Fascinating fight. Ironically - Wladimir has a legacy-defining fight in front of him in the winter of his career. This is perhaps the first time in his career that he'll be coming in as an underdog - and the opportunity surfaces after Fury balked twice on the rematch (testing positive for cocaine which caused the 2nd cancellation).
Joshua is the goods: dawning into the prime of his career, thudding power, disciplined jab, superior conditioning - and has been in some live fights - but has seen nothing like the tactical mastery of Wladimir. But at 41 (when the fight happens) - Wladimir is long in the tooth - but can he condition himself to get close enough to his past prime to make this signature fight a competitive one?
I think he can be competitive. For one - Joshua is right in front of you (versus a guy like Fury who was just so awkward that you couldn't plant feet and trade). Both guys have exceptional jabs and concussive power in both hands. Joshua has also shown that he can be hurt if caught - and thus may not jump on Wlad early which could allow Wlad to get into a rhythm.
Still - Joshua should be the favorite - and it certainly feels like the passing of the torch into a new era. Joshua is a great champion and the type of persona the sport needs.
16. "Most entertaining HW fight I've seen in years" In response to Reply # 0
Props to both fighters. I think a younger Klitschko would've got him. Joshua vs Wilder is probably next and I think Joshua washes him. Prefer for someone give Ortiz a shot.
got to say if that's Klitchko's last fight...he went out like a true champ..
When he got up after the knock down in the 5th...he dropped his left had and started taking left hook pot shots at Joshua like Manny Steward was staring on his shoulder telling him to bring back the Kronk Gym style on him.... and dammit he put Joshua down and had him looking gassed...
auragin_boi Member since Aug 01st 2003 20939 posts
Mon May-01-17 01:24 PM
21. "Klitschko looked great man" In response to Reply # 0
It's the best fight I've seen him have in years. THIS Klitschko embarrasses Tyson Fury so I guess we can thank the drug addict for lighting that fire again. But yeah, Joshua was just too strong. He grew up a bit as a fighter too.
I do have to say, his sparring with Klitschko in the past probably aided him in this fight. Once he gets a few counters (he kept ducking a hook from Klitschko like he knew it was coming but waited until round 10 to counter it, coulda had the punch down in round 3), understands how to build stamina AND muscle to keep his body powerful but lean so he doesn't get so gassed going for the KO, dude will dominate.
I think a fight with him and Wilder would be dope and I think at this point, I'd lean Joshua's way but one wrong punch and either guy could go down.
Joshua made a huge statement against the best Klitchko we have seen in years. The kid had never been past 7 rounds. He appeared to be extremely gassed by the end of the 5th and gets dropped in the 6th round only to come back and stop him in the 11th. All of this occurring on the biggest stage possible in front of 90,0000 people. Joshua is a fighter.
The Wilder/Joshua fight could be the biggest fight in the sport by next year. Anxious to see if Mike Perez will get the opportunity to fight either guy before then. Highly doubt it, but we will see. I still think Joshua and Wilder is a pick em fight. I favor Joshua but all it takes is one punch. We know Wilder has explosive power in his right hand. Can't Wait.
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