Fun fact. Pulev lasted longer against joshua than povetkin did

Pulev & Povetkin would be a great match up to watch,think I'd just about go with Povetkin atm.

 

AJ wasn't scared of Povetkin. AJ needs some confidence rebuilding.

He fought the Ruiz rematch running, but looked fine doing so. It was a smart game plan since get got KOed last time. He fought a disciplined fight where he barely engaged. They say win this one, look good next one.

This Pulev fight, he knew he couldn't do the same running game. He needed a KO. If he puts on two running performances in a row, he'd lose all his marketability. At the same time, he still has that Ruiz loss on his mind. He was tentative against Pulev. Even when he threw power shots, they were not the same as the old AJ because he was worried about getting caught on a counter.
This worry was unfounded, as Pulev is terrible. He has like no tools or basic skills of any sort, and at near 40 he was unable to pull the trigger on his punches. AJ should have walked over him in 3 rounds max. Just look at that first round where they were both unable to throw anything... paralyzed with fear one side and arthritis on the other!