I was wondering if Andy Lee has been sparring with Wlad in preparation for Chagaev.. Andy Lee is the same height and southpaw stance as Chagaev so it would make sense.
If I'm Andy Lee and Manny Steward asks me to spar Wlad, that's when I throw my gloves and headgear down and say, "**** you Manny, I see how it is." and dip out to Wild Card or something... Kids got some serious balls.
Yes Wlad uses him for training speed. Wlad is a man with brain so he can sparr with the smaller Lee without any danger for Lee.
I believe he used him for Ibragimov also.. sounds like a smart move, fast agile southpaw. I'm sure Wlad isn't in there to have Lee check his chin, and is sensible enough to not fully load up and put Lee into a coma.
Maan...Wlad is chiseled, we have to go back to the days of Bruno and Holyfield to have a heavy champ in such shape...