Tournament for Wlad's mandatory

[MoaningUrkel]

Interesting news:

According to the German tabloid Bild, the IBF plans a tournament to determine Wlad's mandatory challenger.

The four candidates are:
Calvin Brock
Chris Byrd
Eddie Chambers
Alexander PovetkinAllegedly, Brock will face Chambers while Byrd will take on Povetkin. Povetkin's manager Kalle Sauerland says that they will try to stage both fights on the same card in Germany. The winners will square off in an elimination fight to determine Wlad's mandatory challenger.

[dragosuhail]

wow this is good news. for the sake of originality i hope povetkin or chambers wins.

would depress me seeing my fav fighter re-tread old ground.

i must add that while povetkin has not had a lot of pro experience so far he has been solid, plus he had a great amature background. look at kostya tyzyu. he got a title quickly due to all that amature experience and talent. however i feel povetkin will come up short against wladimir at any time, so he might as well get a solid paycheck while he is young as he will have another chance for a title once wladimir retires. chambers would be interesting from a fan of the boxing art. power puncher boxer vs. slicktser boxer. i think the most exciting fight will be povetkin vs. wladimir. if he performs well against byrd and/brock/chambers to get the no1. mandatory spot he would have deserved it. sadly people will say wladimir beat a "green" fighter or something but i dont give a rats ass to be honest

[rushman]

No interest in seeing Wlad beat up on Byrd or Brock again.

Wlad vs Povetkin might be ok.

[Dekkers]

This is way to soon for Povetkin, he has what it takes to beat Wlad but if he wants Wlad in 3 fights time he's in for a shock.

[Deslizer]

I can see Povetkin win that tournement. But I don't think he is ready to face Wlad in less than 5 or 6 bouts against top 15 opposition ...I can't remember a guy at heavyweight division who beat 5 or 6 top15-opponents before he got his first title shot.

[huki]

Damn, this would be great. Byrd would be the most difficult opponent for Povetkin, but I have no doubts that he would dominate all of them. If Klitschko actually ended up facing Povetkin, it's the Wlad fans who will be shocked. Even at this green stage of his pro career, Povetkin is a nightmare for him and Klitschko would be stopped again.

These kinds of tournaments are good ideas but they rarely come off, so I doubt that this will happen. Povetkin should be fighting in the U.S. soon, not Germany. And why would this need to be in Germany anyways? It would be a lot better to have it in the U.S., where 3 out of the 4 boxers are from. Povetkin doesn't like fighting in Germany and he has absolutely no intentions of wanting to be a star there the way Klitschko, Chagaev, and Valuev are. I say, put these 2 fights on the same card somewhere on the east coast in America, then have the eliminator in early 2008, and before the end of year, the new heavyweight king will be born. Perfect.

[0-1]

I think beating Byrd and then the Brock-Chambers winner would go a long way towards de-greening Povetkin. Can we really call someone green who won those fights?
If Byrd or Brock won I'd be disappointed, but then again, if either of them won the tournament then that would count as a decent resurgence with me, and better than KOing 15 tomato cans.

[jisi]

Damn, this would be great. Byrd would be the most difficult opponent for Povetkin, but I have no doubts that he would dominate all of them. If Klitschko actually ended up facing Povetkin, it's the Wlad fans who will be shocked. Even at this green stage of his pro career, Povetkin is a nightmare for him and Klitschko would be stopped again.

These kinds of tournaments are good ideas but they rarely come off, so I doubt that this will happen. Povetkin should be fighting in the U.S. soon, not Germany. And why would this need to be in Germany anyways? It would be a lot better to have it in the U.S., where 3 out of the 4 boxers are from. Povetkin doesn't like fighting in Germany and he has absolutely no intentions of wanting to be a star there the way Klitschko, Chagaev, and Valuev are. I say, put these 2 fights on the same card somewhere on the east coast in America, then have the eliminator in early 2008, and before the end of year, the new heavyweight king will be born. Perfect.

Right, the tournament better take place in the USA.

