Wlad made Peter look like a limited Joe Frazier for spurts

Obviously Peter is a fat, slow, no stamina limited skill brawler. He was pretty clueless on the inside, and Wlad controlled and held him pretty well. Either way, even though he doesn't have half the skills, speed, stamina, or defense Wlad's predictability made Peter look like a very fat and limited Joe Frazier at times. The British announcers mentioned this but I scoffed and laughed, but I actually say that. Wlad throws that 1-2, 1, 1-2 lefthook, 1 lefthook. He generally starts with the jab, and doesn't throw the right hand lead much. He also rarely throws an uppercut, although he did occasionally today. He seems to sometimes telegraph his shots. But Peter was making him miss in awful lot more than he should've. Either Peter impressed defensively, or Wlad looked predictable. A bit of both? At the end of the day I'll give Wlad a B for his performance. Great finish, though. He just needs to do that more. Instead of clinching, he should back or move laterally and unload more. Peter's eye was closed and helpless in defending and really coming back with anything. I can't imagine what the real Joe Frazier would've done

The thing is... if Wlad were to fight in another era or if he were to fight against a legitimate fighter his holding would not be tolerated. The first 5 rounds I saw 5 clinches after every 20 seconds. And Peter accepted it after taking some power shots, no doubt. But Wlad leans in and puts Peter in a chokehold at times so you can't say he doesn't initiate or encourage it even if Peter is content. If Eddie Futch was infuriated by Ali's holding in the second Ali-Frazier fight I can't imagine how he would react seeing Wlad's holding. Wlad is the champ, and everyone else is chumps and he generally fights in Germany so it's never going to be a serious problem. But it is when Tyson fights Lennox Lewis.

 

Calling the kettle black.

 

Great point. But he did tons of work and did nothing to pay off his work of getting in close. He just didn't know how. But once he got so close he had no chance. Wlad just controlled him and leaned on him in the clinch.

 

Yes, and just try to imagine them in an era where the holding wouldn't be allowed. Please do, and with different opposition in front of them. I assure you that would look half as great and it has nothing to do with nostalgia or rose-tinted glasses.

I mean, not only was it blatantly obvious Peter was ill-equipped and way too limited (Knowingly before and after, still nevertheless frustrating as openings were there). But he didn't go to the body 1 time like you said. Except for 1 time when he was in the clinch I think. That's all I can remember. Amazing.