By Sanjeev Shetty

WLAD'S BAD DAY Shock loss for Klitschko The Klitschkos in profile

At the turn of this century it was believed the future of heavyweight boxing was in the giant hands of the Klitschko brothers.

Vitali and Wladimir, all the way from the Ukraine, were expected to punch their way to all four world titles, but would never face each other, just to make sure their mother did not cry.

But Mrs Klitschko might have wiped away a few tears on Sunday morning, following her youngest son Wladimir's second stoppage defeat in 14 months.

Even in an era when products can be recycled with apparent ease, Wladimir's reputation is beyond repair.

Last year, it was ageing South African southpaw Corrie Sanders who exposed in two rounds the frailties behind Wladimir's imposing physique.

This time, unheralded American Lamon Brewster confirmed the Ukrainian's inability to take it as well as dish it out.

Champions from yesteryear will confirm that no matter how many muscles there are in your arms, neck or chest, the ability to take a punch is not earned in the weights room.

In fact, those massive muscles have hindered him in moments of crisis - a lack of flexibility, as was evident for much of Frank Bruno's career, makes it very hard for the Ukrainian to mount a solid defence.

Having now suffered three defeats in 45 fights, the cloak of invincibility which carried Wladimir to 42 victories against modest opposition has been removed, probably permanently.

Much now rests on the slightly narrower shoulders of Vitali, who takes a better punch than his sibling and will bid to avenge Wladimir's defeat to Sanders later this month in a fight for the vacant WBC title.

Contenders for Lewis' crown

But Wladimir's plight further undermines the future of the heavyweight division, already weakened by Lennox Lewis' retirement, the deterioration of Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield and the lack of emerging talent.

And one must wonder how much longer cable companies such as HBO and Showtime will sign fighters like Klitschko to lucrative contracts.

The desperation to find a genuine successor to Lewis cannot be understated in America - it was once a given that the heavyweight champion of the world was also one of the most recognisable sports figures on the planet.

But Brewster, John Ruiz and Chris Byrd - the three men who can currently claim to be world champ - would struggle to be recognised outside of their neighbourhood.

The heavyweight champion of the world should never be anonymous - from now on though, anonymity should not be a problem for Wladimir Klitschko.