But Povetkin never will stop Wlad. Wladimir will win by KO/TKO, round 8 or 9. Povetkin never faced a puncher like Wlad and he didn´t have a good defence.

[Fat Tony]

Damn, this would be great. Byrd would be the most difficult opponent for Povetkin, but I have no doubts that he would dominate all of them. If Klitschko actually ended up facing Povetkin, it's the Wlad fans who will be shocked. Even at this green stage of his pro career, Povetkin is a nightmare for him and Klitschko would be stopped again.

These kinds of tournaments are good ideas but they rarely come off, so I doubt that this will happen. Povetkin should be fighting in the U.S. soon, not Germany. And why would this need to be in Germany anyways? It would be a lot better to have it in the U.S., where 3 out of the 4 boxers are from. Povetkin doesn't like fighting in Germany and he has absolutely no intentions of wanting to be a star there the way Klitschko, Chagaev, and Valuev are. I say, put these 2 fights on the same card somewhere on the east coast in America, then have the eliminator in early 2008, and before the end of year, the new heavyweight king will be born. Perfect.

I don't think Povetkin could beat Klitschko NOW. Perhaps in a year, but he should face a big man like Rahman or Virchis first.

The fights will take place where the money is. Probably in Germany. We'll see.

You say Povetkin "doesn't like fighting in Germany and he has absolutely no intentions of wanting to be a star there the way Klitschko, Chagaev, and Valuev are". Is that just your opinion or did Povetkin say this?

[El Bombasto]

I don't think Povetkin could beat Klitschko NOW. Perhaps in a year, but he should face a big man like Rahman or Virchis first.

The fights will take place where the money is. Probably in Germany. We'll see.

You say Povetkin "doesn't like fighting in Germany and he has absolutely no intentions of wanting to be a star there the way Klitschko, Chagaev, and Valuev are". Is that just your opinion or did Povetkin say this?

I'm not even confident that Povetkin could beat Byrd at this point

[Deslizer]

That's because they all want the quickest road to a title. povetkin has tenough time to fight for a title in a year or two. He should get more experienced before taking on Wlad, don't you think. Byrd for starters and Brock after that. But a keep busyfight against Rahman would do him good and is not that riskfull.Sure, it's good to collect some experience, but where to find some guys that will fight you, when you won against boxers like Byrd or Brock or Chambers? Someone Rahman wont fight the winner of this tournament if it would be Chambers or Povetkin.

Most of the top15 would be scared by the winner of this tournament and would more likely try to get to a title shot at another sanctioning body.

[Kolya]

Right, the tournament better take place in the USA.

But Povetkin never will stop Wlad. Wladimir will win by KO/TKO, round 8 or 9. Povetkin never faced a puncher like Wlad and he didn´t have a good defence.

Islam Timurziev probably punches about as hard as Wlad does, we haven't seen him as a pro; so we can't fully say. But he's known as the most powerful amateur in the world, and he's the only man to drop Povetkin. From what I know, Sasha got up and proceeded to RSC Islam.

[Sputnik44]

I love how Saurland said that after this tournament Wlad won't be able to hide from povetkin anymore lol

come on the guy as good as he may be has only had 13 fights how can you even insinuate that Wlad was hidding from him before? maybe he should have fought him in Povetkin's 4th pro fight?


This is the worst attempt to hype a fight I've ever seen...

I personaly will reserve judgement on the outcome of a wlad v povet fight until I see the kid fight a couple more time and against someone who will push him

[NBT]

At this stage Povetkin is a decent prospect but doesn't stand a chance against Wlad. He has a significant size disadvantage, isn't really that hard of a hitter but is pretty easy to hit himself which is bad news against a skilled puncher like Wlad.

[Shpion]

Yes, I read on the Russian news about this tournament which is great news if it materializes. I must also add that even though Povetkin has a very good chance to win this tournament, I think it would little too early for him to fight Vladimir. He will need few more fights against some big-powerful guys to get prepared for Klitschko.

