Povetkin. The next great heavyweight?

[Mendoza]

There has been some buzz in the boxing world about the emergence of Alexander Povetkin. Povetkin of course was the gold medal winner of the World Amateur and Olympics in the super heavyweight division. There have been four gold medal winners at super heavyweight division who turned professional before Povetkin. They are Biggs, Lewis, Kiltschko, and Harrison. Both Lewis and Klitschko have achieved the #1 consensus spot as professionals. Biggs and Harrison crashed and burned, though it should be noted that Biggs won his gold in an Olympics where the Cubans and Old Soviet block countries boycotted the Olympics. The current conclusion on this case study is half of the Olympic gold medal winners at Super heavyweight have achieved the top spot as the #1 professional at heavyweight. Not bad.

This leads me to my question. How will Povetkin’s career turn out? Will he ascend to the #1 spot sometime in his career? I have seen 12 of 13 of Povetkin’s fights. While Povetkin doesn’t have Lewis and Klitschko’s sheer size and power, he seems to be more durable than all four previous Olympic gold medal winners. I would be surprised if Povetkin was upset in similar fashion to Lewis or Klitshcko.

Take the poll and give us your best guess as to how Povetkin’s career will turn out.

How will Povetkin’s career turn out? Share one of the following six opinions with the board.


1 ) He will crash and burn like Harrison did.

2 ) He will fight for a world title belt, but never win one.

3 ) He will win a world title belt, but never ascend to the #1 spot in his career.

4 ) He will win a world title belt, defend it a few times, and claim the #1 spot by third party rating systems such as FightNews.com, Ring Magazine and Box Rec

5 ) Povetkin will not only achieve the #1 spot, he will likely end up in the hall of fame like Lewis.

6. Povetkin will be viewed as one of the great all time heavyweights.

[janitor]

Anything from 1 to 6 is possible to be honest. You never quite know how a fighter is going to turn out untill he goes up against the best out there.

All I will say at this stage is that Povetkin is an extremely exciting contender and probably the one to watch at the moment.

[Mendoza]

Anything from 1 to 6 is possible to be honest. You never quite know how a fighter is going to turn out untill he goes up against the best out there.

All I will say at this stage is that Povetkin is an extremely exciting contender and probably the one to watch at the moment.

Can you pick one of the six choices? It doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong. I respect the views of the posters on the classic section. I just want the best guess of the posters here.

I will go out on a limb and choose choice #4. “ 4 ) Povetkin will win a world title belt, defend it a few times, and claim the #1 spot by third party rating systems such as FightNews.com, Ring Magazine and Box Rec “

[janitor]

Can you pick one of the six choices? It doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong. I respect the views of the posters on the classic section. I just want the best guess of the posters here.

I will go out on a limb and choose choice #4. “ 4 ) Povetkin will win a world title belt, defend it a few times, and claim the #1 spot by third party rating systems such as FightNews.com, Ring Magazine and Box Rec “

OK

I pick option 4 1/2

He will be recognised as the man in the division as you say and will be the major force in it over a significant period unless another verry good challenger emerges.

[Shake]

3 ) He will win a world title belt, but never ascend to the #1 spot in his career.

This is my pick. He might still get to #1 when Wlad has retired, but I expect younger, bigger heavyweights to supplant him by then.

It's strange, but I feel we might need a new weight division that goes on top of the Heavyweights to become the new open division. It functioned well as an open class when people were shorter, but now I find myself short-changing Povetkin because I feel he doesn't have the physique to consistently beat the best. He's good, but he's not Holyfield or Tyson.

[ChrisPontius]

5 ) Povetkin will not only achieve the #1 spot, he will likely end up in the hall of fame like Lewis.



I will choose this one.

His only problem, in my opion, would be Wladimir Klitschko. He lacks the power to put him away and Wlad has the footwork, jab and reach to box him to a decision.
Other than that, with more experience i think he can beat anyone else in the division right now.

