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June 21, 2005
Heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko asked the Association of Boxing Commissions to review his lowering in the latest IBF ratings from #3 to #4 behind DaVarryl Williamson, whom he beat by technical decision eight months ago (the #1 and #2 slots are vacant). In a non-binding opinion, ABC President Tim Lueckenhoff wrote, "While Mr. Williamson did participate in two bouts and Mr. Klitschko participated in one bout since October, 2004, it is the opinion of the ABC that the win/loss records of the respective boxers, particularly Mr. Klitschko's victory over Mr. Williamson, together with the level of competition in which each boxer engaged thereafter, supports a rating of Mr. Klitschko above a rating of Mr. Williamson."
Below is a letter sent by the Lueckenhoff to Klitschko's attorney Ron DiNicola and IBF President Marian Muhammad:
June 20, 2005
Ronald A. DiNicola, Esquire
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP
Marian W. Muhammad
President, International Boxing Federation / United States Boxing Association
Re: Rating of Wladimir Klitschko
Dear Mr. DiNicola and Ms. Muhammad:
By letter dated June 15, 2005, Mr. DiNicola , representing Wladimir Klitschko, requested that the Association of Boxing Commissions ("ABC") conduct a "review" of the May, 2005 ratings of the International Boxing Federation ("IBF") in the heavyweight division wherein Mr. Klitschko was lowered from his No. 3 rating in the April, 2005 ratings of the IBF to No. 4, and DaVarryl Williamson was elevated from his No. 4 rating in the April, 2005 ratings of the IBF to No. 3. (see footnote #1) Upon being contacted by the ABC, through myself as its President, the IBF, among other things, forwarded to the ABC a letter from Daryl J. Peoples, the IBF Ratings Chairman, to Mr. Klitschko, dated June 13, 2005, in which Mr. Peoples set forth the reasons for the ratings changes in response to an "informal appeal" that had been filed by Mr. Klitschko. Therein, it was asserted that the ratings change occurred because Mr. Williamson has been more active than Mr. Klitschko; and that Mr. Williamson fought a "more superior opponent" than Mr. Klitschko (noting that Mr. Williamson's opponent was rated by the IBF, while Mr. Klitschko's opponent was not rated by the IBF). (see footnote #2)
Recognizing its limited statutory authority, but encouraging the fair, equitable and consistent rating of professional boxers by the various sanctioning organizations toward the end of ensuring a public confidence in the same, the ABC, after its careful consideration of this matter, makes the following, non-binding observations and comments.
Pursuant to 15 USC §6307c.(a), the ABC developed and approved guidelines for objective and consistent written criteria for the ratings of professional boxers; and the IBF adopted these rating criteria. One such rating criteria of the IBF states, in pertinent part, that:
"[r]atings must be solely based on:
(1) win/loss records,
(2) level of competition, [and]
(3) activity ... " (tabulation and bracket added).
Applying these ratings criteria, the ABC notes the following:
Win/loss records
Wladimir Klitschko, age 29, has a record of 44-3-0 (40 KO's).
DaVarryl Williamson, age 36, has a record of 22-3-0 (18 KO's).
Level of Competition
On October 2, 2004, Wladimir Klitschko (then unranked by the IBF) fought DaVarryl Williamson (then ranked No. 11 by the IBF), and Mr. Klitschko won by a technical decision. (see footnote #3)
Following Mr. Klitschko's win over Mr. Williamson, in the November, 2004 ratings of the IBF, Mr. Klitschko was rated No. 8, and Mr. Williamson was lowered from No. 11 to No. 12.
Wladimir Klitschko
Following his win over Mr. Williamson, on April 23, 2005, Mr. Klitschko fought Eliseo Castillo (18-0-0), and Mr. Klitschko won the bout by a TKO in the fourth round.
Previously, on July 3, 2004, Mr. Castillo defeated Michael Moorer, who, three months later, and throughout the ensuing seven months, was rated either No. 12, No. 13 or No. 15 by the IBF. Notwithstanding his win over Mr. Moorer, Mr. Castillo has not been rated in the top 15 by the IBF.
