An Apology to Wlad (and ESB fans of Wlad)

I have been a rather scathing critic of Wladimir Klitschko on my time on ESB.

I thought that the guy was a bit of a fraud, a china-chinned over-cautious and overrated Goliath whose only attribute was size and who was the most soporific fighter on Earth, prodding overmatched opponents into submission with a never-ending series of jabs.

For me, the fights with Ibragimov, Thompson and Rahman were the very antithesis of quality prizefights.

However, after watching Wlad's performance against a fighter I rate highly in Chagaev, it's time to admit I was wrong.

Wlad is cautious, but he is so damn effective at what he does that he really is a great heavyweight. Chagaev is far better than the likes of Thompson and the current version of Rahman and IMO he is better than Ibragimov as well - but even he could not come close to penetrating Wlad.

I think it was a sensational performance from a mighty fighter. If Wlad can get Valuev to the ring, whip him, and then fight and defeat Haye, I think he will be the great heavyweight of this era, the rightful successor to Lewis and fit for the pantheon alongside guys like Holmes and Frazier.

Congratulations to Wlad and his fans :happy

 

Why are you all hot and bothered? Can't you give credit where it is due for an excellent performance irrespective of your personal likes or dislikes??

 

Fair enough. I don't enjoy his fights much either, but I still think his dominance is impressive and worthy of acclaim.

 

He would not be the James Toney that I know and love if he ever did a U-turn and praised the Klits!

 

That was what I said about Ibragimov, Thompson and Rahman. Now I have realized that there is NOTHING they can do against Wlad. They DO try, it's just that they (a) can't hit the guy, and (b) can't avoid his shots. The giant uses his size perfectly, he must be a NIGHTMARE to fight.