Wladimir Klitschko Tries to Defend Jean Marc Mormeck As December 10 Opponent

World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko is trying to defend his choice of former cruiserweight champ and current washed up heavyweight non-contender Jean Marc Mormeck as his December 10 opponent, but I don't think it's going to work for the people who are criticizing the fight:

"Mormeck is one of the most experienced opponents that I've ever had. During his career he won many championship fights, he is technically strong, has excellent boxing skills and he's a very intelligent fighter. To underestimate him would be fatal."

This is all cute-speak. Mormeck is experienced; he's also a 39-year-old blown up light heavyweight who did well at cruiserweight but was even small for that division. At 5'11" with a 74" reach, Mormeck has no physical chance at getting to, let alone beating, Wladimir Klitschko.

This is a truly awful fight. I generally try to find the good in any fight. There's no good here.

Here's what Mormeck has done since David Haye knocked him out to win the cruiserweight championship in November 2007:

1. Sat out for two years.
2. Came back as a heavyweight, winning a close eight-round decision over club fighter Vinny Maddalone.
3. Got a bit of a gift against Fres Oquendo.
4. Beat Timur Ibragimov by split decision.

I'm sorry, but there is no defending this fight. I like Wladimir Klitschko. I think he's an admirable guy, a terrific boxer, and clearly dominant in his time. But this fight actually makes me think a bit less of Klitschko, and his attempt to defend the choice is weak and a bit dramatic. Mormeck has no chance whatsoever to win this fight. Other than getting a fight in and staying active, there is no point to this and it's a waste of time. Wladimir would have been taking a tougher fight and a bigger risk against 48-year-old Evander Holyfield at this point.