DaVarryl Williamson
Following his loss to Mr. Klitschko, on November 13, 2004, Mr. Williamson fought Oliver McCall, age 40, (44-8-0, 31 KO's) (not rated by the IBF in the top 15), and Mr. Williamson won the bout by a decision. (see footnote #4)
On April 30, 2005 (one week following the Klitschko v. Castillo fight), Mr. Williamson fought Derrick Jefferson (28-3-1) who was then rated No.15 by the IBF, and Mr. Williamson won the bout by TKO in the second round.
Previously, Derrick Jefferson had been rated No. 15 in the IBF ratings from June, 2004 through August, 2004; however, he was not rated in the top 15 of the IBF ratings from September, 2004 through November, 2004. (see footnote #5) On November 27, 2004, Mr. Jefferson fought Ed White (11-11-0) who, prior to that bout, had lost seven consecutive fights, six by way of being knocked out (four of those KO's coming in the first round), and Mr. Jefferson won the bout. Following his win over Mr. White, Mr. Jefferson was rated No. 14 in the IBF ratings and remained at No. 14 or No. 15 in the IBF ratings from December, 2004 through April, 2005. Thereafter, he has not been rated in the top 15 by the IBF.
Activity
Since Mr. Klitschko defeated Mr. Williamson in October, 2004, as noted above, Mr. Klitschko has fought once (vs. Mr. Castillo), and Mr. Williamson has fought twice (vs. Mr. McCall and Mr. Jefferson).
Comments
After becoming the 1996 Super Heavyweight Olympic gold medalist, Wladimir Klitschko made his pro debut on November 16, 1996. From that date to the present, Mr. Klitschko has compiled a record of 44-3-0 (40 KO's). Mr. Williamson made his pro debut on June 2, 2002. From that date to the present, Mr. Williamson has compiled a record of 22-3-0 (18 KO's). Thus, Mr. Klitschko has twice as many wins, and the same number of losses, as Mr. Williamson. Nevertheless, a boxer's win/loss record, standing alone, is not the sole basis upon which a rating is to be determined; "level of competition" and "activity" being among the other relevant factors.
Regarding the "level of competition" of each boxer, it is of particular significance that Mr. Klitschko and Mr. Williamson competed "head-to head" only eight months ago (October, 2004), and it was Mr. Klitschko who won that fight.
Six weeks later, on November 13, 2004, Mr. Williamson defeated Mr. McCall. Neither Mr. Klitschko nor Mr. Williamson participated in a professional boxing contest between mid-November, 2004 and mid-April, 2005.
Then, within a seven day period, Mr. Klitschko fought, and defeated, Mr. Castillo; and Mr. Williamson fought, and defeated, Mr. Jefferson. As to the "superiority" of these respective opponents, the ABC notes that, although not ranked by the IBF, in July, 2004, Mr. Castillo defeated Mr. Moorer who, three months thereafter and for the ensuing six months, was ranked either No. 12, No. 13, or No. 15 by the IBF. The ABC also notes that, although Mr. Jefferson was rated (No. 15) by the IBF at the time he fought Mr. Williamson, Mr. Jefferson, after not being rated by the IBF for a period of time, was again rated by the IBF (No. 14) after defeating Mr. White who, prior to that fight, had lost seven consecutive bouts, six by being knocked out with four such knock-outs coming in the first round.
While Mr. Williamson did participate in two bouts and Mr. Klitschko participated in one bout since October, 2004, it is the opinion of the ABC that the win/loss records of the respective boxers, particularly Mr. Klitschko's victory over Mr. Williamson, together with the level of competition in which each boxer engaged thereafter, supports a rating of Mr. Klitschko above a rating of Mr. Williamson.
Very truly yours,
Tim Lueckenhoff
President
cc: Dr. Flip Homansky
Greg Sirb
Bruce C. Spizler, Esquire
Ronald A. DiNicola, Esquire
Marian Muhammad
1. The April, 2005 ratings of the IBF in the heavyweight division lists Monte Barrett as No. 1 and Hasim Rahman as No. 2 (the IBF heavyweight champion is Chris Byrd). The May, 2005 ratings of the IBF in the heavyweight division states "NOT RATED" under the No. 1 and the No. 2 rating. Presumably, this change occurred in the aftermath of Mr. Barrett and Mr. Rahman agreeing to participate in a bout, scheduled for August 13, 2005, for the WBC Interim World Heavyweight Championship.