Although i don't think he will be upset the Klitschko and Lewis were, i fear he's a bit too slug-happy sometimes. Just like Holyfield used to be in the early 90's. Maybe Peter will take his best shots, and come back with harder punches and come out fresher. But if he boxes smart, he should be able to take Peter apart rather easily.
I am very excited about Povetkin.

[Luigi1985]

I´ve seen all of his pro- fights now and a lot of his amateur- fights, and to be honest, I´m pretty impressed, and his chin looked really solid during his amateur- career, but we have to look now at the pro´s what happens if he faces a real puncher and gets hit...

[janitor]

If Povetkin turns out to be as good as I think and that is a big if then a showdown between him and Klitschko could be a verry interesting afair.

It might be a live test of the superheavyweight theory and a backdrop for a general debate on it.

[Luigi1985]

If Povetkin turns out to be as good as I think and that is a big if then a showdown between him and Klitschko could be a verry interesting afair.

It might be a live test of the superheavyweight theory and a backdrop for a general debate on it.


Completely agreed. But to be honest, I would pick Povetkin, even right now. He´s hungry, and he has no fear, he has the power to hurt and KO Wlad...

[PowerPuncher]

4 ) He will win a world title belt, defend it a few times, and claim the #1 spot by third party rating systems such as FightNews.com, Ring Magazine and Box Rec

If he fights Wlad too soon he could be ruined early, but I think he should rise to be number 1 but not get near the likes of Lewis/Holyfield he isnt that good

[Mendoza]

If Povetkin turns out to be as good as I think and that is a big if then a showdown between him and Klitschko could be a verry interesting afair.

It might be a live test of the superheavyweight theory and a backdrop for a general debate on it.

In a perfect world, Povetkin wins a belt besides the IBF, and then meets Wlad in title unification. History only seen one other match between two prime world champions who were both Gold medal winners in the Olympics. Such a fight would give the winner a legacy. I think the backdrop politically between Russia and the Ukraine, combined with the clash of styles between the best boxer puncher vs the best swarmer / aggressive attacker would give boxing an “ Ali and Frazier “ type hype….. in Europe.

I don’t think Povetkin will test the theory that says you need to be a “ super heavyweight “ to win the #1 spot these days. Povektin is a medium sized modern heavyweight. He was measured at 182cm for the Olympics which is exactly 6’2”. His best weight is between 218-225 pounds. When Brewster and Sanders upset Wlad, they weighed close to what Povetkin weighs now. When Rhaman and McCall upset Lewis, they were Povetkin’s height, and maybe 10 pounds heavier.

The theory that needs to be tested is can a smaller heavyweight 6 feet or under, and 210 pounds an under defeat a super heavyweight and claim the #1 spot. In theory the answer is yes of course. But in current events we might never see it happen.

[brooklyn1550]

I pick 4

[cross_trainer]

In a perfect world, Povetkin wins a belt besides the IBF, and then meets Wlad in title unification. History only seen one other match between two prime world champions who were both Gold medal winners in the Olympics. Such a fight would give the winner a legacy. I think the backdrop politically between Russia and the Ukraine, combined with the clash of styles between the best boxer puncher vs the best swarmer / aggressive attacker would give boxing an “ Ali and Frazier “ type hype….. in Europe.

I don’t think Povetkin will test the theory that says you need to be a “ super heavyweight “ to win the #1 spot these days. Povektin is a medium sized modern heavyweight. He was measured at 182cm for the Olympics which is exactly 6’2”. His best weight is between 218-225 pounds. When Brewster and Sanders upset Wlad, they weighed close to what Povetkin weighs now. When Rhaman and McCall upset Lewis, they were Povetkin’s height, and maybe 10 pounds heavier.

The theory that needs to be tested is can a smaller heavyweight 6 feet or under, and 210 pounds an under defeat a super heavyweight and claim the #1 spot. In theory the answer is yes of course. But in current events we might never see it happen.

