Kinda sad... This is probably the "biggest" fight out there right now for Wlad (at least until Price and/or Fury are ready) But it's tough to get real pumped about it.. Povetkin's size, fighting style and stamina issues make this look like a fairly easy KO for the champ.
Fury will never be ready. Getting KTFO by Wladimir Klitschko is a foregone conclusion should he ever get the opportunity. As for Price, slightly less of a foregone conclusion but still plausible enough to sap it of any suspense. (Price has made improvements since his pro turn to keep his chin from becoming a detrimental factor - much like Wladimir himself, actually - but he's still a level below. Fury, by contrast, gets hit with stupid shots by guys several levels below Klitschko and far less powerful)
FINALLY - Someone else who understands why Fury has no future. I give Price a better chance than you, IB. I see his improvement with every fight, and that should continue for a while. He seems to have genuine ring intelligence, to go with his speed & power.
True, and if it were him pitted against the 2005 Klitschko still riding the learning curve with Steward maybe they would seem more evenly matched. I just think Klitschko's improvements (which, like Price's, help mask his vulnerabilities while at the same time sharpening his offense) have gone through leaps and bounds compared to where Price is now.
Maybe the poor level of opponents make it seem that way. Wach got through and when Haye went for broke he was also able to clip him.
Wach has an iron chin. Price doesn't. Haye was able to spring a few surprises because he spent 90% of the time not going for broke and sort of inevitably brought on a sort of lull. Price doesn't fight like that.
I actually think Fury would fare batter than Price against either Klitschko he is more battle tested and Price has an awful Amateur style still I watched his last fight and didn't see what the big deal is. He holds his hands up weird and his footwork is atrocious. Just don't see the big deal about him other than his Height and right hand which to me Wilder has a better right hand and looks more 'fluid' in the Ring and yes I know Wilder isn't that great either.
Maaaaybe Pulev. A little. ...and by "trouble", I mean lose 116-112 rather than by knockout or shutout.
Wlad shares no part of the blame. Povetkin has bailed on him at least twice. I'm thinking Wlad by brutal knock out middle rounds.
Wilder was his sparring partner and said he learned a lot from someone so accomplished as Wlad. I think Wlad will retire before Wilder is ready. Who are the other up and comers? Mitchell? Hah.