Is Wlad in his prime?

I think he is similar to Lennox Lewis in the sense that he has matured as a boxer past his physical prime. Skill-wise he's probably in his prime. Physically, he's probably a bit past it considering how long he's been boxing at a high level and being stopped three times.

 

*2:good

 

Yeah, but he is entitled to a shotness card if he loses.

 

This is probably the best version of Wlad we'll ever see. Maybe past the hill in physical/conditioning but he he seems to be extremely dedicated in terms of diet, excercise and remaining a healthy/non-drug lifestyle. All that may contribute to extending his physical prime.

Skill, experience, gameplan wise he's the best he's ever been.

With a little luck (=not getting knocked out by some random bum) he could be able to defend his belts for another couple of years.

 

I think he was more exciting as well as in his physical prime 7 or 8 years ago (take the Mercer beatdown for example, FREAKY display of physical talent). However, he is currently more polished than ever in his style and technique, as well as what I would call his mental prime.

 

Overall I think so, he was a better offensive fighter pre-Manny but in terms of his general ability I think he's as good as he'll get at the moment.

You get a physical prime and a mental prime, and it's where they crossover that you get your peak. I think Wlad's still in that peak zone.

Next 2-3 years are gonna be very big ones for him.

 

:good:good

 

Yes, Wlad is still in his physical prime, but more importantly he is at a time where his physical gifts are greatly complimented by his experience.

Wlad is 34 now, but he has not been in many fights where he took a pounding, keeps in good shape between fights, as as far as we know does not pollute his body with drugs. So he's a young 34.

I think his physical prime will last 1-2 more years. By then Wlad will have 50 KO's....a rare feat for any boxing champion.

 

Yes, and a few years after he's retired we'll start rating him considerably higher.

 

I'd say he's been at his prime since 31 and will continue through to 36-37.

He's one of the Top 10 ATG heavyweights ever based on skill, size and performance. Whilst he'll never get rated as high due to sentimental reasons as guys who fought in other areas, it's hard to think of any of those fighters beating him.

Vitali, Lennox Lewis and an early version of George Foreman are the only guys I give a chance.

 

IMO Wlad's has slowed down significantly in the past few fights. His best years started when he fought Mcline and probably ended around when he beat Peter.

 

I would personally highly favor Holmes, Ali and Foreman and somewhat favor many others. Including, as you mentioned Lewis, his own brother, Louis, Tyson, Frazier, Liston and Holyfield. But I might think differently when all is said and done.

 

Slowed down?

Wlad was faster than Fast Eddie. He looks slow against Wlad.

Wlad fights more skillfull today with great footwork and a great defence.