[Dostoevsky]

Povetkin would get destroyed by Wlad.
He hits hard but is more of an accumulation puncher than a 1 punch knockout artist like Peter, Which with Wlads technical skills, is the only chance to beat him.

He is small and not particularly fast (punching and movement)
He would get picked apart by Wlad from the outside by jabs and rights.
If he had the insane amount of head movement of a prime Tyson then he would have a chance, but he doesn't. So that point is mute.

[Shpion]

Povetkin would get destroyed by Wlad.
He hits hard but is more of an accumulation puncher than a 1 punch knockout artist like Peter, Which with Wlads technical skills, is the only chance to beat him.

He is small and not particularly fast (punching and movement)
He would get picked apart by Wlad from the outside by jabs and rights.
If he had the insane amount of head movement of a prime Tyson then he would have a chance, but he doesn't. So that point is mute.

I have to disagree with you about Povetkin not being fast. I think his punching speed is excelent, moreover, he throws combinations rather one punch at a time. His movement has been improving too along with his defense.

[sst]

Povetkin will rape Byrd. As soon as Byrd tries to go on offence he will get hammered. I predict a brutal stoppage in this one. Byrd will retire after this loss.

[geppy]

What is the point of entering Byrd into this tournament? In two fights , I dont even think Byrd won a round against Wlad.They could of picked someone else, who at least may have a possible chance.

[Shpion]

What is the point of entering Byrd into this tournament? In two fights , I dont even think Byrd won a round against Wlad.They could of picked someone else, who at least may have a possible chance.


I agree with your reasoning but as you know abc schemes prohibit the use of term "reasoning." THe only thing that may suggest Byrd's participation in this tournament is his high ranking in the ibf top 10.

[MoaningUrkel]

So how do you see Eddie Chambers' chances in this? I've never seen this guy fight before. What's his style, and is he better than Ray Austin or Lamon Brewster?

[Shpion]

So how do you see Eddie Chambers' chances in this? I've never seen this guy fight before. What's his style, and is he better than Ray Austin or Lamon Brewster?

Chambers is a poor version of Chris Byrd. The way I see it, he has no chance in this tournament.

[geppy]

Chambers is a poor version of Chris Byrd. The way I see it, he has no chance in this tournament.

I agree, Chambers is like a slower, less slick version of Byrd. Although with more power, but he still doesnt have that much power.

[Shpion]

I agree, Chambers is like a slower, less slick version of Byrd. Although with more power, but he still doesnt have that much power.

I doubt he has more power than Byrd. Their Ko ratio is the same while Chambers has not fought anybody, and Byrd has fought arguably the best opposition among current HW.

[Rudolph]

This is great news - sorting out the condenders to make sure only the deserving ones get to move on.

As far as the favorites go, i think there are two possible tournament winners. It's going to be either Povetkin or Brock. A fight between these two is very promising! I for one am excited about this possible match-up. People are too hard on Brock - he's only lost to Wlad and beaten everyone else he's faced. Besides, he's got a very interesting style of boxing. Did you guys watch the Ibragimov fight? He was practically picking poor ole Timur apart. I see a lot of resemblence between Brock and Ruiz. Say what you want, but Ruiz was a grade A boxer, very smart.

[fatcity]

Allthis does is give Klit the opportunity to attempt to unify prtions of the heavy title or fight an attractive optional fight.Klit is in cahoots with the IBF to get this organization off his back.

[CASH_718]

Brock vs Chamber- Chambers UD

Povetkin vs Byrd- Povetkin MD

Chambers vs Povetkin- Chambers SD

[yogster740]

Povetkin should be careful what he wishes for..If this tournament ever did happen, this is what I see happening.

Povetkin UD Byrd
Chambers UD Brock

Povetkin TKO Chambers

Wlad KO Povetkin

[CASH_718]

I agree, Chambers is like a slower, less slick version of Byrd. Although with more power, but he still doesnt have that much power.:patsch

[Asterion]

That tournament looks promising.

