Prime Wladimir Klitschko (2010) vs Corrie Sanders

He was far more cautious.

Are we looking at an actual rematch?

Or are we looking at a hypothetical scenario, where the 2010 version of Wlad had fought a 2003 Sanders instead?

 

definitely Wlad

 

I think Sanders would always have been problematic for Wlad.

Steward's improvements were mainly in the realm of shutting down the other guy up close by holding, and I'd allow that Wlad paced himself better. His jab also gradually improved over the years.

That doesn't really address the core issue of Wlad's so-so chin, the speed and accuracy of Sanders and the power his long straight punches came with. Sanders was only a little smaller than Wlad and he was able to hold his own size-wise. Corrie was a big heavy that had the power of a big heavy but the speed of a smaller guy. In their fight he was jabbing with Wlad without hassles.

I think that a later Wlad would have been more competitive but he always had the big risk of getting KTFO.

Let's also not forget that Sanders was getting on in years. He wasn't as fast or mobile or had the same stamina that he used to, although I guess his punching power was as heavy as ever. What I'm saying is, that wasn't even the best version of Sanders.

 

Probably Sanders

 

I'd make the Wlad who beat Haye favourite, whilst giving Sanders a significant punchers chance.

That version of Wlad was excellent at controlling range and effective at clinching when his opponent breached their punching range.

Sanders was a little bigger than Haye (14lbs heavier, an inch taller with an inch shorter reach - according to Boxrec, though I suspect Haye is really c.2inches shorter), likely even more heavy handed, far more aggressive, whilst not quite as fast and nothing like as elusive. I'd say on balance he'd be more dangerous than Haye, but only marginally so, and simultaneously more likely to be KO'd himself.

 

I might say it's a 50-50 actually the longer the fight goes the better for Wlad.

I also think of how Wlad dealt with southpaws and speedy fighters after but Sanders is faster than them and probably more powerful.

 

Sanders is Wlad's cryptonite, just like Norton was Ali's. He may win this, especially looking at his experience with southpaws he got by 2010, but I still wouldn't rule out Corrie to chin him. 50/50. Baaad matchup for Wlad.

 

Corrie would have been much more aggressive and offensive minded than Haye.

 

He would. I said he'd be "far more aggressive" in the post you quoted.

That would be offset, to a degree, by his slightly shorter reach and the fact he's not as fast. It would be far harder for him to land hard on the chin of the Wlad that fought Haye, than Wlad he fought.

As I said, on balance, I think he'd be marginally more dangerous than Haye, whilst simultaneously more likely to be KO'd himself.

 

Probably Wlad. Yeah I know he was a lot older by then but he’d use caution to stay out of danger then steadily pick Sanders apart as he fades later

 

I think Wlad can control the distance and score points without getting hit with something big. I think this would be an ugly fight with a lot of holding (something like the Povetkin fight), but it wouldn't be enough for him to get disqualified or anything like that.

 

I dont agree with alot of the posts here I think Wladimir gets taken out again.

Whilst Wladimir adapted his style and had longevity with it.

He never fought anyone remotely like Sanders in regards to the handspeed, power, aggression, along with the Southpaw style.

I know Wladimir did have a good record vs Southpaws but not against anyone that resembles Sanders.

So I don't think you can come to the conclusion that Wladimir even when his adapted style that he could overcome Sanders.

 

Wlad stops a tired Sanders in about 7 rounds.

He became far more effective against southpaws over time. Sanders can only win early with the element of surprise and Wlad not knowing how to adequately defend against the straight left backhand.

 

You don't think Wlad can stay away from him for a few rounds? That's the key. Get Sanders into the middle rounds where he didn't have good stamina. This is Wlad's bread-and-butter. Control the distance and score points. Remember, Wlad is a massive puncher. Arguably the biggest puncher ever. It's almost suicide if Sanders rushes him. You could probably say he got lucky when it did happen. Wlad and Emmanuel would have a good strategy.