Pursuant to Rule 5(A)(1) of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests:
"... the Heavyweight Champion shall defend his Championship within one (1) year after acquisition by him in a sanctioned contest scheduled for twelve (12) rounds against the leading available contender designated by the Championships Chairman.
After compliance with this mandatory defense obligation, throughout the remaining term of a Heavyweight Champion's reign, he shall be obligated to mandatorily defend his Championship within the intervals of no more than nine (9) months against the leading available contender in the Heavyweight Division as designated by the Championships Chairman" (emphases added).
Accordingly, in the absence of a No. 1 rated boxer or a No. 2 rated boxer in the Heavyweight Division, the next "leading available contender" appears to be the boxer rated No. 3.
2. Pursuant to 15 USC §6307c.(c)(1), the IBF posted the ratings change on its Internet website, together with the following explanation:
"#3 Davaryl Williamson Moved up from #4 to #3 following win 4/30
#4 Wladimir Klitschko Moved down from #3 to #4 replaced by Williamson"
The IBF did not provide a copy of the rating change or the explanation to the ABC as required by 15 USC § 6307c.(c)(2).
3. After the completion of the fourth round, the bout was stopped due to an unintentional head butt suffered by Mr. Klitschko which resulted in Mr. Klitschko being unable to continue. Pursuant to regulation, Mr. Klitschko, who was ahead on points (judges' scorecards) at that stage of the bout, was declared the winner by a "technical decision."
4. After his fight with Mr. McCall in November, 2004, Mr. Williamson moved up to No. 8 in the IBF ratings for December, 2004 (with Mr. Klitschko moving up to No. 6). Mr. Williamson remained at No. 8 (and Mr. Klitschko remained at No. 6) in the IBF ratings for January, 2005. In the IBF ratings for February, 2005, Mr. Williamson moved up to No. 7, and Mr. Klitschko remained at No. 6. In the IBF ratings for March, 2005, Mr. Williamson moved up to No. 6, and Mr. Klitschko moved up to No. 4. In the IBF ratings for April, 2005, Mr. Williamson moved up to No. 4, and Mr. Klitschko moved up to No. 3.
5. In the IBF ratings for October and November, 2004, Michael Moorer (who, as noted above, lost to Mr. Castillo on July 3, 2004) was rated No. 15.
Heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko asked the Association of Boxing Commissions to review his lowering in the latest IBF ratings from #3 to #4 behind DaVarryl Williamson, whom he beat by technical decision eight months ago (the #1 and #2 slots are vacant). In a non-binding opinion, ABC President Tim Lueckenhoff wrote, "While Mr. Williamson did participate in two bouts and Mr. Klitschko participated in one bout since October, 2004, it is the opinion of the ABC that the win/loss records of the respective boxers, particularly Mr. Klitschko's victory over Mr. Williamson, together with the level of competition in which each boxer engaged thereafter, supports a rating of Mr. Klitschko above a rating of Mr. Williamson."
Below is a letter sent by the Lueckenhoff to Klitschko's attorney Ron DiNicola and IBF President Marian Muhammad:
June 20, 2005
Ronald A. DiNicola, Esquire
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP
Marian W. Muhammad
President, International Boxing Federation / United States Boxing Association
Re: Rating of Wladimir Klitschko
Dear Mr. DiNicola and Ms. Muhammad:
By letter dated June 15, 2005, Mr. DiNicola , representing Wladimir Klitschko, requested that the Association of Boxing Commissions ("ABC") conduct a "review" of the May, 2005 ratings of the International Boxing Federation ("IBF") in the heavyweight division wherein Mr. Klitschko was lowered from his No. 3 rating in the April, 2005 ratings of the IBF to No. 4, and DaVarryl Williamson was elevated from his No. 4 rating in the April, 2005 ratings of the IBF to No. 3. (see footnote #1) Upon being contacted by the ABC, through myself as its President, the IBF, among other things, forwarded to the ABC a letter from Daryl J. Peoples, the IBF Ratings Chairman, to Mr. Klitschko, dated June 13, 2005, in which Mr. Peoples set forth the reasons for the ratings changes in response to an "informal appeal" that had been filed by Mr. Klitschko. Therein, it was asserted that the ratings change occurred because Mr. Williamson has been more active than Mr. Klitschko; and that Mr. Williamson fought a "more superior opponent" than Mr. Klitschko (noting that Mr. Williamson's opponent was rated by the IBF, while Mr. Klitschko's opponent was not rated by the IBF). (see footnote #2)
Recognizing its limited statutory authority, but encouraging the fair, equitable and consistent rating of professional boxers by the various sanctioning organizations toward the end of ensuring a public confidence in the same, the ABC, after its careful consideration of this matter, makes the following, non-binding observations and comments.
