Byrd can't punch.Wlad was always circumspect against anyone who could hit,when an opponent threw punches he shut up shop and didn't reply,only responding when their onslaught was over. Knowing he had nothing to fear from Byrd as regards power he was able to showcase his assets to their maximum. Wlad dominated Byrd to take a dec in their first fight and in their second,Byrd was a washed up 35 winning 2 of his last 5 fights against nobodies.
So Wlad is 41 and out of the ring in 1.5 years? You should have mentioned that in the poll as it changes things. Let's wait a bit on Ruiz Jr. He's still the same guy who was out boxed by Parker. He might match up perfectly for Joshua, but lose to the better boxers. I think Wlad's jab, footwork, and clinching ability would make it tough on Ruiz jr, who would have punches chance and father time helping him out.
Same. I didn't read and thought we were talking prime for prime. Prime Wlad wins a late stoppage but the AJ version may struggle to close the show against Andy and gets stopped late.
It is a good style for Wlad. I pick prime Wlad without hesitation.Past prime Wlad might get caught.To me the jury is still out on Ruiz so it is kinda of difficult to say
Ruiz is a bad style for Wlad based on fights he had against guys who had a similar style. A good style for Wlad to look good against is a McCline , Byrd , Chaggy or Pulev. Guys who box without applying pressure. They give Wlad the space and pace he likes to operate at. Wlak doesn't like guys who make him fight in close or at a pace he's uncomfortable with. His style is based around shuting down the space where an inside exchange can happen and he achieves that with the illegal octopus grab. What happens when a ref doesn't allow it?? Watch the Brewster fight to find out. That ref came to Wlads corner in the second round and told him any more holding would not be allowed. https://thumbs.gfycat.com/ComposedInfiniteLeonberger-size_restricted.gif ^^^ You think WK would be comfortable with fast powerful hands like that on the inside?? He'd likely shut down , physically and mentally.
Wlad usually beat shorter guys. Andy is a good shorter guy, but I'd take prime WK to take a decision.
Just to say, Andy could beat the older version of Wlad who lost to Joshua, but its 50-50. Ruiz was floored by AJ, AJ was floored by Wlad in an even fight. Sometimes it just comes down to one or two big punches in big moments.
Wlad didnt ko top competion .... Also wlads iq and jab would know to keep ruiz at a distance and not engage him unless Ruiz is hurt. Not a big fan of wlad he may be chinny but he did have high ring IQ
