Wladimir Klitschko, a renowned heavyweight boxer, encountered some of the sport’s most formidable punchers throughout his illustrious career.
Among them were David Haye, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua. However, Klitschko singled out Corrie Sanders, the man who upset him in 2003, as the most powerful puncher he ever faced.
Reflecting on his bout with Sanders, Klitschko emphasized Sanders’ exceptional speed and devastating punching power.
“He was very fast and he had really powerful hands,” Klitschko told Ring Magazine. “I’ve been in boxing for 25 years and I never fought anybody in this game that punched like Corrie Sanders.”
Sanders stunned the boxing world when he stopped Klitschko in the second round of their encounter, flooring the Ukrainian multiple times. Sanders’ prowess was further demonstrated by his record of winning 31 fights by knockout during his career.
Despite his impressive victory over Klitschko, Sanders faced a challenging matchup against Wladimir’s older brother, Vitali Klitschko, the following year. Vitali, a formidable fighter in his own right, stopped Sanders in the eighth round of their clash for the WBC heavyweight title.
The encounter between Klitschko and Sanders stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of boxing, showcasing how even the most dominant fighters can be humbled by a determined and powerful opponent.