Pursuant to 15 USC §6307c.(a), the ABC developed and approved guidelines for objective and consistent written criteria for the ratings of professional boxers; and the IBF adopted these rating criteria. One such rating criteria of the IBF states, in pertinent part, that:
"[r]atings must be solely based on:
(1) win/loss records,
(2) level of competition, [and]
(3) activity ... " (tabulation and bracket added).
Applying these ratings criteria, the ABC notes the following:
Win/loss records
Wladimir Klitschko, age 29, has a record of 44-3-0 (40 KO's).
DaVarryl Williamson, age 36, has a record of 22-3-0 (18 KO's).
Level of Competition
On October 2, 2004, Wladimir Klitschko (then unranked by the IBF) fought DaVarryl Williamson (then ranked No. 11 by the IBF), and Mr. Klitschko won by a technical decision. (see footnote #3)
Following Mr. Klitschko's win over Mr. Williamson, in the November, 2004 ratings of the IBF, Mr. Klitschko was rated No. 8, and Mr. Williamson was lowered from No. 11 to No. 12.
Wladimir Klitschko
Following his win over Mr. Williamson, on April 23, 2005, Mr. Klitschko fought Eliseo Castillo (18-0-0), and Mr. Klitschko won the bout by a TKO in the fourth round.
Previously, on July 3, 2004, Mr. Castillo defeated Michael Moorer, who, three months later, and throughout the ensuing seven months, was rated either No. 12, No. 13 or No. 15 by the IBF. Notwithstanding his win over Mr. Moorer, Mr. Castillo has not been rated in the top 15 by the IBF.
DaVarryl Williamson
Following his loss to Mr. Klitschko, on November 13, 2004, Mr. Williamson fought Oliver McCall, age 40, (44-8-0, 31 KO's) (not rated by the IBF in the top 15), and Mr. Williamson won the bout by a decision. (see footnote #4)
On April 30, 2005 (one week following the Klitschko v. Castillo fight), Mr. Williamson fought Derrick Jefferson (28-3-1) who was then rated No.15 by the IBF, and Mr. Williamson won the bout by TKO in the second round.
Previously, Derrick Jefferson had been rated No. 15 in the IBF ratings from June, 2004 through August, 2004; however, he was not rated in the top 15 of the IBF ratings from September, 2004 through November, 2004. (see footnote #5) On November 27, 2004, Mr. Jefferson fought Ed White (11-11-0) who, prior to that bout, had lost seven consecutive fights, six by way of being knocked out (four of those KO's coming in the first round), and Mr. Jefferson won the bout. Following his win over Mr. White, Mr. Jefferson was rated No. 14 in the IBF ratings and remained at No. 14 or No. 15 in the IBF ratings from December, 2004 through April, 2005. Thereafter, he has not been rated in the top 15 by the IBF.
Activity
Since Mr. Klitschko defeated Mr. Williamson in October, 2004, as noted above, Mr. Klitschko has fought once (vs. Mr. Castillo), and Mr. Williamson has fought twice (vs. Mr. McCall and Mr. Jefferson).
Comments
After becoming the 1996 Super Heavyweight Olympic gold medalist, Wladimir Klitschko made his pro debut on November 16, 1996. From that date to the present, Mr. Klitschko has compiled a record of 44-3-0 (40 KO's). Mr. Williamson made his pro debut on June 2, 2002. From that date to the present, Mr. Williamson has compiled a record of 22-3-0 (18 KO's). Thus, Mr. Klitschko has twice as many wins, and the same number of losses, as Mr. Williamson. Nevertheless, a boxer's win/loss record, standing alone, is not the sole basis upon which a rating is to be determined; "level of competition" and "activity" being among the other relevant factors.
Regarding the "level of competition" of each boxer, it is of particular significance that Mr. Klitschko and Mr. Williamson competed "head-to head" only eight months ago (October, 2004), and it was Mr. Klitschko who won that fight.