Povetkin carries extra fat on him (despite being in good shape) which indicates that he's smaller than his weight would indicate. Given equivalent bodyfat levels, he's not significantly bigger than fighters like Joe Louis or Sonny Liston...perhaps slightly smaller.

Interestingly, Povetkin seems to move a lot like Louis.

[Senya13]

2 ) He will fight for a world title belt, but never win one.

[Luigi1985]

2 ) He will fight for a world title belt, but never win one.


He´s better than Ibragimov or Maskaev for sure...

[Senya13]

That's my opinion.

[ChrisPontius]

Povetkin carries extra fat on him (despite being in good shape) which indicates that he's smaller than his weight would indicate. Given equivalent bodyfat levels, he's not significantly bigger than fighters like Joe Louis or Sonny Liston...perhaps slightly smaller.

Interestingly, Povetkin seems to move a lot like Louis.

I've heard this claim before but i don't see the fat.

Here he is against Fox, at 220lb:

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And against Castle, also 220lb:

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Now i don't see how he carries more fat than Sonny Liston, 212lb:

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Povetkin also had no problem carrying 225lb over 10 rounds against Larry Donald, while Liston only entered 220+ lb when he was over 35 in age and probably not in the best shape.
The only conclusion is that he is two inches taller than Liston and equally wide considering he's a bit heavier than him.

Just because he is smaller than the Klitschko's and Lewis doesn't make him a small heavyweight. He's got good size for a heavyweight.

[janitor]

While he is not fat at 220 lbs he is not exactly ripped like Joe Louis either.

[The Kurgan]

I think he's a natural endomorph, like Tyson or Frazier. Due to the whiteness of his skin, he looks less ripped than either of those two. For instance, Ricky Hatton doesn't look as fit as he is because he's as pale as a frightened ghost.

[PowerPuncher]

I think he's a natural endomorph, like Tyson or Frazier. Due to the whiteness of his skin, he looks less ripped than either of those two. For instance, Ricky Hatton doesn't look as fit as he is because he's as pale as a frightened ghost.

No hes 10lbs overweight with love handles

[The Kurgan]

No hes 10lbs overweight with love handles

If it wasn't for the fact they'd knock you senseless, you could feel about and find the same flesh deposits on Frazier and Tyson. It's not that endomorphs are lazy, it's that their metabolism works differently.

The people who are both tall and fat (I saw a lot of them in the States) are the real disgraces to the human race.

[Executioner]

While he is not fat at 220 lbs he is not exactly ripped like Joe Louis either.

Joe Louis was not ripped.

[janitor]

Joe Louis was not ripped.

I have never seen a picture of him where he did not have good definition. Not even in the Marciano fight.

[janitor]

Now i don't see how he carries more fat than Sonny Liston, 212lb:

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If you look at Listons midrif here he has far more muscle definition than Povetkin has at 220lbs. I think Liston had a big torso that was never going to produce a slimline waist even while in top condition.

[Grabonator]

3 or 4

[Grabonator]

I think he's a natural endomorph, like Tyson or Frazier. Due to the whiteness of his skin, he looks less ripped than either of those two. For instance, Ricky Hatton doesn't look as fit as he is because he's as pale as a frightened ghost.

Endomorph?? What is that? And i wouldnt compare Povetkin to Tyson bodywise BTW!! Tysin was always ripped. Povetkin is not ripped. But hes not overweight or out of shape.

[Jack]

Endomorph?? What is that?It's what your body type is classed as. Tyson, Marciano, Frazier and Povetkin could all be classed as "stocky" fighters. Short, but they carry 210/220lbs well.

Someone like Diego Corrales or Thomas Hearns would be classed as ectomorphic, just for reference. Very tall, but light for the rest of the body.

[Mendoza]

Povetkin carries extra fat on him (despite being in good shape) which indicates that he's smaller than his weight would indicate. Given equivalent bodyfat levels, he's not significantly bigger than fighters like Joe Louis or Sonny Liston...perhaps slightly smaller.

