December 24, 2020

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BOXING

Wladimir Klitschko elected to Hall of Fame

“Thank you for the great news. It is an honor to be a Hall of Famer. I’m so impressed with the dedication and passion the Village of Canastota (New York home of the Int’l Boxing Hall of Fame) has for boxing. All of the champions feel so honored and blessed to be in the Hall of Fame. It’s amazing.” This was Wladimir Klitschko’s official response on December 15 upon getting the news of his election to the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021. The former heavyweight champion of the world capped a (134-6, 65 KO) amateur career by winning super heavyweight gold at the 1996 Olympic Games. He turned pro the same year in Germany and won his first 24 bouts before losing to Ross Purrity. He rebounded to defeat Chris Byrd for the WBO heavyweight title and in 2006 stopped Byrd again for the IBF/IBO titles to begin a most dominant nine-year title reign which included 18 successful defenses. Nicknamed “Dr. Steelhammer,” the Ukrainian was heavyweight champion longer than anyone in boxing history (12 years, two days), finishing with a pro record of (64-5, 53 KO).

 

HOCKEY

Islanders land Timashov

Not able to reach a contract agreement with restricted free-agent Dmytro Timashov, the Detroit Red Wings traded the 24-year-old forward’s rights to the New York Islanders on December 11 in exchange for future considerations. Detroit had claimed the young Ukrainian off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs late in the 2019-2020 season. He had no points in five games with Detroit, but made a favorable impression with his physical play despite his modest size (5-foot-10, 192 pounds). Timashov has dressed in 44 NHL games with four goals and five assists, all tallied while with Toronto. He was a member of the AHL Calder Cup champion Toronto Marlies in 2018 and was drafted by the Leafs in the fifth round of the NHL Entry Draft in 2015. He likely fits as a bottom-six forward with the Isles based on scouting reports noting his responsible defensive game, displaying solid skating and playmaking abilities. Timashov is a well-known commodity in the eyes of General Manager Lou Lamoriello, who took over as Toronto’s general manager in July 2018 and oversaw Timashov’s development. The Ukrainian is expected to agree to a two-way contract with the Islanders before training camp.

 

BASKETBALL

Kuzma inks three-year $40M deal with Lakers

The buzz around the NBA was the Los Angeles Lakers were testing out the trade market for Kyle Kuzma in an effort to see what the young forward might bring them in their quest to repeat as champions. Instead, the Lakers inked the Ukrainian (on his mother Karri’s side) to a three-year, $40 million contract with a player option in the final year. “It is especially gratifying for our Lakers franchise to draft, develop and now sign one of our own to a contract extension,” said Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka in a press release on December 20. “Kyle has shown tremendous growth over the last three years and played a crucial role on last season’s championship team.” The deal was somewhat surprising given that Kuzma was rumored to be asking for a lot more money. The contract is viewed as tradeable should the Lakers decide to go that route since Kuzma is arguably their most tradeable asset. For now, he is a most solid role player off the bench, although he did start in three preseason games. He averaged 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a game last season in 25 minutes per night. Even though he doesn’t stretch the floor as a shooter, his athleticism allows him to be a finisher in transition or get to the rim in the half-court. Kuzma lacks no confidence – when he makes consistently good decisions he is a major plus for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Compiled by Ihor Stelmach.

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