Wladimir Klitschko just might be the most reluctant knockout artist in the history of boxing.

Finally, after dominating a completely out-gunned Eddie Chambers for eleven mind-numbingly dull rounds, Klitschko decided it was safe to open up, and was able to finish the fight in the final seconds with a rather sweet turn of his left fist. His fans can add another bit to the "Dr. Steel Hammer" highlight video, but I'd rather whine about having to watch him peck at and lay on a thoroughy beaten cruiserweight for way longer than necessary.

In the late rounds Emmanuel Steward had to beg his man to show some fire for a change. Not even he could stand to watch the tedious display any longer!  Steward's urging eventually worked, as Klitschko came out aggressively for the twelfth, but it's hardly inspiring when a fighter has to be shamed into knocking out an opponent that was no threat at all.

Considering some of the real hard men Manny has worked for over the years, the trainer was likely far from pleased with his heavyweight Champion, even after the late stoppage.

While we're talking trainers, I want to say that I thought the Chambers corner didn't handle themselves well at all.

Barking "Come on, Eddie" and "Move your head" every 5 seconds (literally) is not how a professional corner operates. Good trainers talk specifics in the corner. They stay cool. They don't go after their fighter when he's over-matched, and some of the things said in that corner were inappropriate and abusive. I feel bad that Chambers was forced to take punishment from both sides.

Chambers has a certain offense that can only thrive if he has a willing opponent in front of him. The openings he counts on just weren't there because the guy he fought was too long and timid. Hopefully he'll get back in the mix within the next 6 months because he can still get some things done against the other big boys. Or maybe he can go belt hunting under 200 lbs.

As far as where Klistschko goes from here, Alexander Povetkin has the mandatory spot, but who knows if his handlers will push for that fight.  David Haye has the power to shut the lights off, but will they ever get a deal together? There are few other potentially watchable options, so hopefully something can be done.

Frankly, I'm not all that interested in seeing Klitschko again.  He delivers some of the most destructive blows I have ever seen, and yet, when the bomb lands, I'm already thoroughly disgusted or boredom has left me in a coma.

e-mail Lee Payton