Interestingly, Povetkin seems to move a lot like Louis.

Povetkin does not have 5-6% body fat on him. Povetkin has a normal amount of body fat on him. Boxing can be a funny game. An extremely cut guy can be low on stamina, while a normal body fat person can be high on stamina. I do think Povetkin is bigger than Louis, but smaller than Liston. I have not seen Povetkin’s full tale of the tape yet. In my judgment he’s got a big upper body, especially in the neck and chest.

We have all seen Ali near 220, Louis near 216 and Frazier near 215. IMO, at those weights Ali, Louis and Frazier have more fat on them than Povetkin does at 225. So I think Povetkin is a bit naturally bigger / more compact in his build than the above trio.

I don’t think Povetkin fights or moves like Louis at all. Povetkin is much quicker with his feet and can dart in or out of range, maintaining his balance. Louis was a bit of a shuffler with his feet and needed to set them before unloading. Louis was not as swift going forwards, backward, or circling with his feet, which is why he had stylistic issues with quicker boxer types. Povetkin is dynamic with his feet. A bit like Frazier who absolutely destroyed the smaller quick boxer types.

[Executioner]

I have never seen a picture of him where he did not have good definition. Not even in the Marciano fight.

He had good definition but I would not say he was ripped. I'd consider someone like Holyfield ripped.

[janitor]

We have all seen Ali near 220, Louis near 216 and Frazier near 215. IMO, at those weights Ali, Louis and Frazier have more fat on them than Povetkin does at 225.

You are right apart from Louis. Louis was totaly ripped at 216.

[The Kurgan]

Endomorph?? What is that? And i wouldnt compare Povetkin to Tyson bodywise BTW!! Tysin was always ripped. Povetkin is not ripped. But hes not overweight or out of shape.

Tyson had a smooth layer of fat on him relative to someone like a prime Ali, who had an ectomorphic structure (ie. naturally skinny and with a metabolism that sheds pounds easily). Hence why Marciano, despite having the best stamina of any heavyweight champion I've seen, didn't look cut (except over his eyes).

[Bummy Davis]

4 ) He will win a world title belt, defend it a few times, and claim the #1 spot by third party rating systems such as FightNews.com, Ring Magazine and Box Rec


IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE WAY THEY MOVE HIM, HE HAS A GREAT AMATUER PEDIGREE BUT NEEDS TO BE MOVED RIGHT AND DEVELOPED AS A PRO, I LIKE THE WAY HE FIGHTS ON THE INSIDE BUT HIS DEFENCE NEEDS WORK AND HE WILL NEED A FINISHING TRAINER(A PRO TRAINER) AN AMERICAN EVENTUALLY.HE HAS THE POTENTIAL BUT I DON'T KNOW IF HE HAS THE BEST IN HIS CORNER TO ADVANCE AND BE THE BEST THAT HE CAN BE. HE CAN BE AN ATG OR JUST WIN A TITLE

[ChrisPontius]

We have all seen Ali near 220, Louis near 216 and Frazier near 215. IMO, at those weights Ali, Louis and Frazier have more fat on them than Povetkin does at 225. So I think Povetkin is a bit naturally bigger / more compact in his build than the above trio.

Good points.

It's weird what kind of agenda some people have. They say Povetkin is a "small" heavy, yet he's only half an inch shorter than Muhammad Ali and a bit heavier without carrying more fat, i.e. wider. But you won't hear the same people claim that Ali is too small (and rightfully so).

[BOGART]

I like what I see from Povetkin, a lot of potential there. His level of competition has been good but his upcoming bout with Byrd is a huge step up. Even this version of Byrd is still a top 10 heavyweight who has a difficult style to deal with. If he were to beat Byrd and the winner of Brock-Chambers he will have done as much as most have done to earn a title shot, if only it was against a different champion. Fighting Wlad this early in his career might be too much too soon, we'll see.

