Is Povetkin being rushed too fast?

[Vincent Gottschalk]

Is he so good that they can put him in with Wlad in 15th pro fight or are they rushing him too fast and he should have 20 or so pro bouts before taking on Wlad?

[LeedsLad]

I dont know, depends how he performs in his next two fights.

[ryanty22]

id like to see how he handles byrd. ive never gotten the chance to see him fight but out of the three that i have see fight. Byrd, Brock, and Chambers id have to put my money on chambers the kid is good and i hope iit comes down to him and povetkin thats a hell of a fight

[ryanty22]

right now i think even though povetkin is good enough to take on wlad i dont think he is good enough yet to beat him from all ive read about him

[nulty]

Well I think it might be too soon for him to beat Wlad. But fighting him early could be benefical. I don't think Wlad would destroy him and I think Povetkin is capable of bouncing back from a loss, so whatever happens it could be a good learning experience for him.

[Vincent Gottschalk]

While I think Povetkin is one of best up and coming heavies out there I think it's nutty too put him in with a fighter as gifted as Wladimir is so soon. Yes Povetkin was a great amateur but still pro fighting is not the same thing I think he be in over his head at this point with a boxer puncher like Wlad:-(

[huki]

Hell yes it is too early!!! I don't care how he performs in the tounament, he needs more time and experience in the pros before getting put in with Vlad. 8-10 more fights minimum and a couple more years to adjust and develop. Vlad is just hitting his prime, is at the top of his game, and has 50 fights worth of experience plus he has hall of fame trainer Steward in his corner. Povetkin should be fighting some tough guys and maybe some of the other champs, but why risk ruining him by letting Vlad brutalize him. Can not envision a scenario where a guy this green, even though he is such a talent, could possibly dethrone Vlad right now. Vlad is a brutal machine right now, nobody's even touching him, and he can beat almost any man with one hand, but he's got two hands and they are both devastating.
8-10 fights minimum? Are you crazy? You can't envision a scenario where Povetkin, at a green stage, with a lot of talent, could possibly dethrone Wlad? Howabout this scenario: Wlad throws a jab, Povetkin counters with a right to the chin. Klitschko gets hurt, then stopped. Shit, I didn't read the part about "he can beat almost any man with one hand", I shouldn't be trying to argue reasonably with you.

Povetkin is being moved extremely fast, but for him it is not too fast. All of you will see this. Wlad has never fought anyone like Povetkin. Wlad is the one that needs to answer the questions about himself in this fight.

[DoumB]

8-10 fights minimum? Are you crazy? You can't envision a scenario where Povetkin, at a green stage, with a lot of talent, could possibly dethrone Wlad? Howabout this scenario: Wlad throws a jab, Povetkin counters with a right to the chin. Klitschko gets hurt, then stopped. Shit, I didn't read the part about "he can beat almost any man with one hand", I shouldn't be trying to argue reasonably with you.

Povetkin is being moved extremely fast, but for him it is not too fast. All of you will see this. Wlad has never fought anyone like Povetkin. Wlad is the one that needs to answer the questions about himself in this fight.

lol at this post, dude we no your a HUGE Alexander fan but dont get to twisted, even tho Povetkin is a nice talent, right now he has nothing going for him in a fight with Wlad, wlad hits harder is technicaly almost perfect, have strong jab that keep all his opponents away,has that huge right that intimidate fighters and is in his prime, no need to destroy potvekin's chances by putting him in there with Wlad, its an even worst scenario then Tito-Vargas, in this case Potvekin would not have his moments in a fight like that.

[DoumB]

maybe he should fight at least 40 or 50 stiffs before they throw him in with someone decent. povetkin is not like the rest of the bum heavyweights, this kid is good.

he is good, but far from what some ppl in here like to beleive

[Burundanga]

He's not ready. I think people make a mistake to even measure him by his ability to hang with Wlad while forgetting that Wlad himself is a work in progress and improving fight after fight.

Today, Wlad beats Sasha, tomorrow, it may be even more difficult a fight for Sasha. I don't think Povetkin will eclipse Klit any time soon. Might be more a passing of the torch situation in 3 or so years.

[huki]

maybe he should fight at least 40 or 50 stiffs before they throw him in with someone decent. povetkin is not like the rest of the bum heavyweights, this kid is good.
Yeah, knocking out aging bums for 5 years while earning money, respect, a high KO%, and star status in Germany sounds like a great way to get experience and get ready for the GOAT HW Klitschko. Povetkin has balls and he doesn't need to waste his time building a reputation. He's on a mission to get to the top as fast as possible and a man with this kind of confidence and so much talent is a huge danger to anybody in his way.

