Announced turnout of over 20 thousand fans jammed the joint over in Cologne, Germany to see defending IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko toss a six round shutout over past conqueror Lamon Brewster.

That was the good news for the local favorite, and Ukraine transplant - the let down was how the ring action played out - yes, was all big Wlad round after round - and jab after jab after jab - occasional straight right hand followed but more a watered down version than the "Steelhammer" we all came to enjoy during the early days.

Manny Steward produced and directed the choreography - and between rounds tossed in a bit of psychology - the past Kronk Gym founder, and trainer to a slew of past special ones, perfectly prepped his charge for the return with Brewster.

Steward would have liked more left hooks mixed into the offense, but settled for the stiff repeater jab that found the mark stanza after stanza - it clearly kept Lamon from generating any offense - early on Brewster showed good head movement but failed to use it  effectively - the big left hook or right hand never once found the questionable Klitschko chin from start to finish.

The handwriting was on the wall early on, and round five action saw the Ukraine scoring with right hands off the jab - then stanza six a big round for Klitschko and Brewster showing signs of unraveling.

Between six and seven Brewster trainer Buddy McGirt convinced his charge the only move was to call it no-mas before anything serious resulted - was clear to both that Brewster could not get anything off and the end result was inevitable.

Post Scripts: Wladimir Klitschko (49-3, 44 KO) ~ age 31 -  retains the IBF share of the big title and would be the betting favorite over the others. Has the tools, and in facing the man that stopped him in first meeting, entered with the look of a winner.
                      Lamon Brewster (33-4, 29KO) ~ age 34 - arrived off losing effort to Serge Liakhovich - lacked the needed fire of three years and couple months past when pulling off the surprise KO of Klitschko.
                      Referee Sam Williams - passing grades - let the fighters decide the outcome.
                     Closing comments: Shame on my neglecting to scribble name of young lady that sang our national anthem - five star performance.
                     Viewers rewarded in having Merchant doing the color and post-fight interviewing - asked ever the gentleman Brewster if the prior injured eye surgery had a bearing on his performance - Brewster showed class in denying it had any affect. Just wasn’t his night. Then with Klitschko, asked who he might want next - Wladimir replied Larry could make that call - Merchant answered that he’d have to sleep on it.

                    Lamphead and Lennox lummox worked according to form - Lewis gave the viewer a chance to dart to the ice box for a cool one - and Lamphead offered a waltz to the box for a six pack.

GEL  

7-8-2007