As for how far he'll go? Hard to say, I'm sure he'll grab a belt somewhere along the way. With the heavyweight division in a down period I would also expect him to be considered the top guy in the division at some point. I don't know if he'll make it to the upper echelons of heavyweight greats, but he has the best chance of anyone out there.

[Mrboogie23]

I am rooting for Povetkin to be the man. I'm impressed with him. He's got good power and from what i've heard and read he's got a good chin. His balance and footwork are great. The guy throws alot and never loses balance at all.

He'll be a force I think.

[Danny Ocean]

3

[semichin]

Povetkin carries extra fat on him (despite being in good shape) which indicates that he's smaller than his weight would indicate. Given equivalent bodyfat levels, he's not significantly bigger than fighters like Joe Louis or Sonny Liston...perhaps slightly smaller.

Interestingly, Povetkin seems to move a lot like Louis. If I remember right, Povetkin was on your prospect list of heavies, and you seemed up on him, but now????
( BTW, Semichin is Dr Vooh, just waiting to re - appear ) :D

[Gunnar]

3-4

[Sweden]

I believe Povetkin already at this early stage will do well against anyone in the division, except the Klitschkos.

I think he will outwork Byrd and win by a wide margin. Neither Chambers or Brock can touch him, and will also lose by a UD or a late KO.

Hopefully Povetkin will learn from his experience with Klitschko, as Samuel Peter did, and not fade like others have done when they have been prospects and lost to a superior boxer (Tua, Grant etc). I cannot see him beat the #1 guy, who has been untouchable for years, this early. Povetkin doesn't have the punch to KO Klitschko, and noone can beat him on points,so...

Povetkin would fair well against any of the other champions, but Klittschko is in a league of his own.

[semichin]

I believe Povetkin already at this early stage will do well against anyone in the division, except the Klitschkos.

I think he will outwork Byrd and win by a wide margin. Neither Chambers or Brock can touch him, and will also lose by a UD or a late KO.

Hopefully Povetkin will learn from his experience with Klitschko, as Samuel Peter did, and not fade like others have done when they have been prospects and lost to a superior boxer (Tua, Grant etc). I cannot see him beat the #1 guy, who has been untouchable for years, this early. Povetkin doesn't have the punch to KO Klitschko, and noone can beat him on points,so...

Povetkin would fair well against any of the other champions, but Klittschko is in a league of his own.
That's a good pernt ( point )

[Butch Coolidge]

I think something would have to go wrong with Klitschko for Povetkin to beat him but besides Klitschko, I think Povetkin can beat anybody around.

What makes Povetkin good isn't his physical ability. It's his mental ability. Timing, strategy. His ring smarts have carried him far in the amatuers and I think the Russian chessmaster will make a very good run in the pros. Considering how well he outboxed Larry Donald speaks volumes for his boxing ability. Chris Byrd is a most interesting test for Povetkin I suspect Povetkin's biggest drawback may be a lack of explosive one punch KO power


Also, physique doesn't always tell the entire story. I remember Gil Clancy once commented that old time trainers thought that a boxer with a Povetkin or Ibragimov type midsection could take a body shot better than somebody with six pack abs like Klitschko or Holyfield.

[huki]

I've been saying that Povetkin is gonna be the #1 HW in a very short amount of time ever since I've registered here. The impression from most people that he looks to have the ability to beat anyone except Wlad isn't logical and will be proven untrue when he faces him in a match that should be HUGE for the division.

The hype Klitschko gets on here is insane. People are making him out to be unbeatable, even though he has only faced one real threat (a slugger without any technical skill, Samuel Peter) since losing to Brewster and he almost lost that match too. Although Wlad has the style to give Povetkin problems, Povetkin is a complete stylistic nightmare for Wlad. You'll see.

