After Saturday's convincing victory over American hopeful Chris Arreola, the boxing betting world is once again at the starting block in terms of finding a suitable challenger for Vitali Klitschko, and his brother Wladimir.
Vitali came in as a 5-1 favorite on boxing odds at the BetUS sportsbook, and showed in the ring that perhaps the margin could have been even wider.
Through ten excruciating rounds, the elder Klitschko battered a very game Arreola with his jab, and superior technical skills. It was evident from the opening bell that the Mexican-American challenger was not unlike every other Klitschko challenger before him; he simply could not get inside.
While some questions were answered about Arreola--yes, he can take a punch, and yes, he is a marketable commodity--he will surely not be in line for a rematch any time soon. Even more questions were raised about the state of the heavyweight division, and whether or not anyone is suitable to challenge Vitali or his younger brother at the moment.
Presently, only American "Fast" Eddie Chambers and Englishman David Haye pose realistic threats. Like Arreola, both would relinquish plenty in the heigh category, but are far more fleet of foot, and capable of moving laterally to confuse the big men. Arreola made a crucial mistake all fight long, standing directly in front of the giant Ukrainian, eating jabs in the process.
Chambers has a March date slated with Wladimir after the latter returns from injury. The Philadelphia born and raised fighter showed that he can handle exceptionally sized opponents in a one-sided victory over Alexander Dimitrenko earlier this year. While he will most certainly be a huge underdog on boxing lines, his hand speed, foot speed and propensity to throw combinations make him perhaps the biggest test Wladimir has faced in his career.
However, Haye seems like the more marketable opportunity for the brothers. The British braggart spent months verbally bashing the brothers, before backing out of agreed upon tilts with both men. Instead, he will take on what most feel is an easier road, in the form of seven foot Russian Nikolai Valuev.
If Haye were to win and capture the WBA strap from Valuev, he would present not only a big money fight opportunity, but a chance to cap off Vitali's career. There is very little left for the elder brother, except to unify the heavyweight titles within the family.
And right now, can anyone really stop him?
