Props to Wlad... from such a "hater".

He did abandon the jab, for whatever reason, but... he also fought effectively in another "type of fiht" than his norm. Good for him for doing so. He did look a little gassed in the mid to late rounds but I think that is because he has not been used to his opponent pressuring him and banging a bit. This was very good for Wlad in the long run, in my opinion.

I have said for a while now, and still believe, that a guy like Samuel Peter poses the biggest threat to Wlad because of his style. The determining factor in that fight will be if, and it is a big if, Peter can catch Wlad and Wlad cannot hold on before Wlad catches Samuel. I think the latter will probably happen first though as Peter has not shown the same defensive prowess as Thompson did last night.

Wlad is looking good to dominate this division for a while longer unless someone catches him and he can't hold on.