History Repeating Itself if Joshua Meets Klitschko

Not sure this passes as Classic but will try.

W Fury all screwed up the talk is very close to a Joshua vs Klitschko matchup. If so, once again we have a classic champions crossroads fight. The stilly proven force of nature vs the super experienced vet with maybe one more great one left. Shades of Marciano vs Louis or Tyson vs Holmes. Thoughts ?

 

I believe Wlad is a top 10 heavyweight of all time. I think fury beat him because Wlad has declined physically at age 40. Wlad looked awful in his previous fight vs Jennings. Wlad of 5 years ago beats fury every time.

If Wlad at 40 manages a win over a undefeated olympic champion and world champion whose 17-0 with 17 kos it would be one of the better wins in recent history for any former heavyweight champion. Huge boost to his legacy when you consider joshua has size reach extreme power and speed....all areas where critics say Wlad doesn't do well against

 

My thoughts exactly!

 

It's comparable to Marciano-Louis, only if:
1. Joshua wins
2. Joshua follows up the win by doing something to be recognized as the real world champion, ie. beat Fury or "clean up" the division if Fury remains absent or retires.

If Wladmir Klitschko wins it's more comparable to Holmes beating Mercer or something like that.

 

Wlad is a true champion.

"Oh the huge, tough lineal champ who just outclassed me is out? Ok, gimme the young undefeated phenom instead."

He's putting matchmaking divas to shame.

 

Every time there's ever been a rematch history has repeated itself.

 

If it were Wilder vs Klitschko, I would agree with the Marciano-Louis metaphor.

But this could very well turn out like Lewis vs. Klitschko. If Wlad can weather the pressure and the combos in the first 4 rounds, he might be able to outbox Joshua.

Whatever happens, this is going to be a legendary fight for the history books.

 

Fury showed that Wlad can be outboxed by someone quicker and rangier. Whether he'd declined or not is a non issue stylistically, just reduces the number capable.

Joshua should provide the challenge Pulev promised. Someone who can force a fire fight at close quarters. Like Brewster did many years ago.

Beating Joshua (if he then goes on to be a real champ) would tell me a huge deal about Wlad and his so called frailties.

If he beats Joshua who then goes on to be champ, would probably lead to me rain Wlad a better fighter than Vitali.

 

Zale Graziano?

 

Fury beat Wlad because Wlad was physically declined at 39. No other reason. Wlads speed was gone. Anyone actually think fury could have beaten a 2009 Wlad? No way

 

I really dont understand why so many people on this site are so easily and ready to accept every Tom Dick and Harry as a World Champion. We have a World Champion, Tyson Fury. I think it is extremely damaging to the sport when people try to pump up alphabet champions. Joshua v Wlad is a fight between two top contenders, not a world championship fight.

Historically, it more like Dempsey v Sharkey, Ali v Norton and those types of matches. It would still be a good or even great win, but not quite as special as reclaiming the crown, as Ali did and Louis, Dempsey and others tried and failed to do.

 

You're right. It's just this habit we've been forced to accept.

 

Exactly.

 

2 years ago, Wladimir fighting a 17-0 kid who has never been beyond the 7th round (15 of his fights not going beyond the 3rd) would have been viewed with great scepticism.

 

Completely agree with this. The title of champion should not be bestowed cheaply. Until the media get behind the notion of one true champion, it's gonna stay this way.

I long for the day when someone like Wilder celebrates another ko victory and after the fight the reporter says "great, you've knocked out another contender, when are you gonna face the real champion"

I'd even go one step further "Gennady, we sympathise with you but despite your impressive collection of belts the champion is Canelo".

A lot of men have been denied deserved title shots and a lot of them were not able to compete for paper titles so they could pretend to be a champion.