I was impressed with Vlosov, but I think Bivol is the more polished of the 2. Vlosov may win 3 of the first 6, but I feel once Bivol gets the timing of the herky, jerky style down, he will take over from the 4th, 5th round.
I give the edge to Bivol but I think that Vlasov is tougher style matchup for him than Smith. Defintely a good matchup and Vlasov has a real chance.
Very possible. Vlosov has great stamina. That could be the difference maker. I still will pick Bivol. These guys need to start fighting more. Beterbiev, Bivol, Loma. These are awesome fighters. America needs to see what these guys from the other side of the world bring to the table. It's a shame we barely see them twice a year. Guys in their early to mid 30's with less than 20 fights?
Artur is getting old, too. Meng Fanlong might be worthy of a look. I think that Artur's "consciencious objection" to fighting him was merely a duck. Meng can bait a trap and make you pay when you fall into it. Bivol is probably to slick for that, though.
I think so, too. There were tactics that Smith could have used to win this fight (and I don't mean more rabbit punches). Bivol would not miss opprotunities to the body or let Vlasov dictate the distance/smother him.
Bivol and Beterbiev tower over the division. Smith, Vlasov and co are very distant 3rds and 4ths. There's only one meaningful fight at LHW.
It's hard to imagine Smith Jr couldn't have navigated around these guys, so credit for him to take on 2/3 of those high risk fights.