Povetkin UD12 Byrd
Brock UD12 Chambers

Povetkin TKO10 Brock

[Shpion]

:patsch

Can you please enlighten us what Chambers does better than Byrd. Thanks.

[H .]

What a pathetic tounament. Byrd and Brock don't belong, Povetkin is still too green, and Chambers ... well ... c'mon now!
If you only need to beat a couple bums to get back in the mix, hurry up get Valuev and Liakhovich back to beat a couple losers so they can take the places of Byrd and Brock.
Get rid of Chambers and add Tony Thompson.
Postpone Povetkin for a year and add Arreola, even if it's too early for him too the Ring can't stop sucking his dick :deal

[Asterion]

What a pathetic tounament. Byrd and Brock don't belong, Povetkin is still too green, and Chambers ... well ... c'mon now!
If you only need to beat a couple bums to get back in the mix, hurry up get Valuev and Liakhovich back to beat a couple losers so they can take the places of Byrd and Brock.
Get rid of Chambers and add Tony Thompson.
Postpone Povetkin for a year and add Arreola, even if it's too early for him too the Ring can't stop sucking his dick :deal

1) Ring doesn't have Arreola in the Top10 anymore.

2) The tournament isn't great, but it's better than nothing. And it is only an IBF tournament. Their last tournament was Byrd/Harris winner vs. Tua/Nicholson winner.

[Drusome]

Wlad needs to dump the belt if the IBF tries to make him face Byrd again.

[geppy]

I seen Chambers fight against Rossy. Chambers stood on the ropes like a statue taking punches to the stomache and countering Rossy. Chambers wore his protective cup up to his ears, and all Rossy was aiming for was the body. That was cheap and gave padding for many landed body shots. Would it of made a differance? Probbably not, Rossy was real amatuerish and bad , but Chambers didnt look good in the fight is the main point.

[Shpion]

I seen Chambers fight against Rossy. Chambers stood on the ropes like a statue taking punches to the stomache and countering Rossy. Chambers wore his protective cup up to his ears, and all Rossy was aiming for was the body. That was cheap and gave padding for many landed body shots. Would it of made a differance? Probbably not, Rossy was real amatuerish and bad , but Chambers didnt look good in the fight is the main point.

Actually I thought he looked alright in that fight except his ovious lack of power, he landed anything but the kitchen sink and still could not put down Rossy. But I agree he fought against a complete amatuer that should be fighting in Tough Man contest not boxing.

[dagame328]

This is good, it might give Klitschko a chance at unification, the winner of this vs. Wlad is at LEAST a year away if not more. Also, the winner of this will be a deserving mandatory fight.

[H .]

1) Ring doesn't have Arreola in the Top10 anymore.

2) The tournament isn't great, but it's better than nothing. And it is only an IBF tournament. Their last tournament was Byrd/Harris winner vs. Tua/Nicholson winner.

The fact that Arreola reached the top ten is unbelievable!
That 2001 tournament obviously was nothing special, Harris was like 18-10 or something, but this one is unreal. Brock and Byrd already lost to Wlad, wasn't even close.
I know my idea for a tournament wasn't that good either, but it beats the hell out of this one.

[Odo]

Yes, I read on the Russian news about this tournament which is great news if it materializes. I must also add that even though Povetkin has a very good chance to win this tournament, I think it would little too early for him to fight Vladimir. He will need few more fights against some big-powerful guys to get prepared for Klitschko.

Well spoken,shpion!

Byrd,Brook,and Chambers cant hold a candle to Povetkin .However,Wlad plays in a different league.A bit early for former amateur superstar Povetkin to take on the present nr.1 at heavy weight.
Well,on the other hand Povetkin will probably be the best heavy weight fighter Wlad has faced in his entire pro career.

[brooklyn1550]

This should be very interesting indeed

Povetkin may be too much for Byrd at this point in Byrd's career which is why I'm picking him by decision. If it was 5 years ago, I would take Chris in a heartbeat, but it's not.

Brock is all around a better fighter than Eddie Chambers in my opinion and has faced the better competition which is why I will pick him by a close decision.

