No Finishing Strokes for McCline...

On the Sunday before last, Volodymyr Klychko successfully defended again his WBO superheavyweight champion’s belt in a bout against Jameel McCline. The crammed Mandala Bay arena in Las Vegas witnessed quite an exciting encounter, in which both boxers hoped to win, although Klychko had 5 to 1 wagers made on him. Yet, Klychko had far more chances in 10 rounds. Sometimes it was just surprising that the black giant still managed to stand on his two feet after receiving a shower of crushing blows. After all, the persistent siege of McCline’s defenses was crowned with success at the end of the bout. A series of staggering blows made Jameel surrender. This was Volodymyr’s 40th win on the professional ring. The lenient umpire interpreted the factual knockout as a knockdown and, after counting 9, allowed the American to continue the bout. Volodymyr immediately began to rain what seemed to be final blows on his rival, but the latter was saved by the gong. After consulting his coaches, the American, apparently fearing for his health, chose not to show up for the 11th round, while Volodymyr bore no visible signs of injury. No hematomas, no bruises... After the bout Volodymyr, who, incidentally, spoke good English, was being polite and did not accuse his rival of cowardice or evasion. He was kindhearted, as befits a true victor. Volodymyr came out on the ring like a real dandy, wearing red BOSS- logo shorts and shoes of the same color. In general, America is now displaying a keen interest in the Klychko brothers. The two Ukrainians are forcing the US audiences, accustomed to the unbridled loutishness of heavyweights, to somewhat reappraise the image of a true boxer — and the Americans seem to be ready to do so. Throughout the bout, the audience cheered for Volodymyr, while the TV cameramen tried, in the best traditions of real-time show, to focus on the anxious face of Vitaly Klychko. He seemed willing to stand in for his brother on the ring. The agitation around the Klychkos (even the skeptical North Americans are no longer doubtful of the brothers’ topnotch caliber) is going to reach its climax on March 8, when Klychko Sr. will be boxing with Lennox Lewis.