Heavyweight holds Media Workout in L.A.
The temperature in the gym was hot, humid and smothering; it was like walking into a furnace.
But everyone in the room froze, transfixed by one of boxing’s biggest icons as he offered us a sample of his workout.
It’s not everyday that you can say you observed the fearsome Vitali Klitschko–just inches away from you–rocking a heavy bag.
At the Pound4Pound Gym in Los Angeles, the WBC Heavyweight Champion showcased his skills while a large group watched on. With K2 Promotions’ Tom Loeffler, trainer Fritz Sdunek and conditioning coach John Knarr flanking him, Klitschko went through stretching exercises, knuckle push ups, jumprope, shadowboxing, mitt work, heavy bag and speed bag sessions during a media workout on Wednesday. Another Team Klitschko member, main sparring partner and Kronk Gym standout Jonathan Banks, was also nearby.
For the former professional kickboxer, this was “just another day at the office.”
While employed by the sweet science, Klitschko doesn’t punch a time clock but still puts in a full day at the office–the gym.
“Dr. Ironfist” has a date with “The Nightmare” Chris Arreola on September 26 at the Staples Center in L.A. This is the third time the Ukrainian (37-2, 36 KOs) will be the main event at the Staples Center (where he previously fought Lennox Lewis and Corrie Sanders). For the undefeated Arreola (27-0, 24 KOs), beating Vitali will be a challenge that only two of Klitschko’s past opponents can lay claim to.
The September 26 marquee matchup, co-promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, is gearing up 
to be a sell out. It was also revealed that Klitschko will be donating 100 tickets to local firefighters in appreciation of their efforts during this current rash of raging fires plaguing the Southland.
Inside the sweltering gym, while watching the 38-year-old boxer go through his workout routine, he appears in peak physical condition. I wonder out loud what his body fat is because he looks so solid and lean. Loeffler hears me and asks trainer Sdunek about this. “He’s at 12.6%,” Fritz tells me. The average man has 15 to 17% body fat, but Klitschko is far from average. With his younger brother, Wladimir, the two pugilists have reached many of their highest goals together and both are international attractions.
It does surprise a lot of people that Vitali resides in L.A. and he tells the gathered crowd that his children were born in this town. The champ also states he loves L.A. for its weather, the beach, and running in the mountains. “I’m happy to be in L.A. to showcase my skills,” the fighter commented.
Has he gone “Hollywood?” someone inquired.
There was a long pause as Klitschko chuckled and shook his head. “My brother, maybe,” he answered. He went on to say Wladimir would have more dreams of Tinsel Town stardom than he would. And speaking of shared dreams, Vitali said he is fortunate that both he and his younger sibling have attained their twin goals of gold medals and world championships. “Without dreams, life is boring,” the pugilist relayed. “Without dreams you can’t reach your goals.” The athlete also earned his Ph.D. in sports medicine and philosophy.
While the 6′ 8″ boxer often appears stern and cuts an imposing figure, at this week’s workout he was funny, friendly and humble. He answered all questions, took on all photo requests and even gave praise to Arreola. “Arreola’s a good fighter; I have respect for Chris Arreola,” he allowed. “He’s got a big punch.”
That praise gave way when Vitali added, “But I’m much stronger than Arreola!”
For the popular Mexican-American Arreola, from nearby Riverside, he has been prepping for the month’s battle by hiring a new strength and conditioning coach, attempting to sneak in more cardio (or at least some cardio!), and even claiming he has given up his favorite beer during training.
But while Arreola is still an overwhelming underdog in the contest, Klitschko is not underestimating his power punching foe.
“I’m getting old. I can’t move like before, and that way everyone can beat me!” he declared when someone asked about Arreola’s chances in the fight. The younger and shorter knockout artist Arreola usually gets his man in just one to three rounds; he did go eight rounds back in 2007.
Will their upcoming fight go the distance?
“I don’t know. But I doubt it will be by point decision,” Klitschko responded with a smile as he addressed the media contingent. After a 2005-2007 retirement due to injuries, the boxer returned and has continued to make an impact in the sport with victories over Samuel Peter and Juan Carlos Gomez.
When asked about his workout regime and of building up muscles while training, Klitschko explained what he feels is the most important “muscle” of all. “It’s important what’s in your head,” he said. “If you’re ready, trust yourself, your experience, use your head.”
For Arreola, this is a “heads up,” so to speak.
From the veteran Vitali Klitschko’s own advice: Use your fists–but use your head too.
Your ring nemesis, “Dr. Ironfist,” no doubt will be using both!
All Photos by Pavel Terekhov
I agree with Jerry, Arreola is a no class bum who had no place in the same ring as a true champion like Dr. Ironfist. Arreola’s crying like a woman after the match demonstrates the problem with the heavyweight division over the past several years: instead of fighting their way to the top, like the great heavyweights of the past years, boxers now are spoon fed opponents. Promoters and managers build up a fighter’s hype and “unbeatable” persona, much like Arreola had, but when they step into the ring with a true warrior like Klitschko…well we all saw the result.
That is why, unfortunate as it may be, pro boxing has lost a steady stream of fans in recent years. At least in the heavyweight division. UFC had an event the same night as the Klitschko-Arreola fight; I bet they had more viewers.
I watched the Chris Arreola vs Vitali Kilitschko on TV last night and I will never watch Arreola again or have him on my screen. I could not believe his foul language. I am no stranger to foul language, but his was well over the top. Arreola’s filthy language is a discredit to sports in general and boxing in particular and only demonstrates his lack of upbringing and that he is not a sportsman, but only a foul mouthed thug.
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