1990's Peak Wladimir Klitschko: A menacing Joe Louis

Yes, I was also very, very impressed with Wlad's offensive capabilities in those days. It seemed that he possessed everything needed to establish himself as a truly all time great. Then the Sanders fight happened. And then the Brewster fight. Funny how you need only one or two fights to change how perceive a fighter. Suddenly, Wlad became a fighter whose defense was not so good. In spite of his huge size, you could get to him. Worst of all he could not only be reached, he could be also knocked out. In other words, he had a glass jaw.

Wlad took on Sam Peter, who was the most feared puncher then, mostly to redeem himself, I guess. Not only in the fans' eyes but also to himself. A truly brave decision. He came back with an entirely new style of fighting. The new style was defence oriented. Still he was knocked down twice (if a recall correctly), but bravely got up to pound out a points win. And Wlad has not gone back to being the old Wlad again.

Methinks, more than losing his fire with age, it is a psychological thing. The fear of getting knocked out will always be there at the back of his mind. Also, an amount of practicality is there. Why try to thrill the crowd and get kayoed every now and then when you can play relatively safe and get the desired results?

 

Grat post, brings back many memories. I agree mostly with you but want to say that today´s Wlad is more effective than the Wlad then.

 

You also have to say that before this 12 round fight Wlad only fought no ten rounder, only one fight over 10 rounds and if I remember correctly only 3 fights over six rounds. He was not prepared for a fight over 12 rounds against an opponent who could have a big chance lasting the full route. Big mistake from his management.

 

Wlad has not a china chin. He never was knocked out, finished all of his fights on his feets. You don´t do this when you have a china chin. Wlad right now is the great hw of our times and is on the verge to true greatness but he has to go on 2-3 years taking on the best contenders.

 

Yeah, I definitely liked the way Wlad fought in his earlier years. He even went to the body occasionally too. Very impressive offense.

 

Wlad did look the goods but I have always believed Lennox would have exposed him in much the same way Sanders did.