Brock-Povetkin will be interesting, but I think Povetkin's pressure and swarming style will get him a comfortable decision.

Wlad will beat up on Povetkin though.

[Odo]

This should be very interesting indeed

Povetkin may be too much for Byrd at this point in Byrd's career which is why I'm picking him by decision. If it was 5 years ago, I would take Chris in a heartbeat, but it's not.

Brock is all around a better fighter than Eddie Chambers in my opinion and has faced the better competition which is why I will pick him by a close decision.

Brock-Povetkin will be interesting, but I think Povetkin's pressure and swarming style will get him a comfortable decision.

Wlad will beat up on Povetkin though.

Brock vs Povetkin wont be that interesting IMO.
Brock was a nobody at the amteurs.A little ant in Povetkin 's great shadow.
Povetkin will stop him within 4-5 rounds .

[Ambition_Def]

This is great news.

Povetkin's handlers must really feel as though he is ready. I cannot say that I argue it. He has made massive steps towards contention.

According to fightnews Byrd will be paired off with Povetkin and Chambers with Brock.

Both of those fights are interesting to me. I can say that I don't feel we'll see Brock or Byrd win. Maybe Brock but Chambers is tough. Byrd will not get by Povetkin.

[KillerInstinct]

What I really like about this is that it gives Klitschko time to avoid his mandatory. This tournament will take a while to elect a mandatory, so Klitschko can pick whoever he wants to fight in his next optional defense or he could wait a bit and still be able to fight Chagaev/Ibragimov before his mandatory. I say Klitschko has a title defense in October then fights Chagaev/Ibragimov.

As for the tournament itself, Chambers is an alright fighter and I think he may be able to outwork Brock. But I am going to predict a Brock decision win, just going to be more competive then people think.

Povetkin will decision Byrd in a close, but extremely clear fight.

Povetkin TKO's Brock in round 6 in the finals, faces Wlad, and you know..I''m not going to predict this fight yet. People are going to say, "Yeah, Povetkin is going to get KOed against Wlad..EASILY!". Now let's be real here, if Povetkin beats the living shit out of both Brock and Byrd...he ain't a "green prospect" anymore and I think it would be a 60/40 fight. As of now, I think it's like 75/25.

[huki]

I don't think Povetkin could beat Klitschko NOW. Perhaps in a year, but he should face a big man like Rahman or Virchis first.

The fights will take place where the money is. Probably in Germany. We'll see.

You say Povetkin "doesn't like fighting in Germany and he has absolutely no intentions of wanting to be a star there the way Klitschko, Chagaev, and Valuev are". Is that just your opinion or did Povetkin say this?
He has said it before and if you look at the way he doesn't even acknowledge the crowd there even the slightest bit you can see that. He doesn't like fighting away from Russia, period. Once he becomes champion, most of his matches will be there.

Virtually everyone is saying that this is too early for him to be facing Klitschko. Yes, it is VERY early. But Povetkin isn't just another prospect. You guys might think that I'm a nuthugger of his who blindly follows him and doesn't look at things realistically because since the day I registered here I have been praising him, but all of you will see what will happen. Povetkin is being moved up this way for a reason. He's mentally and physically prepared for something this big so quick in his pro career. If it was any other prospect, then I would agree that Klitschko would KO them, but Povetkin is the one that will be knocking Wlad out for the 4th time.

Povetkin is a stylistic nightmare for Klitschko. He has way more than enough things to beat him than he needs. Speed, power, high punch output with a high pressure style, adaptive abilities, great countering abilities (especially off of a left jab), great punch variety, great timing, stamina, and a great chin (you will see). The only thing that he doesn't have is experience against someone like Wlad, but it will not matter. This isn't a prime Larry Holmes or Lennox against a green Povetkin. It's Wlad. I don't know why it would be a shock for you guys to see him get knocked out again. Let's face it, since his loss to Brewster over 3 years ago, the only real threat he has faced was Sam Peter. All Sam Peter has is a great chin and good power. THAT'S IT. Peter had barely any experience against real world class guy at that point too and he managed to give Wlad a lot of trouble. Well, Povetkin is no Sam Peter. Like I said before, Povetkin is the last fighter in the world that Klitschko fans want to see him in the ring with. He is an absolute nightmare to Wlad in almost every way and will knock him out. All of you will see. I can't wait!! :hat :hat :hat

[Shpion]

He has said it before and if you look at the way he doesn't even acknowledge the crowd there even the slightest bit you can see that. He doesn't like fighting away from Russia, period. Once he becomes champion, most of his matches will be there.

