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The Moment of Truth - Klitschko vs. Schulz: Fabian Weber

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Axel Schulz
European Heavyweight Championship
25 September 1999, Cologne Arena

Cologne - 9 September 1999. When Wladimir Klitschko and Axel Schulz take on each other in a battle for the vacant European heavyweight title on 25 September, it will be a career defining fight for both of them. The winner is going to ascend visibly in the world boxing rankings, whereas the loser will need plenty of time to reestablish himself.

Axel Schulz, 26-4-1 (11 KO4s), even talked about the possibility of retirement, should he lose to the Ukrainian gold medal champion. It will already be the fifth big fight in the career of the 30-year-old German, who fought twice for the European title against Henry Akinwande in '92 and '93 and made three unsuccessful attempts in consecutive years then to become the IBF world champion against George Foreman, Francois Botha and Michael Moorer. Each time he lost majority- or split-decisions over 12 rounds. Currently Schulz is on a five fight winning streak in his latest comeback.

Wladimir Klitschko, 28-1 (26 KO4s), will reach out for the European title that his older brother, WBO heavyweight champion Vitali vacated earlier this year. Wladimir knocked out his last five opponents since suffering his single defeat last December against Ross Puritty. A convincing win over Schulz would be the final step to offset that single blemish on his record that was caused by the 23-year-old's lack of experience. In his last fight Wladimir Klitschko (WBA #5, WBC #11) captured the WBA Continental title, when he forced the usually durable African Joseph Chingangu to retire after round four.

For most experts Klitschko is the favorite, because of his youth, his size (6ft 7in, 235lb) and his punching power. Axel Schulz (IBF+WBC #12), however, is certainly the toughest opponent of Wladimir's career and he has a clear advantage in big fight experience. The fight against Schulz will show once and for all whether Wladimir Klitschko learned from his mistakes.

The undercard will feature among others the undefeated featherweight contender Istvan Kovacs (WBC+WBA #8, WBO #3). The event will take place in the Cologne Arena and will be televised live by RTL.

Fabian Weber
International Press Spokesman
Universum Box-Promotion GmbH
Am Stadtrand 27
22047 Hamburg
Germany
Tel: +49 40 696559-0
Fax:+49 40 696559-50

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