It was a must win fight for Wladimir Klitschko since first losing the WBO strap to South African Corrrie Sanders back on March of 2003 - and a second devastating title defeat to Lamon Brewster a year ago - and what we got was a new look in style against a tentative Eliseo Castillo.

The today version, fighting before the hometown crowd at Westfalenhallen Complex, Dortmund, Germany saw a patient Wladimir working behind an accurate jab while stalking a backing, circling Castillo.

Wasn’t until round three that Klitschko tossed a few right hands as range finders - and then came stanza four, and inside the final minute the big Ukrainian scored with a solid straight right hand that dropped the Cuban to the canvas.

Castillo beat the count, but appeared wobbly and stumbled away from the referee, who then called a halt to what had been a one sided affair. Enters the books as round four TKO at 2:51 mark.

Closing Comments: The post fite Larry Merchant - Emanuel Stewart chat showed a very satisfied Stewart. Says the left jab and patience Wladimir displayed was what they had worked on while preparing for Castillo. Insists his charge is ready for anyone out there. First choice is IBF champ Chris Byrd but they’ll take anyone that comes knocking on the door. Merchant wrapped up the show at ringside with Lampley, and suggested only until Wlad is tagged again on the chin will we really know, "the rest of the story."

I’ll drink to that.

GEL

4-23-2005