One of the best boxing articles I ever read.

Decent in parts, I sense some bias at the start with the description of the 'vunerable only protected by their overwheleming physical advantages' and the 'trick' jab that is only available to them because of their size. If that was the case any 6'7' plus guy could be as successful is what he implies. He gives them some credit later on for adapting their style and using their physical advantages though.

Where the article falls down somewhat is where he says he isn't a fan of mythical H2H comparisons between generations but then goes on to discuss their chances against different generations. Some or a lot of what he is saying may be true but he kinda shot himself in the foot when he went off down that tangent.

 

This article is flawed, as even though they do have physical size advantages over their opponents, it's not just as simple as extending you jab to keep the opponent off of you.

They way wlad fights requires a lot of ring iq, and timing to keep an effective jab working. There are plenty of huge heavyweights which can't control the distance properly.

This is why for example, Haye couldn't get close. Wlads jab would keep him at bay, he has deceptively good movement and a great right hand.

 

I never got this "guys just need to get on the inside" bull****.

Every time someone does get on the inside against them,they tie them up.

Also its a bit unfair to say its simply physicality as they've both fought guys who are bigger and heavier, particularly Wlad

 

on point article.

 

I agree with you man

 

When I saw the title,I hoped it would be along these lines.
Good find Felix.Knew I could rely on you.

 

You can't hold physical advantages against a fighter in my opinion. It is simply dull. If Ali was 5"9" would he have beaten Frazier then?

 

This article is so ridicolous that it does not even worth to replies to the most ridicolous points.

A generic statement like "Rocky Marciano would have walked through both Wladimir and Vitali" would have been more believable.

 

Also all these guys are always the same.
First they are "Size is the only thing they have"
And then they are when responding to hws of the past being smaller "Size doesn't matter"


Not this guy though, he got his own flaws.

 

The article is pure shite, and I can only assume the author is a dumb American. Wtf, ever heard of a fighter, NOT using any advantages they might possess as a tactic in a fight?

Thats like Mayweather knowing he is a defensive genius, intentionally dropping his hands, lifting his chin, and going in swinging wildly like Mayorga. Or Pac knowing he can punch from all sorts of angles, intentionally only punching from straight in front of the other guy.

 

hmm this analysis seems very 'western'. Wladimir for example is a very good boxer he has a jab which is up there with the very best boxing has ever had to offer. Both are heavy handed and rarely have to step out of second gear to have a convincing knockout victory. put any great in this era now and although they may dominate, they would do well to dominate in the way wlad and vitali have.

Id go as far to say in any era both wlad and Vitali in their prime would be some of the most feared and avoided fighters out there, Vitali mor so than Wlad. Vitali in his prime had everything decent speed, a near unstopable jab, power, boxing ability and ability to fight not to mention a cast iron chin!. He's only ever lost due to cut and injury and i cant think of many if any fighters in the history of boxing who id definatly 100% be sure would beat him.

They may not be the most entertaining but they have great basic's and are extremly gifted fighters, Vitali for me is an ATG. Obviously when we talk of hall of fame etc its unlikely most people will put them in but im sure a lot of that is down to nationality, if they were American you can bet theyd be a lot more highly thought of on here.

 

the advancements in sports science and conditioning and training mean even a good fighter now could probably beat an ATG from 25 years ago plus.
Fighters now can box at a higher intensity for longer and maintain mental ability and power through the fight longer than they could even a few years ago.
too compare is just silly. in any fantasy match up between an ATG and a current proffesional there would be a huge physiological advantage to the current fighter.

of course im not saying its a comlete mis match just the ATG would have a huge disadvantage.

Personally though i think Mayweather and Pac dominate pretty much every era i have seen fighters from. i think you underestimate floyds ability to not only box and defend but also to figure opponents out. i dont think Hearns would stand much chance against either, i think mayweather would take a decision over SRL in a close fight and Mayweathre and Pac beat Duran via UD and TKO respectivly. of course thats my opinion and not factoring in the huge advantages May and Pac would have

 

physical advantage is an advantage. that is one of the big reasons these brothers are on top of the hw division on this era.

 

thats not even an article