I like Povetkin in this one although I am a fan of prime Botha. Botha was a tough guy that had some skill but was nowhere near as seasoned as Povetkin. Povetkin had a very solid amauter background and had way more skill.
Yeah, Botha lost all his big fights. Decent fighter, just more of a skilled journeyman type rather than a proper world class fighter.
Botha would outbox him. Botha was a very skilled fighter. I dont think Povetkin was quick enough to beat him.
Teddy Atlas ruined Sasha's prime and stole his chance at being a long term beltholder. He was that good, that talented and Teddy was that horrible. I love me some Botha, a real tough guy with brass balls and underrated skills, but Sasha would be too much.
Botha fought by feel. Like a drummer that doesn't know anything about music but can rock the house. Povetkin fights by his wits, as well as his grit and feeling. He has a base of technical skill that Botha was never going to have and was not in his nature. This is tantamount to Shavers VS Holyfield, almost. In some ways. Sort of. Maybe. Perhaps. Or it isn't. I've never seen any of them fight but I have heard things. Good things. Tremendous things. Some of the best.
Povetkin would prevail in the later rounds of a blood and guts battle. Botha was game and tough and had a decent punch but Povetkin's all-round skillset and speed was just better. I think Botha would have his moments because Povetkin had no problems stepping into the fire to land his own shots, but Sasha's engine and workrate would see him to a UD or late stoppage.
