Cue Pulev's win over Ustinov being vastly overrated resulting in people thinking he can beat any Heavyweight not named Klitschko.
I think they'll end up being a similar level, meaning best for best. I think Pulev is the type that simply won't ever do himself so much less than he's capable of as Povetkin did in a few of his fights. At least, from what I've seen. But, solid, historically B- to B+ level guys. Not even borderline great, but a good class of fighter. A Povetkin of the version that fought Huck, I'm picking Pulev. A top, motivated Povetkin VS Pulev, I can see a pick 'em, though I think Povetkin's best is a little better (and certainly is more proven) than Pulev. Honestly, I have no idea what you're talking about, O. I can't see any slowness at all, or being cumbersome. I can't see that he took more than a handful of good shots either. And Ustinov is a pretty well experienced combat sportsman. It would be weird if he didn't land at least a little bit over 10+. I just didn't see the same thing at all. I mean, if you thought Povetkin was good and Pulev wasn't, I just don't get it. I think he's got very good skill, but he may take some getting used to. He's just a little offbeat/quirky. But he knows what he's doing. Maybe you should check out some more fights. He's got quite a few on youtube.
I think Pulev fought the right kind of fight against Big Ustinov last night. I liked that he wasn't scared to engage. Actually Ustinov isnt't that ****ing slow when he lets his hands go for a 300lbs guy and nailed Pulev with some pretty hard shots throughout. Chin is solid, speed and skills are there. Pulev is definitely a Top10 heavy, maybe even Top4 by now. Povetkin v Pulev would be a highly competitive fight. I would probably go with Povetkin on points.
You thought Pulev was slow? I thought he showed a very sharp snappy jab for a man that size, and decent upper body movement to avoid Ustinov's wild swings. You want to see slow as molasses handspeed, watch Thompson or Wach. EDIT: I agree with the weird motion when he jabs. Not sure why he does that.
Well, this is a fight I want to see.....but not until after the Vitali retirement dust settles. I like to see contenders fight each other, I do. But I hate to see them get their 0s taken when they are on the fringe of a title shot. Pulev is 30 right. He's got a couple yrs to rack up some more solid wins over top 50 competition and REALLY cement himself inside the top of the division. I think for his record, he's boating one of the best LOC resumes in the division, if not the best. Helenius's might be better, but few have so little pro exp with so many top 100 wins. Hopefully Potvetkin finally takes his shot at Wlad. When that's done, and Pulev has another couple fights, he can take his shot at Wlad and then they can have their fight in an eliminator to fight for Suleimans belt or maybe even the WBA joke belt.:think
Povetkin would be sucking wind like the fat pig he is by the 6th and Pulev would consistently land the jab. Wouldn't be shocked if he made Povetkin quit.
Actually, both Wach and Thompsons handspeed are masked by Wladimir far superior handspeed. Think back to the Haye fight and remember that Wlad is as fast as Haye was. And his feinting gives his jab even more accuracy, especially when pitted against the SP Thompson. Realistically, Thompson shouldnt have been getting that title shot again, but in a perfect world, we'd have much better fights made across the division and across the sport overall. Wach has showed a strong and LONG jab, but Pulev's jab is second, IMO, only to Wladimirs in the top 10. IMO, he'd defo win the battle of the jabs vs Vitali, Haye, Potvetkin, Chambers, and even Solis. However, his punch selection seems to limited at times, he rarely drives that R hand behind it and almost seems to favor doubling it up. :huh But I agree that Pulev's handspeed is far from slow. He's got a LOT of snap behind that L hand for sure, and he's got really good footwork and balance as well. :think
I think Pulev should drop some weight. His shape against Vidoz was the ideal one for him: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O36TeTcoRs[/ame]
Yes I'd agree with that. Even older Rahman clocked Povetkin with a few jabs last night and Pulvev's last three opponents have all quit. (Sprott, Dimitrenko & Ustinov)
and even though Dimitrenko is a ***** he has a quality jab and Kubrat outjabbed him no problem. Glazkov also has a great jab. Pulev's most aggressive performance where he let his combinations go the best is still the Rossy fight imo. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnlfUG2vCYw[/ame]