I didn't read the first post. only the thread title. That wasn't classy either, although it was clearly meant as a (bad) joke. There's no reason to drag down this part of the forum by going any further.
I think that's basically it: Wlad just doesn't have enough offensively to deter (or prevent) Foreman coming straight forward, and one of Foreman's specialities was eating or anticipating a jab and coming over the top with the exact kind of winging, looping bombs that an orthodox defence doesn't like.
Common guys, its only Monday.. Let's all drink some coffee, take a chill pill and relax... Of course, where you are in England right now McVey, you're probably eating dinner, whereas my day is still in the early phases..
I agree. I really have nothing more to say on the matter. On the topic at hand, I'm not confident in Wlad's ability to clinch his way out of Foreman's pressure. Maybe he's improved since than but the last aggressive powerhouse he faced was the crude Peter, who was able to club his way out and force official knockdowns even if the legality of them was questionable. Foreman would use similar bully tactics to greater effect and of more consquence, maybe he can hurt Wlad or shake his composure enough to stop him. Peter took a shaky Wlad's best, big George might be able to weather the storm.
But which big relentless punchers has Wlad faced since then? Peter who wasnt half the fighter, who still managed to kd him 3 times. As for facing a 'physically superior man', the only advantage Wlad has is height, reach is the same, Wlad is certainly weaker, much chinner and doesnt hit as hard. Foreman would also be the best jabber wlad faced Wlad hasnt only had problems with left hands, hes been decked by rights too, and Foreman could KO a man with either hand, espeically a man with Wlads chin. As for if Foreman gets inside, Wlads getting murdered with uppercuts
These are all good points, and I can't disagree with any of them.. I can't however ignore that Wlad could pose some problems for George as well though.. His boxing ability, reach, conditioning, power and other attributes might make a difficult night for the slower, shorter and less defensively minded Foreman.. There is no question that Foreman could knock him out.. I'm not disputing that... But, I can't make it a forgone conclusion, especially if Wlad is cautious and brings his "A" game. George was accustomed to knocking out guys who either stood right in front of him, or used a crouching approach making an easy target for the hooks and uppercuts to land home.. I also don't know how Foreman would take some of his more powerful shots.... The hardest puncher he faced in the 70's ( who was able to land against him ) was Ron Lyle, who decked him twice and very nearly had him out.. The other men who boxed, namely Ali and Young, were much closer to the type of fighter that Wlad is, only minus the power and size..
Foreman's probably the worst type of fighter you'd want to match Wlad with. I mean, Tyson would be a nightmare for Wlad too, but at least it's a remote possibity that Wlad could clinch his way through the most dangerous early stages, score big when he can, then start to open up more in the second half as Tyson becomes a littl;e more predictable. But I'd bet against it getting that far, but it's a possibility I guess. But with Foreman, he hasn't even got the clinch advantage. Foreman would wrestle free and swing in clubbing shots. and Wlad just hasn't got the intensity to put Foreman on the defensive or shut him out with the jab. TommyV said it best :
Foreman would not just be able to shake Wlad off of him like he was some sort of a rag doll.... Klit outwieghed a 70's Foreman by a respectable 20 lbs of pure muscle and stood about 3 1/2 to 4 inches taller. Wlad knows how to control a fighter in the clinches and may very conceivably be the stronger of the two men.. Foreman's best chance at beating Klit, would be to work the body, then catch him off guard and land a one two combo on the chin, but this is only going to work if he has a clean and open shot at it.. A post-Sanders Wlad is a lot more careful and defensive minded..
Prime Wlad probably outboxes prime George for a few rounds before one of Foreman big shots connect and then it's all over. Wlad wouldn't get knocked out early and provides George with a stern test early in the fight. Eventually he'd crumble. Foreman KO inside 10.
Did you see what little Chambers could do to Klitschko in the clinches? I think Foreman could very well rough him up, Wladimir isn't used to it. Peter clubbed Wladimir down when he was trying to go for the clinch. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-9HNnjTlew[/ame] 2:05
True, But I was responding to the fact that someone had made the comment about George " wrestling free of Wlad ", and I don't think its that easy.. George was not exactly used to other fighters matching his strength and size either... He often broke clinches by pushing on the shoulders of other fighters, moving them into comfortable hitting range, and I frankly I don't think it would be that easy against this type of opponent..
Even Chambers had a hand free in the clinch and managed to get in a free shot before the referee broke them. Imagine Foreman getting in that shot. Chambers spun him afew times too, and landed a body shot as Wlad spun past him. And Foreman was had the spinning/manhandling down to a skill. Foreman's stronger than everyone Wlad's fought lately. Muhammad Ali was one of the best clincher's ever but couldn't completely contain Foreman every time in the clinch. Foreman would be too much for Wlad.
I imagine it would be difficult but Foreman did seem extremely strong for his size, or any size for that matter. Chuvalo wasn't as big as Wladimir but he was plenty strong physically, still no match against Big George. If I were Foreman I'd be more worried about Wladimir's size than his strength. Being bigger doesn't necessarily mean you're stronger, but Wladimir at 6'6, 240 lbs is going to be a difficult "object" to toss around. We saw Chambers do it in the early stages, but later he tired and accepted the clinches. Peter too couldn't always wrestle away Wladimir because he was far too tired, but whenever he did he had success. Wladimir's clinching is an "old time" strategy to control and tire out his opponents. Foreman's best chance is to get to Wladimir early. However we shouldn't count out the possibility of Wladimir himself tiring if he is forced to fight at an uncomfortable pace early on. In that case he might gradually wear down until eventually being clubbed down by Foreman.