The world’s best Heavyweight, Ukraine I.B.O Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko, 48-3, 43 KO’s, looks to get revenge against #8 world rated California Heavyweight Lamon Brewster, 33-3, 29 KO’s, in a 12 round main event. The bout will be televised Saturday evening on HBO July 7th at 5 pm EST. The fight takes place practically in Klitshcko’s backyard at the Cologne Arena in Cologne, Germany.
In April of 2004 Brewster brutally KO’d Klitschko in the 5th round with a series of punches punctuated by a left hook. Klitschko who has always had suspect stamina, ran out of gas and Brewster pasted him to the canvas as an 8 to 1 underdog. Just like in the last fight, Sportsbook.com has Wladimir Klitschko a heavy -450 favorite with Lamon Brewster at +300 odds for the rematch.
Wladimir Klitschko, 31, has shown improvement in recent fights under the instruction of Kronk Gym founder Emanuel Steward. Klitschko has been able to utilize his 6'6" height and keep opponents at the end of his jab, making him a difficult target to hit cleanly.
Buddy McGirt will be working in Brewster’s corner, and has made defense and footwork the focus of the training camp in preparation for the Ukrainian. Brewster, 34, in his last fight 11 months ago had a furious battle with Sergei Liakhovich, 23-2, 14 KO’s, losing a close 12 round decision.
In this fight Lamon Brewster will probably have to KO Klitschko in Germany to get a win. While I am always leery of picking a fighter to win after he has been KO’d by the same guy, I’m taking Klitschko to win by decision. The short 6'1 Brewster has a ton of heart and a very good chin, but won’t be able to catch Klitschko enough to win by KO or cuts.
At a country strong 230 pounds, Lamon can win this fight with one left hook and Wladimir knows it. I expect Klitschko to use the ring and fight a cautious fight behind a stiff jab mixed in with an occasional combination. While Brewster comes forward all night long, I don’t think he has the fitness to pressure the IBO Heavyweight Champion and tire him out this time around.
Klitschko stamina has gotten better since their last meeting over 3 years ago. Brewster’s defense has improved slightly from working with Buddy McGirt so I think he will be able to make Klitschko miss enough to survive the distance.
Brad Marchetti Boxing Prediction: Wladamir Klitschko 5 units
Sportsbook.com has posted boxing odds on the final result of the Klitchko vs. Brewster fight starting at 4:00 PM EST:
Klitschko by KO – TKO – DQ 5-14
Klitschko by Decision 4-1
Brewster by KO – TKO – DQ 5-1
Brewster by Decision 18-1
Draw 25-1