[Orang-Utan Jim]

Povetkin is good, but he will never be a dominant HW-Champion. He has no real weapon and he is too small and his reach is too short to be a long time dominator. We will see Klitschko vs. Povetkin in the first half of 2008, due to Povetkin likely winning the IBF-tournament, but then Povetkin will get outboxed and maybe stopped late.

[Pavlo_]

Although Wlad has the style to give Povetkin problems, Povetkin is a complete stylistic nightmare for Wlad
Is this what they call girl logic?

[Odo]

4 ) He will win a world title belt, defend it a few times, and claim the #1 spot by third party rating systems such as FightNews.com, Ring Magazine and Box Rec


IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE WAY THEY MOVE HIM, HE HAS A GREAT AMATUER PEDIGREE BUT NEEDS TO BE MOVED RIGHT AND DEVELOPED AS A PRO, I LIKE THE WAY HE FIGHTS ON THE INSIDE BUT HIS DEFENCE NEEDS WORK AND HE WILL NEED A FINISHING TRAINER(A PRO TRAINER) AN AMERICAN EVENTUALLY.HE HAS THE POTENTIAL BUT I DON'T KNOW IF HE HAS THE BEST IN HIS CORNER TO ADVANCE AND BE THE BEST THAT HE CAN BE. HE CAN BE AN ATG OR JUST WIN A TITLE

Interesting post,bummy!

But why the hell does he need an American trainer?
I for my part would prefer watching one of the successful German coaches in his corner to watching him being in the same corner with one of those hired American guns like Buddy McGirt.

[aliwasthegreatest]

to be honest i'm not very excited by him but hey. a good heavyweight is always more than welcome

[huki]

Is this what they call girl logic?
It's what they call common sense. You can't see how a young swarmer with power/speed/chin/timing and very good technical skill can beat an outside fighter with a bad chin / bad stamina, who tends to panic when he gets caught with just about anything?

[huki]

Interesting post,bummy!

But why the hell does he need an American trainer?
I for my part would prefer watching one of the successful German coaches in his corner to watching him being in the same corner with one of those hired American guns like Buddy McGirt.
Povetkin has a great team that works very well and has a strong relationship with him. You will never see him abondon his team for a recognized german one the way someone like the Klitschkos / Dimitrenko / Abraham did. Never in a million years.

[El Bombasto]

he will probably lose to wlad, then win a title later down the road and defend it successfully a few times.

[Odo]

Povetkin has a great team that works very well and has a strong relationship with him. You will never see him abondon his team for a recognized german one the way someone like the Klitschkos / Dimitrenko / Abraham did. Never in a million years.

Who knows?

[Odo]

The next greeat heavy is David Haye! :roll:

He hasnt even faced one of his top rivals at cruiser weight so far.
Yes,he impressively beat a Polish journeyman at heavy weight,but that didnt prove that much.
Povetkin has a proven track record at the amateurs(olympic gold) as well as at the pros(Donald).
The same cant be said about Haye!
By the way Povetkin doesnt have a loss against Carl Thompson in his fight record.

[Odo]

I was being sarcastic, hence the eye rolling emoticon!!Haye sucks and i just dont see what the Limeys are getting so excited about

Neither do I!

Haye can punch,but I somehow doubt that he can take a punch from a good heavy weight.

[1-Ton]

3 ) He will win a world title belt, but never ascend to the #1 spot in his career.

It's probably too early to say, but at this point I'd go with #3. To be #1 you have to beat #1, right? ...and I don't think he can beat Wlad Klitschko. From what I have seen of him, he appears to have good quickness and power in both hands, but he lacks an effective jab and range. He could certainly hold his own against the other current belt holders, and maybe even win, but against Wlad, I believe he is beaten decisively. For that matter, I don't think he beats Byrd. Byrd is excellent defensively and will be able to stay away from Pov's power and out-box him. Give him time, though.

This really isn't important, but it's worth noting that Povetkin is kind of doughy looking and looks like he cuts his own hair. Personally, I like my champion athletes to be, well, more athletic looking. That's just me though.