21 years ago

Date: 8th March 2003

Venue: Preussag Arena, Hannover, Niedersachsen

Title: WBO World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Klaus Peter Kohl

Tv: HBO & ZDF

Wladimir Klitschko
( 40 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 242½ lbs

Corrie Sanders
( 38 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 225 lbs

The battle between Wladimir Klitschko and Corrie Sanders, labelled "The Next Big Thing," became a pivotal moment in the heavyweight boxing landscape. Held on March 8, 2003, for the WBO Heavyweight Championship, the fight carried significant implications for both fighters and the division at large. Having secured the WBO title by defeating Chris Byrd, Klitschko had successfully defended his belt five times, all victories by knockout, solidifying his status as the No.1 heavyweight contender in the eyes of The Ring magazine. Yet, leading up to this fight, negotiations for a challenger proved difficult, with potential bouts against Kirk Johnson, Fres Oquendo, Lou Savarese, and Danny Williams falling through. Ultimately, a contract was signed with Corrie Sanders, ranked as the WBO's No.9 contender, setting the stage for an unexpected showdown.

The fight itself was a shock to the boxing community. Having fought sparingly since a knockout loss to Hasim Rahman nearly three years prior, Sanders demonstrated explosive power that Klitschko seemed ill-prepared to handle. In the first round, Sanders unleashed a devastating left hook counter to a Klitschko jab, sending the champion to the canvas. Although Klitschko managed to rise, he was quickly downed again, signalling the beginning of the end. The second round saw Sanders continue his barrage, resulting in two more knockdowns before the referee called a halt to the contest just 27 seconds in, handing Sanders a stunning TKO victory and the WBO heavyweight title.

The aftermath of this bout had lasting ramifications. Sanders would vacate the WBO title later that year, refusing a mandatory defence against Lamon Brewster. He then faced Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir's brother, for the WBC championship vacated by Lennox Lewis's retirement but was stopped in the 8th round. This defeat marked the beginning of the end for Sanders's career, who retired in 2008 after four more fights.

On the other hand, Wladimir Klitschko rebounded with two knockout victories before facing Lamon Brewster for the vacant WBO title. In a surprising turn of events, Klitschko suffered another setback, being upset by Brewster. However, Klitschko's journey did not end there. His resilience and determination to overcome these losses reshaped his career, leading to a dominant reign atop the heavyweight division for the following decade. Thus, he fulfilled his earlier promise and secured his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of his era.