Pulev is a very good boxer, European mainland. He can give Wlad a tough fight, if he comes through his jab.
Pulev is a tough dude who WILL make it hard on Wlad He'll clinch, push him around, trip him up, and lets not forget Pulev can take a punch. I think Wlad beats him, but it wont be as simple as some of u may think
We just saw what he can do when his main weapon is disabled with TT. With his jab he will give one tough fight for sure.
I have yet to be impressed with Pulev. But with so many others so high on him I must be missing something. Would still like Pulev to have to fight another known quantity.... a Chisora, an Arreola, a Stiverne.... before getting to fight Wlad, but I guess Wlad vs Pulev is next.
Well the reason your missing something is because you are looking for boxing skills which he lacks. A lot of people hyping him is not for boxing reasons at all. Pulev will be a easy fight for Wlad. Pulev took the easy road and some how gets a title shot. Wlad will KO him with in 5 rounds because Pulev has no punching power for him to fear. There are other contenders better than Pulev.
Pulev fought his way to Wlad. So let's wait and see. I expect a good fight and think he'll give Wlad a challenge.
You guys don't realize how bad of a stylistic nightmare that was for Pulev. His best weapon, his jab, was totally taken away by Thompson and his southpaw stance. Don't forget that even Wlad had extremely hard time establishing his jab vs Thompson in both their fights. Even without the jab, I didn't really see Pulev being uncomfortable at any time during the fight. The first 3 rounds he was overly cautious, which probably gave those rounds to Thompson, but again. I didn't see Thompson ever bothering Pulev at any time. Ironically he landed his best shot on Pulev in the last round... Pulev was never KO artist and never will be. He lacks the power for it and didn't risk too much at the end trying to finish off Thompson. At the same time he showed great technical skills and managed to win with his best weapon taken away. I don't think you can draw too many conclusions from this fight. We knew Thompson is old and probably will gas out as the fight went on. We knew Pulev has better conditioning and will take over the fight if it went past 6-7 rounds. For me this fight was quite routine for Pulev.
How the hell did he look awful? He was never bothered in this fight. He took his time, like he always does and showed great technical skill versus an awkward stylistic matchup.
couldnt have said that in a better way, great points. Pulev is the best from all the prospects in terms of skills, chin, determination, being able to adapt, his best weapon his jab was out of use, but still he found a way, a great right hand he used constantly. I think from all the other heavys Pulev or povetkin have the best chance to beat wlad, they would give wlad a harder fight than any of the rest.