Title: World Heavyweight Championship, 12 rounds
Site: Stade de Suisse, Berne, Switzerland
Date: July 7, 2012
Television: Epix, 4:30PM ET
Promoter: K2 Promotions
World Champion: IBF, WBO, WBA, Ring
Wladimir Klitschko
Record: 57-3, 50 KOs
Height: 6’6”
Age: 36
Reach: 81 inches
Stance: orthodox
Notable Opponents: David Haye(UD 12), Samuel Peter(UD 12, KO 10), Chris Byrd(UD 12, TKO 7), Hasim Rahman(TKO 7), Eddie Chambers(KO 12), Tony Thompson(KO 11)
Challenger: #2 IBF, #11 WBO
Tony Thompson
Record: 36-2, 24 KOs
Height: 6’5”
Age: 40
Reach: 81 ½ inches
Stance: southpaw
Notable Opponents: Chazz Witherspoon(TKO 9), Dominick Guinn(UD 12), Timur Ibragimov(UD 10), Owen Beck(TKO 4), Wladimir Klitschko(KO by 11)
Prediction:
Look for Klitschko to repeat his performance from 2008, when he knocked out Thompson in the 11th round. This time however, I expect Klitschko to finish the job earlier, around the 7th or 8th rounds. Thompson will not be as active as their previous contest. Expect Klitschko to be more aggressive, and also setting up his powerful right hand with his jab.
