Why Wlad clinches?

It's a combination of things. Firstly he doesn't have an inside game so staying at range is paramount to Wlad's success. Few fighters are good at all ranges, most specialize like Wlad.

Secondly his footwork while good isn't as good as some think, he's fleet of foot but his placement and positioning isn't as good as it would seem. The fights where his footwork has looked it's best such as the Haye fight he had opponents who where looking to stay at range or move in and out. When up against constant pressure his footwork isn't good enough to consistently out position his foe, hence the clinch fest against Povetkin.

Finally to control the pace. He's gassed twice before resulting in losses. Clinching allows him to slow the pace down when he wants to.

The clinching is used to overcome flaws. Most fighters clinch but few clinch as much as him and those that do, do not have the overwhelming physical attributes he has. But if he can get away with it then there is no reason to stop doing it. You don't win fights by being fair, you win by being better and if this is what he has to do to win that's fine, but he should expect criticism for it.

 

Because he's inept and not overly skilled, that's why.

 

But then again, make a thread - why holyfield and hopkins headbutt?

 

Why does Tyson hold opponents arms? Why does Lennox lean on opponents and hold their head with left hand while throwing right uppercut? Why is Hopkins headbutting?

 

Excessive clinching and holding is though...right? What determines excessive is subjective of course.

I would say that no one has ever fondly recalled a bout and said the words: "man, did you see that series of clinches in the fourth? amazing!"

 

lewis was a ******* for that. lol, im a huge fan of lewis, but watching him go unpunished holding the opponents head, and also keeps the left hand in the face like this, if he werent wearing gloves he would literally be doing this :vonne**** lol