand Final at Old Trafford, by Warrington’s Ben Westwood.

Not only was the right eye of Wigan’s key player Blake Green closed by that shameful cheap shot but he needed oxygen to revive him.

Bruised: Wigan Warriors' Blake Green was left with a black eye after being punched by Ben Westwood

Justice was done as Green recovered to score the crucial try in Wigan’s victory, although Rugby League’s image was as damaged as his swollen features.

As for Westwood, he should not only be banned but sent to try his hand at boxing, a really hard game in which the opponents punch back.