Monday, Sept. 26, 2005 | 9:50 a.m.
After win vs. Peter, Klitschko looks ahead
The last time Wladimir Klitschko fought Chris Byrd, Klitschko beat him. Now, the two might be headed for a rematch, thanks to Klitschko's victory against Samuel Peter in an IBF elimination bout.
Klitschko became the mandatory challenger to IBF champion Byrd with a unanimous decision over Peter on Saturday night in a fight he hopes removed any doubt about his toughness.
Whether his next outing is against Byrd or with WBO champion Lamon Brewster remains to be seen.
"My goal is to become a champion again," said the 29-year-old Klitschko, the brother of WBC champion Vitali Klitschko. "Actually it's a goal for my brother and myself to be at the same time heavyweight champions."
Despite three knockdowns, Klitschko (45-3) outlasted Peter in a 12-round brawl that started off all Klitschko, with the 6-foot-6 Ukrainian using his size, quickness and ring savvy to land punches without getting tagged.
Peter, a musclebound 6-foot, 243-pounder unbeaten in 24 previous fights, swung wildly at Klitschko in the early rounds but couldn't connect, resorting to rabbit punches during clinches and overhand shots as the fighters broke from them.
"His style was pretty wild, and I will say unorthodox," Klitschko said. "He's very powerful, strong man. But I think he has less idea about technique."
It was one of those punches -- a right hand to the top of the head -- that knocked Klitschko down in the fifth. Klitscho went down again later in that round, although the second knockdown came off a push and not a punch.
All tests OK
All 437 drug tests were negative at this summer's swimming world championships. FINA, the sport's governing body, said today in Lausanne, Switzerland, that 237 athletes from 42 countries were tested for a total of 374 tests during the championships.
FINA said 61 urine tests to detect the endurance-boosting hormone EPO and 313 conventional urine tests were done during the July 17-31 championships.
Greeks rule Europe
Theodoros Papaloukas scored 22 points to help Greece beat Germany 78-62 at Belgrade, Serbia-Montenegro, for its second European Championship. Dirk Nowitzki, the tournament's MVP, led Germany with 23 points.
Prado scores sweep
Jockey Edgar Prado swept the co-features at Belmont Park, winning the Bertram F. Bomgard Stakes aboard Sharp Humor and the Joseph A. Gimma Stakes with Artistic Express.
Milan re-signs striker
Brazil striker Adriano, a transfer target for English soccer champion Chelsea, extended his contract with Inter Milan until 2010. Adriano, 23, scored 16 league goals in 30 games last season.
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