Six weeks later, on November 13, 2004, Mr. Williamson defeated Mr. McCall. Neither Mr. Klitschko nor Mr. Williamson participated in a professional boxing contest between mid-November, 2004 and mid-April, 2005.
Then, within a seven day period, Mr. Klitschko fought, and defeated, Mr. Castillo; and Mr. Williamson fought, and defeated, Mr. Jefferson. As to the "superiority" of these respective opponents, the ABC notes that, although not ranked by the IBF, in July, 2004, Mr. Castillo defeated Mr. Moorer who, three months thereafter and for the ensuing six months, was ranked either No. 12, No. 13, or No. 15 by the IBF. The ABC also notes that, although Mr. Jefferson was rated (No. 15) by the IBF at the time he fought Mr. Williamson, Mr. Jefferson, after not being rated by the IBF for a period of time, was again rated by the IBF (No. 14) after defeating Mr. White who, prior to that fight, had lost seven consecutive bouts, six by being knocked out with four such knock-outs coming in the first round.
While Mr. Williamson did participate in two bouts and Mr. Klitschko participated in one bout since October, 2004, it is the opinion of the ABC that the win/loss records of the respective boxers, particularly Mr. Klitschko's victory over Mr. Williamson, together with the level of competition in which each boxer engaged thereafter, supports a rating of Mr. Klitschko above a rating of Mr. Williamson.
Very truly yours,
Tim Lueckenhoff
President
cc: Dr. Flip Homansky
Greg Sirb
Bruce C. Spizler, Esquire
Ronald A. DiNicola, Esquire
Marian Muhammad
1. The April, 2005 ratings of the IBF in the heavyweight division lists Monte Barrett as No. 1 and Hasim Rahman as No. 2 (the IBF heavyweight champion is Chris Byrd). The May, 2005 ratings of the IBF in the heavyweight division states "NOT RATED" under the No. 1 and the No. 2 rating. Presumably, this change occurred in the aftermath of Mr. Barrett and Mr. Rahman agreeing to participate in a bout, scheduled for August 13, 2005, for the WBC Interim World Heavyweight Championship.
Pursuant to Rule 5(A)(1) of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests:
"... the Heavyweight Champion shall defend his Championship within one (1) year after acquisition by him in a sanctioned contest scheduled for twelve (12) rounds against the leading available contender designated by the Championships Chairman.
After compliance with this mandatory defense obligation, throughout the remaining term of a Heavyweight Champion's reign, he shall be obligated to mandatorily defend his Championship within the intervals of no more than nine (9) months against the leading available contender in the Heavyweight Division as designated by the Championships Chairman" (emphases added).
Accordingly, in the absence of a No. 1 rated boxer or a No. 2 rated boxer in the Heavyweight Division, the next "leading available contender" appears to be the boxer rated No. 3.
2. Pursuant to 15 USC §6307c.(c)(1), the IBF posted the ratings change on its Internet website, together with the following explanation:
"#3 Davaryl Williamson Moved up from #4 to #3 following win 4/30
#4 Wladimir Klitschko Moved down from #3 to #4 replaced by Williamson"
The IBF did not provide a copy of the rating change or the explanation to the ABC as required by 15 USC § 6307c.(c)(2).
3. After the completion of the fourth round, the bout was stopped due to an unintentional head butt suffered by Mr. Klitschko which resulted in Mr. Klitschko being unable to continue. Pursuant to regulation, Mr. Klitschko, who was ahead on points (judges' scorecards) at that stage of the bout, was declared the winner by a "technical decision."
4. After his fight with Mr. McCall in November, 2004, Mr. Williamson moved up to No. 8 in the IBF ratings for December, 2004 (with Mr. Klitschko moving up to No. 6). Mr. Williamson remained at No. 8 (and Mr. Klitschko remained at No. 6) in the IBF ratings for January, 2005. In the IBF ratings for February, 2005, Mr. Williamson moved up to No. 7, and Mr. Klitschko remained at No. 6. In the IBF ratings for March, 2005, Mr. Williamson moved up to No. 6, and Mr. Klitschko moved up to No. 4. In the IBF ratings for April, 2005, Mr. Williamson moved up to No. 4, and Mr. Klitschko moved up to No. 3.
5. In the IBF ratings for October and November, 2004, Michael Moorer (who, as noted above, lost to Mr. Castillo on July 3, 2004) was rated No. 15.
