There was an excessive amount of clinching and wrestling vs Povetkin, but realistically Povetkin never looked like winning the fight when the action flowed. There was a lot riding on the match, as the Ukraine-Russia conflict was kicking off and like other sporting occasions it adopted a political significance. Wlad vs Povetkin became Ukraine vs Russia in the boxing ring. So it was important for Wlad to win in any way he could. I'd say there was tremendous pressure for both guys. A rematch will likely happen if Povetkin beats Wilder next spring.
I think he should have gotten 2 points deducted in the first couple rounds, I think he would then stop the hugging and try not to get DQ'd. But the ref allowed the hugs to go on all the time.
Hmmmm......interesting???. I completely forgot that Byrd did so much as a LHW. I remember after his loss to Potvetkin he said he was in such a deep depression that he lost 20+ lbs. But with boxing in his blood, he decided to have a go as a LHW again. He said he made excuses for his losses to Ike, Wlad and Sasha that he was really a LHW, and we'd all see it when he fought George. Ya, we saw it. I was a huge Byrd fan, still am, and he has since admitted he only campaigned at LHW to spite Potvetkin Wlad and Ike. He was always a HW, and while he, and most of us would agree, that his frame probably would have seen him have even more success at CW, fact is he was a 3X HW Champion of the World. And imo, a sure fire HOFer, and a top 50 ATG HW
Good post. I'm thinking Wlad will try to get wilder before Potvetkin does. Haymon will probably be looking for Chagaev. Purely speculating
Well, given to what's available to Wlad, his resume is great. He took on all comers, even his sternest haters have to admit to that... Even given that though, his resume still lacks really any great opponent in their prime, but of course that's not really his fault. He dominated his era in a fashion that's rarely seen in boxing altogether, that alone makes him a great fighter in my eyes.
And after Wlad beats Fury, people who have hyped Fury up as the guy Wlad is ducking will quickly change their tune and call him a bum. It's easier to change your goalposts than to admit that you're wrong.
Other than Wlad and Vitali, there hasn't been one. Wlad's resume reads like the reject list from Joe Louis' Bum of the Month tour...
Luckily for Wlad and his glass mandible. Not a single one of Wlad's opponents are going to the HOF. Not a single one.
Mormeck looks a respectable name compared to Eric Molina, let's be honest. Mormeck was a cw world champion. Haye had to come off the floor to beat him.
And while Mormecks wins at HW were very close ones, he still had a decent run vs solid LOC. And, he's a certified top 20 ATG CW.
I am so gutted a picture of one of his opponents won't be hanging inside a building/museum in America sumwere according to you! The HOF LOL