Shocker: Sanders KOs Klitschko!
March 8, 2003 -- Hanover, Germany:
By Richard K. Redling
Unheralded South African Corrie Sanders has dethroned WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko via second round knockout before 10,000+ at Preussag Arena in Hanover, Germany.
Sanders dropped the heavily favored Klitschko twice in with big left hooks in round one. The hook-fest continued in round two as Sanders put Klitschko down twice again before referee Genaro Rodriguez finally stopped the fight. Official time was 2:33 of round two.
After the fight, Sanders said "I really believed in my chances, I got so many good ideas from Ross Puritty [sparring partner]. I got the chance and I took it." Wladimir was gracious in defeat, but brother Vitali gave Sanders a mouthful before they were separated.
With the win, Sanders goes to 39-2 with 29 KOs). Klitschko, who was widely considered to be Lennox Lewis' most formidable foe, suffered his second loss, falling to 40-2 with 37 KOs.
More to come...