Even if we only give Tua an 80/ 20 chance of getting through with a flush left hook right on Wlad's jaw, you have to admit it is an awesome possibility. And no-one can discount it.
No, why would he. Other, better boxers have failed. In 8 defenses he hasn't be floored once. He has fought better, younger boxer that didn't get anywhere near him. Why would a 38 year old Tua be any different?
I favor Wlad but people picking him to stop Tua are out of their mind. Wlad is completely safety first, he doesn't even want to go for the kill against a helpless Eddie Chambers, you think he'll go for the kill against a guy with not only an ATG chin, but more power than Wlad has ever seen? I somehow doubt it, and if he does go for the kill against Tua he'd be making a big mistake.
Chambers has a defense, Tua hasn't. The height and reach advantages are so big that Wlad can throw right hands without runnig the risk to catch one of Tua's left hooks. I doubt he'll stop him with one shot but I see Tua going down at least one time before his corner or the ref stop the carnage.
I appreciate that was no fault of Shane Cameron if he was ranked #6, but the fact is that he was/is most certainly not worthy of any top 10-20 world ranking!! And anyone who believes otherwise is not being objective!! The above list of names you have posted would all make credible opponents for Tua (Except Boystov, who is obviously a "Work in progress" and does not as yet deserve to be considered a legitimate contender). Chambers fought Wlad Klitschko in his last fight. Arreola fought Vitali. Valuev fought Haye and Chagaev fought Wlad!! So those guys all fought the top three heavyweights in the world!! Do you honestly believe that David's victories over Cameron and Ahunanya entitle him to leap-frog the aforementioned fighters (And others besides)? If David fought any of the guys listed by you, or even Samuel Peter then yes he would have earned his shot (Via fast-track, but it would be earned)!! This is not me "Having a pop" at Tua, quite the opposite, I would not mind him fighting for a title! But let us no delude ourselves, if he were to secure a title shot before fighting a genuine contender then no-one could say that he has earned it (Based upon his fights within the last seven years) could they? In seven years Tua has fought a draw with Rahman and beat a few insignificant journeymen, that does not earn you a #1 ranking or a title shot imo.
I must admit, your logic makes sense to me!! Regardless of any regression in David Tua's chin, stamina, etc I am certain that Wlad would not risk becoming "Involved" with Tua!! Wlad would keep David at bay with the jab and occasional right hand!! David Tua has his limitations, but he does possess thunderous power and he is tough as teak!! He hears the final bell, but probably loses all rounds. That is not to say that he has absolutely no chance against Wlad, because he does. It's just that it is a small chance, which is more than the majority of Wlad's opponents have!!
A stoppage such as the one you describe is possible Tony, but I personally do believe that at the final bell Tua would be an angry, frustrated but ultimately comprehensively out-pointed fighter!! Wlad is so cautious that he often does not commit to his shots like he undoubtedly could and a scenario where he just pot-shots Tua for twelve rounds is one that I have no difficulty envisaging!!
:good Tua is getting on, and wlad has the reach to keep him at bay and would definately use his face as a constant jab target, BUT it would be intresting to see how wlad reacts to a solid Tua power punch clean to the jaw, i'd pay to see them fight.......COULD be interesting..
To bad Tua will lose that rating if he fights Rahman. Rahman can show up out of shape and still tap that ass.
Moorers epic glass jaw? Who has put him down? Cooper shouldnt have (although he was heavy handed), but Tua and Foreman have among the very best power all time i wont hold that against him and Holy had underrated pop he constantly shook up solid chinned guys much bigger than himself. Rahman the glass jaw who had just stopped Sanders two before the Wlad fight??? Seemed like he handled Corries power a bit better than Wlad are you sure his jaw is that bad? Maskaev ill grant you could be fragile although he should never have fought McCall so early Noone else managed to get Ruiz out of there until he was 38 and very ringworn and id suggest his calibre of opponent was pretty good over the years You obviously havent read some of the posts that have been posted recently if you people that Sanders hasnt be elevated far out of his league by many on this forum Yes as a fellow Kiwi I would love to see Tua win, but as you will have seen in my first post I picked Wlad to win. I stand by what I said however that if Tua lands once clean he will rattle Wlad enough to land a few more. Noone Tua drops has comeback to win. I never said Sanders didnt have power I argue that it is the same as Tuas however Tua punching up is all well and good but Wlad has a long body at a pretty good target height for Tua and it can become awfully hard to keep throwing jabs after a few David Tua hooks to the ribs kidneys and liver. As I said originally Wlad should win but I wouldnt underestimate Tua, Mentally and physically he is in a good place and no matter how you spin it Wlad is not as good as Lewis
I dont disagree with you I was pointing out why he is ranked high. Tua being ranked on the basis of beating the number 6 guy and others losing is better than Kali Meehan being number 2 in the WBA after nearly 2 years out or Derrick Rossy at 6 in the WBC or Solis at WBC number 1 or Adamek at 6 by the IBF after beating Golota and Estrada in his only fights at heavy
yeah would be good but itll be two more b/c graders to satisfy contractual obligations then a title shot i think