Why did Thompson change his gameplan after round 3

He didn't change his plan. Pulev was studying him in the first 3 rounds and was warry of his left hand. Once he felt comfortable and found his distance and angles, he picked up the tempo and aggression, started throwing combinations and took over the fight and never looked back.

Then at round 7, Thompson realized he has no chance if the fight was to continue like this and tried stalking down Pulev and closing in the distance in an attempt to make it an inside fight, which had a very brief success, but Pulev again adjusted and after a minute or two into round 7 started stopping Thompson's advances with his jab followed with the right hand. The last part of the fight(past round 9) was just routine, Thompson gassed out and Pulev controlled the fight, but didn't feel like taking the risk to try to take Tony out.

 

if he does fight the loser of fury - haye then fury will have to lose. haye wont take the match

 

Thats what I saw as well.
He realized that Pulev want going to fall into one of his southpaw traps, so he had to start leading off with his own shots. But he didn't have the strength or stamina to really follow it through, so he faded late. (Also Pulev countered well)

Very impressive from the Bulgarian, he showed that he could get the measure of a class southpaw like Tony an still have energy to fight long periods of time on the outside.

 

Thompson didnt change his gameplan except in the lone round when he came out pushing Pulev into the ropes and leaning on him.

Pulev, a consumate pro, adapted to the SP stance of Thompson and proceeded to dominate him.

 

I think he paused to get gas:rofl
:smoke

 

Once he got sussed out he had to change it...

 

Thank God! No need of a new wheel-chair!
.... Thompson gassed out and Pulev controlled the fight, but didn't feel like taking the risk to try to take Tony out. + Ms Thompson was watching it and so it wouldnt be nice to KOed him!
Why should Pulev have tried to KO Tony when he was already winning the fight?

 

Thompson doesnt have the stamina to stay sharp for a long fight, age has caught up to him. You have to realize Thomson is a big HW and quite old. Years ago he would have easily taken Pulev to a points win.

 

:good

 

:rofl

 

Pulev kept up a steady, workmanlike performance that his old opponent couldn't match.

He's a very good mover.

 

Solid breakdown. :good

 

Exactly what I saw! I would add that Pulev got hit with some really solid shots one of them coming forward that could've KOed other fighters. I would like to see him get hit less to be honnest.