Virtually everyone is saying that this is too early for him to be facing Klitschko. Yes, it is VERY early. But Povetkin isn't just another prospect. You guys might think that I'm a nuthugger of his who blindly follows him and doesn't look at things realistically because since the day I registered here I have been praising him, but all of you will see what will happen. Povetkin is being moved up this way for a reason. He's mentally and physically prepared for something this big so quick in his pro career. If it was any other prospect, then I would agree that Klitschko would KO them, but Povetkin is the one that will be knocking Wlad out for the 4th time.

Povetkin is a stylistic nightmare for Klitschko. He has way more than enough things to beat him than he needs. Speed, power, high punch output with a high pressure style, adaptive abilities, great countering abilities (especially off of a left jab), great punch variety, great timing, stamina, and a great chin (you will see). The only thing that he doesn't have is experience against someone like Wlad, but it will not matter. This isn't a prime Larry Holmes or Lennox against a green Povetkin. It's Wlad. I don't know why it would be a shock for you guys to see him get knocked out again. Let's face it, since his loss to Brewster over 3 years ago, the only real threat he has faced was Sam Peter. All Sam Peter has is a great chin and good power. THAT'S IT. Peter had barely any experience against real world class guy at that point too and he managed to give Wlad a lot of trouble. Well, Povetkin is no Sam Peter. Like I said before, Povetkin is the last fighter in the world that Klitschko fans want to see him in the ring with. He is an absolute nightmare to Wlad in almost every way and will knock him out. All of you will see. I can't wait!! :hat :hat :hat

I think your post is about 1-2 years premature. But in 1-2 years I may absolutely agree with you. If there is a shining star in the HW division it is Povetkin an no one else.

[huki]

I think your post is about 1-2 years premature. But in 1-2 years I may absolutely agree with you. If there is a shining star in the HW division it is Povetkin an no one else.
What would change in 1-2 years? Wlad would get more confidence and spend more time with Steward improving him? Exactly why do you think it is absolutely necesarry for Povetkin to beat up on the Rahmans of the world for 2 years in order to beat Klitschko?

[Shpion]

What would change in 1-2 years? Wlad would get more confidence and spend more time with Steward improving him? Exactly why do you think it is absolutely necesarry for Povetkin to beat up on the Rahmans of the world for 2 years in order to beat Klitschko?

Expereience and improvement as you just posted are the key words for Povetkin's future sucess.

[Alcaldemb]

I think Povetkin will stop Byrd. Even in Byrd's prime Povetkin's speed, accuracy and high punch output could have seen him win. At this point Byrd is not as mobile and is slower, Povetkin by TKO around round 7.

I can see Brock out boxing Chambers, especially if he keeps his distance, but I can also see Chambers out boxing Brock.

Povetkin's body attack and underrated power will see him stop Brock, who just won't be used to that kind of offensive machine. Chambers also cannot do his Winky Wright imitation against Povetkin, who won't be the same kind of amateur that Rossy was. Povetkin by late TKO against Chambers if he wins.

Klitschko vs Povetkin is harder to call. Povetkin is faster and does have a greater punch selection, he does give angles and he does hit hard, he is also a skilled pressure fighter. Wladimir has telephone pole jab and a hammering right. However I think this fight is much much closer than many here seem to believe. Also we do not know if Wlad is going to face the Chagaev/Ibragimov winner (I think Ruslan) and if he does there is a good chance he could lose.

