Klitschko pays respect to title clash foe Ibragimov

Sultan Ibragimov is not particularly big and does not pack a scary knockout punch yet Wladimir Klitschko said the Russian deserves respect ahead of their heavyweight title clash later this month.

World Boxing Organization champion Ibragimov (22-0-1), fights International Boxing Federation Klitschko (49-3) at Madison Square Garden on February 23 in the first heavyweight title match between different belt holders in nine years.

"This guy is a smart fighter," Klitschko told reporters in a conference call, no small compliment coming from the Ukrainian fighter nicknamed Dr Steelhammer for the doctorate he holds in sports science.

"He is a champion. He is holding a title and he is undefeated and won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics. He is not impressive, but is a very effective fighter."

Klitschko's trainer, Emanuel Steward, gave Ibragimov even more credit despite giving up 10 cms in height and about nine kg in weight to his 6-foot-6 (1.98 m) boxer.

"He will be the best fighter that Wladimir will have fought in his career," Steward said.

That is not to say Steward is worried about his man.

In fact, the noted trainer said it is frustrating there are no better opponents out there for Klitschko to build his legacy.

"It does frustrate me," said Steward, who trained British champion Lennox Lewis in the last world heavyweight unification bout back in 1999 against Evander Holyfield.

"I feel like I'm working with one of the best heavyweights in history. I think he's at his peak but he doesn't have anyone to fight."

This fight will reduce the number of heavyweight champions from four to three. The World Boxing Council champion is Oleg Maskaev of Russia and the World Boxing Association title holder is Ruslan Chagaev of Uzbekistan.