Wladimir Klitschko hopes his heavyweight title fight against Sultan Ibragimov will be a signature moment in boxing - and one that could raise more than US$2 million for charity.

 

International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization champion Klits-chko of the Ukraine and World Boxing Organization titlist Ibragimov of Russia are doing their part to add some clarity to boxing's glamour division by putting up their crowns as a step towards establishing an undisputed champion.

 

"This is a historic fight," Klitschko told reporters in New York about the February 23 matchup. "This sport deserves one heavyweight champion. I believe this puts us on the road to unification. I'm thrilled. I'm so happy. This is a dream and a dream for Ibragimov, too. Now the fight is on.

 

"This is a risk for both sides, but this is to build up the image of the sport. We have to get it back. We have to get unification.

 

"We have to get one heavyweight champion," the 31-year-old added of a division that includes World Boxing Association champion Ruslan Chagaev of Uzbekistan, while Oleg Maskaev of Russia will fight Nigeria's interim champion Samuel Peter for the World Boxing Conference title in February.

 

Klitschko's brother Vitali is hoping for a crack at the winner of that fight.

 

Klitschko, the 1996 Olympic champion who has a 49-3 record, added the fight would also be an opportunity to raise money for a Bronx community center that is being funded by the US Laureus Foundation.

 

(Shanghai Daily December 6, 2007)