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Klitschko Wins Coin Toss Chooses Grant Gloves

posted by Kathleen Holland on March 10, 2007, in Events

Photo By Chris McGee

MANNHEIM, GERMANY – Wladimir Klitschko chose to wear Grant gloves instead of Reyes after winning a coin toss t settle a dispute over the brand of gloves to be worn for tonight’s IBF Heavyweight Championship Bout in which Klitschko defends his title against Ray Austin.

The bout seemed to be in jeopardy after Don King, Austin’s promoter, claimed Team Austin was not dealt a fair hand.

“This whole fight was conceived under the auspices there would be fair play and complete impartiality,” Austin’s promoter Don King said. “When the negotiations for this fight began, I made it clear that there should be no officials from the United States or Europe and that the officials should be appointed by the IBF to ensure neutrality and remove even the perception of any impropriety."

“What happened today shows I have not been dealt with in good faith.”

The contract stated that Team Klitschko and Team Austin would mutually agree upon which gloves Austin would use, however the sanctioning body will not allow Austin to wear Reyes gloves, which he prefers, and will mandate that he wear Grant gloves, which is Klitschko’s choice.

The bout is scheduled for 4:45 P.M. ET/ 1:45 PM PT and will be broadcast live on HBO from the SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany and will re-air tonight at 10:00 P.M. ET/PT.

Story by Kathleen Holland

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