As for Peter, Samuel has not shown he has better power than Povetkin. Who has he KO'd aside from Jeremy Williams. Also if he does KO Maskaev big deal Oleg was dropped by Corey 'Not Corrie' Sanders.

[huki]

Expereience and improvement as you just posted are the key words for Povetkin's future sucess.
Povetkin's style and skill is enough to beat Klitschko right now. The experience will help him figure him out faster, but whether it's a few months from now or a few years from now, Povetkin is going to stop him brutally.

[CASH_718]

Can you please enlighten us what Chambers does better than Byrd. Thanks.Everything offensive.

[NBT]

As for Peter, Samuel has not shown he has better power than Povetkin. Who has he KO'd aside from Jeremy Williams. Also if he does KO Maskaev big deal Oleg was dropped by Corey 'Not Corrie' Sanders.
That's why you need to seem them fight not just look at the results to compare their power. It's isn't even a question that Peter has more power than Povetkin, Peter has probably even more raw power than Wlad. That he has problems Ko'ing better fighter has something to to with his terrible skill level and technique, better fighter simply don't get that easily caught with Peter's trademark wild haymakers. Povetkin is far better technical skilled and that's the source of his stoppage wins until now, he just isn't that hard of a hitter. We have to see how much Byrd is past it but a prime Bryd wouldn't be in any danger to be stopped by Povetkin.

[Shpion]

Everything offensive.

But he is not an offensive type of fighter. He is a pure counterpuncher.

[Alcaldemb]

That's why you need to seem them fight not just look at the results to compare their power. It's isn't even a question that Peter has more power than Povetkin, Peter has probably even more raw power than Wlad. That he has problems Ko'ing better fighter has something to to with his terrible skill level and technique, better fighter simply don't get that easily caught with Peter's trademake wild haymakers. Povetkin is a far better technical skilled and that's the source of his stoppage wins until now, he just isn't that hard of a hitter. We have to see how much Byrd is past it but a prime Bryd wouldn't be in any danger to be stopped by Povetkin.

I have seen the fights. Peter's power has failed to show up against people like Shufford, Pudar and Toney. I just don't buy that he has this tremendous punch.

[Suge Green]

This "tournament" is a sham...Brock and Byrd...??? Why not throw Beck and Barrett in there, that makes just as much sense...???...as long as the International Bum Federation keeps taking care of WLAD, the foolish KLIT-ites will be cheering there man for many fights to come. Uncle Manny is probably doing cartwheels. :-(

[swedeone]

A "Tournament"? Are they fuccing kidding? :huh :-( :verysad

They are making Wlad out to be Rocky Marciano for cripes sake. And who the hell wants to see him fight another bum??? Povetkin is fine, but the other 3?... you have got to be kidding me. :rofl

[RUSKULL]

I think beating Byrd and then the Brock-Chambers winner would go a long way towards de-greening Povetkin. Can we really call someone green who won those fights?
If Byrd or Brock won I'd be disappointed, but then again, if either of them won the tournament then that would count as a decent resurgence with me, and better than KOing 15 tomato cans.

That's a good point. Many of the guys who are like 35-1 like Tye Fields, have yet to face the level of competition that Povetkin has.

His extensive amateur background negates the need for "The tomato can express"

Personally, I'd like to see him clean out some of the top 10 so the potential fight with Klitschko means that much more................but we'll take what we can get.

[RUSKULL]

What I really like about this is that it gives Klitschko time to avoid his mandatory. This tournament will take a while to elect a mandatory, so Klitschko can pick whoever he wants to fight in his next optional defense or he could wait a bit and still be able to fight Chagaev/Ibragimov before his mandatory. I say Klitschko has a title defense in October then fights Chagaev/Ibragimov.

As for the tournament itself, Chambers is an alright fighter and I think he may be able to outwork Brock. But I am going to predict a Brock decision win, just going to be more competive then people think.

Povetkin will decision Byrd in a close, but extremely clear fight.

