Wlad-Valuev is not as good as Wlad-Haye, but better for the division on long-term...

First of all, i think everyone would like to see the heavyweight belts unified again. Wlad already has the IBF and WBO ones. Winning the WBA title would be the closest thing to unification now that his brother holds the WBC title. I also think that everyone would like to see Valuev take on a high risk fight with Wlad, after the close calls and mediocre opponents he fought.

Furthermore, Chagaev still is the WBA mandatory somewhere in 2009, so it would set up a Wlad-Chagaev fight later this year, which outside of Wlad vs Haye is the best fight to make. So, even though i'd very much like to see Wlad-Haye, i think it would be better for Wlad to go after the last title belt and later beat Chagaev, who has a good argument for being the #3 guy.

As someone else said, Sauerland knows Valuev is on borrowed time, so it makes sense for him to cash out now that Valuev-Wlad is still a big fight with titles on the line.



By the way, does anyone know if Povetkin is ready to fight yet and whether he still is IBF mandatory?

 

Povetkin is still IBF mandatory, I think Wlad has till September to face him.

 

I agree, I hope Wlad fights Valuev so we get rid of that ogre as a champ. It will make Wlad-Haye much bigger if Haye beats Vitali.

Povetkin is still the IBF mandatory.

 

Exactly. Wlad beating up on Valuev gives the division its champion as Wlad would have three of the four belts. This would also give some of the younger guys looking to face Wlad time to build up their skill set and their marketability. I see Haye, Arreola, and Povetkin as good young contenders who would benefit greatly by getting another quality win or two in before facing Wlad. Not too mention we would get rid of Valuev as one of the belt holders.

 

Agree entirely.

Its better that the WBA belt is taken by a Klit. At the moment its just going rogue with a pathetic merry go round of mandatories. Its preventing a true, Undisputed Champion.

If the Klits can get all four belts between them, it allows a massive unification fight to take place when one of them gets beat. Better for everybody. The Klits, the division, and the contenders.

 

either one is good for the division. i think like most people here that getting the wba out of the hands of Valuev/Chagaev/Ruiz is really great.

It would be best imo if Haye would instead take the arreola fight, then the winner gets Wlad later this year.

 

I think if the Klits get all of the belts, it will make some of these new prospects hungrier for glory.

 

This are all rumours without source.

I still think that Wlad will fight Arreola and Povetkin in 2009, and that Vitali will fight Haye.

 

Correct :good

 

Fully agree.

Further unification is the priority over ANY other fight, for the longterm benefit of the division.

And as you said, after Valuev, Wlad would then be facing Chageav. THAT is some great matchups, by ANYone's standards.

Valuev / Wlad is what I am hoping for. And according to Chef, as well as a couple articles, the K boys camp are trying to get Valuev in the ring. Let's hope.

 

I'm not saying it's going to happen (rumours), i'm just saying that IF Wlad/Valuev happens, it would be good for the division. :good

 

I agree, unification gives the HW division order over a fighter in Haye that could be all hype so to speak.

 

why not haye vs. winner Valuev-chageav, then that winner vs. Wladdie (povektin might as well stay home). better build-up