Wladimir Klitschko had an extremely impressive career that would see him and his brother rule over the heavyweight division.
The dominant Ukrainian can be considered one of the 21st century’s best fighters. From Klitschko having a war with Anthony Joshua, to beating the likes of Kubrat Pulev and Alexander Povetkin, ‘Dr. Steelhammer’ was a true force.
The fighter was able to show his incredible talent from a young age. Making his debut after winning an Olympic gold medal in 1996, Klitschko tore through his first 17 opponents.
Wladimir Klitschko began his career with 17-straight stoppages
Making his professional debut in November 1996, Klitschko stepped into the ring in Germany to start his journey. Earning a first-round knockout, he started as he intended to go on.
Before the end of 1996, Klitschko would be a 3-0 professional. A second and a first-round knockout would help to extend his good form, aged 20.
The year 1997 would be a busy one for the Ukrainian. Fighting in January, Klitschko would fight in every month except for March and November.
In the calendar year, Klitschko had 13 fights, winning every single outing. As well as getting his hand raised on each occasion, he earned a stoppage in every bout.
Within these 13 wins, three came in the first round. There were also two disqualification victories awarded to Klitschko in this time.
In February of 1998, Klitschko earned his 17th win and stoppage victory in a row, defeating Marcus McIntyre (15-1). However, in his second outing of the year, his stoppage streak would come to a halt.
Wladimir Klitschko was taken the distance by a fighter with a 20-21-1 record
Fighting in March 1998 in Germany, Klitschko would take on Everett Martin from the United States.
The Ukrainian was still just 21 years old at the time, despite having 17 professional fights and an Olympic gold medal. As for the American, Martin was 33 years old with a record of 20-21-1.
Notable opponents within Martin’s patchy record included George Foreman, Larry Holmes, and Riddick Bowe, who had a bizarre career.
Despite not having a strong record, Martin would be able to take Klitschko the distance for the first time in his career. This was also the case for Foreman and Holmes, who could not stop the fighter either.
Martin’s last bout came in 2001, as his final career tally was 20-39-1. He is also the only fighter to take Klitschko the distance in a non-title bout.