Famous Ukrainian heavy-weight boxer Vitaly Klichko was scheduled to come into the ring with the current European champion Axel Schultz from Germany on February 28. This would have been Klichko's first fight for the professional title. His opponent from Germany, Axel Schultz is also a legend in his country. The 29 years old boxer fought against Forman and other famous boxers. During his pro career he has never been knock-downed or knocked out.
Vitaly Klichko has had 16 professional bouts winning all with knockouts.
German boxing fans looked forward to the promised fight between two ring legends. Vitaly was self-confident as usually, but Axel hesitated. Then he said no; the fight for the European championship belt will not take place.
The next day German print media was outraged at the champion's decision: "Schultz scared of Klichko" and "Scandal in German pro boxing" were the headlines.
According to two most influential newspapers Bild and Morgen Post, there are several versions why Schultz refused to fight Klichko.
Schultz says: "I was preparing to fight another boxer. It was too late when I learned that I would fight Klichko and could not get myself ready."
Wilfrid Sauerland, Schultz's promoter says, "I will file a suit against the European Boxing Federation over this fight. I think it is all a plot against us."
Klaus Peter Kohl, Klichko's promoter says: "Klichko has won all 16 of his professional fights with knockouts. Schultz refused because he doesn't want to be Klichko's seventeenth knockout. He's scared, and Sauerland is trying to cover for him."