Povetkin TKO's Brock in round 6 in the finals, faces Wlad, and you know..I''m not going to predict this fight yet. People are going to say, "Yeah, Povetkin is going to get KOed against Wlad..EASILY!". Now let's be real here, if Povetkin beats the living shit out of both Brock and Byrd...he ain't a "green prospect" anymore and I think it would be a 60/40 fight. As of now, I think it's like 75/25.

Another good point, beating Byrd & Brock would, especially if one can do it clearly, would be impressive.

[huki]

That's a good point. Many of the guys who are like 35-1 like Tye Fields, have yet to face the level of competition that Povetkin has.

His extensive amateur background negates the need for "The tomato can express"

Personally, I'd like to see him clean out some of the top 10 so the potential fight with Klitschko means that much more................but we'll take what we can get.
Say Povetkin knocks out Byrd in 6 rounds and knocks Brock/Chambers out in 5. Do you think that will create enough buzz for Klitschko-Povetkin to be on HBO PPV along with a countdown show? I really hope these tournament fights will be on HBO and in the U.S.

[Rock0052]

Say Povetkin knocks out Byrd in 6 rounds and knocks Brock/Chambers out in 5. Do you think that will create enough buzz for Klitschko-Povetkin to be on HBO PPV along with a countdown show? I really hope these tournament fights will be on HBO and in the U.S.

It should create that kind of buzz, unfortunately I'm not sure if it will. As a US fan, I'd love if it did. I know people are worried about AP being rushed too fast; but if Povetkin can win this tournament near as decisively as what you mentioned, I'd be hard pressed to find 4 Heavyweight's that deserved a title shot ahead of him.

The only downfall is that it wouldn't be a unification match, because I think AP will be one of the best Heavyweights in the game sooner rather than later. I've got high hopes for him, although targetting Wlad first may be biting off a little more than he can chew. I give him nothing but props for taking the risk though, you just don't see fighters go after the #1 guy that soon anymore and be serious about it.

[Heavyrighthand]

Not sure if anyone has asked this or not, but........

I wonder how confident and cocky Byrd would act if he were the winner of the mandatory slot.

And not only that, but would the third Wlad Byrd fight sell, after Wlad already pummeled him twice, now?

[Rock0052]

Not sure if anyone has asked this or not, but........

I wonder how confident and cocky Byrd would act if he were the winner of the mandatory slot.

And not only that, but would the third Wlad Byrd fight sell, after Wlad already pummeled him twice, now?

I have to think that would be the worst case scenario- I think the promoters want to promote Chambers or Povetkin to win this, and not Brock or Byrd. By either (or hopefully both) young fighters (who happen to have clean records) beating guys Wlad's dominated, it'll give the impression that either prospect is a step up challenge wise- and a better fight.

[Odo]

Say Povetkin knocks out Byrd in 6 rounds and knocks Brock/Chambers out in 5. Do you think that will create enough buzz for Klitschko-Povetkin to be on HBO PPV along with a countdown show? I really hope these tournament fights will be on HBO and in the U.S.

According to Povetkin's powerful German promoter this tournament will probably take place in Germany's capital Berlin.Nowadays Germany offers much more money for most top fighters apart from a handful of elite fighters who can still earn more money figthting out of the USA.
Even if Povetkin wins that upcomming tournament a shot at Wlad will be too early for the former amateur superstar IMO.
No,not because he doesnt have a chance to beat Wlad.He for sure has a chance to dethrone Wlad.Povetkin is the best fighter Wlad will ever have fought in his entire pro career.
But......the name of this game is money. Povetkin is still a relatively unknown fighter.He fights out of Germany which is one of the most important box markets on this planet,but even sport fans have never heard his name there.
Povetkin needs more fights just in order to make some noise and promote himself in the USA and Germany.Yes,he is on a mission and on a superfast track to win a world title.Nevertheless the name of this game is money-to make as much money in as short a time as possible.
Povetkin's name recognition is very weak at present-of course outside the circle of us hardcore fans.
Therefore an encounter between him and Wlad within the next two years wouldnt make much sense IMO.