If Vitali wins tonight how would you rate him?

Why would you judge him on how far it goes? I am not expecting him to stop Sosnowski anytime before the 6th/7th. If he breaks Sosnowski down and stops him around 9 in dominating fashion then it will be as expected.

 

I don't see how his performance against Sosnowski can have any positive influence on how we rate him. If Vitali knocks out Sosnowski in the first 5 minutes then Sosnowski will be regarded as another bum. If Vitali wins clearly by mid round stoppage then that's what we expected. If he barely wins then we will rate Vitali way past his best. If Vitali loses then we'll be surprised.

 

Yeah, it's not like A. Vitali is a quick finisher at this point or B. Sosnowski is going to show up as a slobby guy who can't take a shot without falling asleep. That is, unless those muscles are implants. Sos isn't top shelf, of course, but he's been stopped once in almost fifty fights. Even if the comp hasn't been great, he's not glass-chinned.

 

Basically yeah.

Even if it's earlier it's hardly unexpected.

 

And if Vitali loses by knockout, there will be a handful of bettors who will become millionaires if they bet more than ten cents.

 

I don't even think he is really interested in winning in less than 5-6 rounds. He is fighting in a stadium for the first time in his career so he probably wants to show the crowd something. It wouldn't be an event if it's over too quick and TV wouldn't be too happy either.

 

Maybe. He's also a lot cagier than he used to be, and his power has diminished, probably off his own back. I tend to think he's reduced the amount he puts on his punches in fear of his body breaking down, while upping his punch-output to compensate.

 

I'm not expecting a quick knockout. I'm expecting a one-sided beating, and a late KO if anything.

It's not a fight where Vitali can improve his legacy in any way.

 

I think so too and I don't blame him. I actually appreciate it in a way... Usually leopards can't change their spots.

 

Surely no-one expects Vitali to win within three rounds against a game opponent? It just isn't his style.

The length of the fight says more about Sosnowski's durability than it does about the champion at this point.

 

I think it's made him a better fighter.

 

Maybe so. I just deleted a paragraph of a reply, because I misread this as "I don't think it's made him a better fighter."

 

I would rate him right as I do now....not at the prime of his game because he's getting older, but still good enough to beat all heavies except Wlad.

I think a lot of people are UNDERESTIMATING Sosnowski. Everyone points to the Zuri fight, but Sosnowski was sick and only reason he didn't back out was because he needed the $$$.

Secondly, Sosnowski is always in shape, but this is the best shape I've seen him. All signs point that he will definitely come to fight. He won't pull a Kevin Johnson.

With that said, Vitali by KO/TKO 9.

 

Sosnoswki was only stopped once in 48 fights, and that happened 9 years ago. He has been in the ring with guys who can punch. If Vitali stops Sosnowski faster than anyone else has, he will have done his job. Is Sosonswki a top 10 fighter? Not likely, so it won't help much in a legacy sense unless you consider that a near 39 year old fighter is still beating much younger opponents.

I have seen Sosnowski fight before. He's game. Best guess, Vitali wins every round and scores a TKO in 6 rounds.

Sosnoswki's record is below:

[url]http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=14398&cat=boxer[/url]