By Oleksandr HONCHARUK, The Day
Four days are left to an unprecedented boxing show, when, for the first
time in the history of professional boxing, the representative of a post-Soviet
state, Ukrainian Vitaly Klychko, will fight Black Englishman Herbie Hyde
in a 12-round bout for the title of the WBO world heavyweight champion.
Herbie Hyde is known as the Dancing Terminator in boxing circles, holds
the title of one of the four most influential world boxing organizations
(American Evander Holyfield holds both the WBA and IBF titles, and Lennox
Lewis of Great Britain rules in the WBC). This terminator from the Thames
has both a right and left knockout punch, and it will be far from easy
for our compatriot to find the key to victory. But Vitaly is also a tough
customer, having floored many masters of the leather glove with his famous
straight right. Thus we have ample grounds to expect him to do well in
Foggy Albion on June 26.
Now consider what those, who cut their teeth on this, think about the
match.
Ihor HAIDAMAKA, Vice President, European Amateur Boxing Federation:
"Vitaly must turn this bout to his advantage in the first five rounds.
He is moderately hot-tempered and sufficiently strong, so he is quite capable
of knocking Hyde out. But if the match drags out for 12 rounds, the experienced
Englishman is completely capable of exhausting and tricking his rival."
Mykhailo ZAVYALOV, President, Professional Boxing League of Ukraine:
"I saw Herbie in action but I did not see anything super-outstanding
in his manner of fighting. Of course, it will be hard for Vitaly, for it
will be the first time he will meet a professional of this class. Still,
I favor Klychko. He has a powerful wallop, and he has already gained experience
in his years of professional boxing."
Anatoly KLYMANOV,twice champion of Europe:
"Vitaly has gone too long a road to this bout, and he absolutely has
to win it. His opponent, I would say, is a bit too heavy and bulky, and
his movements are not so fast."






