Count reigning world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko as another satisfied South Florida snowbird, according to Miami Herald.
Klitschko bought a home in Hollywood last year and is enjoying outdoor diversions unavailable when training for a fight.
``Just look at this,`` Klitschko said, pointing toward the sunny skies while having breakfast at an open café Saturday morning. ``How can you not enjoy living here?``
With an annual schedule usually consisting of three bouts and their eight-week training camps, Klitschko spends minimal time in South Florida. But now the Ukraine native and two-time champion has found downtime for two passions -- golf and kite surfing.
``When I am here, and the weather is perfect I play golf,`` said Klitschko, who also lives in Germany and Ukraine. ``[Saturday], it was starting to get windy, and I thought about going in the water.``
Klitschko, 32, soon will resume his fight schedule. Klitschko plans the seventh defense of his International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization titles in April.
``Right now I am in the process of choosing my opponent,`` Klitschko said. ``There are a number of them. I am trying to figure out what makes more sense for the [TV] audience, the fans and for me to take the fight.``
Klitschko (52-3, 46 KOs) said possible opponents include Cris Arreola, former cruiserweight champion David Haye and World Boxing Association titleholder Nicolay Valuev. The undefeated Arreola is considered the best of young American hopefuls for a heavyweight belt.
``Location will depend on the fighter, Klitschko said. ``If it`s Arreola, the fight is in the U.S. If it`s someone like Haye or Valuev then it will be likely in Europe.``
Despite establishing separation as the top heavyweight, Klitschko continues to lag in acceptance in the United States.
But in Germany, where Klitschko launched his professional career, his bouts draw capacity crowds.
``No matter which country you are from, if you perform well people will accept you -- no matter the skin color or nationality,`` Klitschko said.
``That`s what happened in Germany and that`s what is eventually building in the U.S. You have to accept the facts that if you perform well, people will accept you.``
HARD ROCK BOUTS
Junior-middleweight contender Sechew Powell will fight in the main event of Wednesday night`s card at the Hard Rock Live arena near Hollywood. Powell (24-2, 14 KOs) will face Christian Lloyd Joseph in a scheduled 12-round bout.
Former world cruiserweight champion O`Neil Bell was supposed to headline the card but never signed a contract for his scheduled fight against Domonic Jenkins.
