Is Ukrainian boxer Klitschko the next big heavyweight star?

BERLIN - WLADIMIR Klitschko is expected to do more than just beat Ray Austin in his IBF title defence today.

The power-punching Ukrainian is supposed to prove he can be the new star of the heavyweight division.

Some already see the 30-year-old Klitschko as the best fighter in a lacklustre division badly in need of a marquee name. He beat Samuel Peter by decision, then crushed Chris Byrd and Calvin Brock, three of the top heavyweights.

Hardly anyone seems to give Austin, 36, a chance in the fight in Mannheim, Germany. The American has not been beaten in nearly six years, but there are no big wins on his record of 24 wins, three losses and four draws.

Emanuel Steward, Klitschko's trainer, has been tireless in proclaiming the talent of his 2 metre-tall charge.

This might be pre-fight hype, but Steward does know a thing or two about top heavyweights, having trained Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed champion.

But Klitschko is a lot more modest about where he ranks in boxing and what he has to prove to the public.

He said: 'I think there is still a lot of work to do to be a real champion, not just a title-holder. I'm on the way, but I haven't arrived.'

Klitschko (47-3, including 42 knockouts) is being touted as boxing's next big thing for the second time. Many boxing fans remember what happened the first time - and still question his chin and stamina.

He was flattened in two rounds by Corrie Sanders in 2003 and stopped a year later in five by Lamon Brewster.

But he resurrected his career in September 2005, climbing off the canvas three times to win a unanimous decision against Peter - the Nigerian still considered a potential champion himself.

'Many thought I could never come back from the devastation of the Brewster defeat,' Klitschko said. 'You see, I never lost my confidence.'

There is no doubt who is the star today. The fight poster for HBO - the American pay-TV network showing the bout - is dominated by a picture of Klitschko. Austin is not in the photo and his name is in small type at the bottom.

After fighting several smaller fighters, Klitschko is about to face a boxer who is the same size as him.

'Klitschko has a history of having problems with taller, heavier heavyweights,' said Austin's trainer, Stacey McKinely. 'Ray Austin is a dangerous man in the condition he is in today.'

But Klitschko remains undaunted, saying: 'We should stop talking - let's have the fight.'

ASSOCIATED PRESS