[DoumB]

Yeah, knocking out aging bums for 5 years while earning money, respect, a high KO%, and star status in Germany sounds like a great way to get experience and get ready for the GOAT HW Klitschko. Povetkin has balls and he doesn't need to waste his time building a reputation. He's on a mission to get to the top as fast as possible and a man with this kind of confidence and so much talent is a huge danger to anybody in his way.


...dude I know what ur trying to say but in boxing it doesnt work like that, of course theres no need to fight bums to get xp, he needs to fight guys like brock byrd, maskaev(easy fight) Chagaev and the rest(Valuev) Iggy are all good fights for him and some arent that easy(50-50) and then we could have a competitive fight with wlad, he NEED that experience, in boxing experience at the pro lvl is as much as a jab in the amateur.

[Asterion]

If he loses....so what? He can win three fights and then win a rematch, lets remember that Povetkin is relatively young. The undefeated record is so overrated now....

[DoumB]

maybe were so impressed because our standards are so low. a heavywieght who actually throws punches, and doesent move around like a zombie(who would of thought possible?).

:lol: I hear where u coming but Wlad is elite HW in any era man

[huki]

lol at this post, dude we no your a HUGE Alexander fan but dont get to twisted, even tho Povetkin is a nice talent, right now he has nothing going for him in a fight with Wlad, wlad hits harder is technicaly almost perfect, have strong jab that keep all his opponents away,has that huge right that intimidate fighters and is in his prime, no need to destroy potvekin's chances by putting him in there with Wlad, its an even worst scenario then Tito-Vargas, in this case Potvekin would not have his moments in a fight like that. Your posts are laughable, not mine. You have nothing to back up what you are saying. Povetkin has nothing going for him in a fight with Wlad? :lol: He has EVERYTHING except pro experience going for him. I already explained before that his style is THE style to destroy Klitschko. Worse scenario than Tito-Vargas? You have no idea what you're talking about. Vargas was tailor-made for Tito. Trinidad's style, chin, and power is a nightmare for Vargas. In a Povetkin vs Klitschko matchup, Povetkin's style and abilities make him a nightmare for Wlad. Wlad's style is difficult for Povetkin, especially this early in his career, but Wlad is in WAY more danger when you factor everything in.

It's amazing how so many people think Povetkin has no chance. This is Wlad we're talking about. Who has he even beat to achieve this untouchable status?

[Zhaakal]

I am scared that Wlad will kill his momentum.. They should wait a little

[Ding]

If he loses....so what? He can win three fights and then win a rematch, lets remember that Povetkin is relatively young. The undefeated record is so overrated now....


:good

[huki]

Huki, I'm going to keep your comments in mind, and IF this tounamant actually happens, and IF Sasha actually wins this tournament, and IF Sasha actually fights Vlad in his 15th pro fight, we will go back to your insults and hopefully you will learn some humility. Sasha needs 8-10 more fights before even considering Vlad. Vlad right now easily destroys your boy. This kind of matchmaking destroys many a good fighter, he does not need bums, he needs good comp to take his skills to the higher levels.
I didn't insult anybody. I will insult you though. You know almost nothing about boxing and you came to this forum for the sole purpose of nuthugging Klitschko. You're a true brainwashed Wlad superfan who has even made statements as dumb as "Wlad would KO prime Larry Holmes". You're the one who needs to "learn some humility" before insulting a true ATG HW like Holmes.

[Brickhaus]

C: No, but I don't see how fighting another 5 guys would get him any more prepared. Skill-wise, he's probably OK. I don't see anyone else in the division really testing Povetkin on that level anyway, and if it turns out that he doesn't have a great chin, at least he has the excuse theat it was cracked by the best in class.

[Ding]

C: No, but I don't see how fighting another 5 guys would get him any more prepared. Skill-wise, he's probably OK. I don't see anyone else in the division really testing Povetkin on that level anyway, and if it turns out that he doesn't have a great chin, at least he has the excuse theat it was cracked by the best in class.


:good Good post.

Boxing would be a better place if we had more real fighters like Povetkin.

[huki]

Let's school the Huki.
Reality, Povetkin just went the distance with Larry donald and did not even hurt Larry. Larry had not fought since his valiant effort against Valuev, almost 2 years. Larry was almost 40 years old. Larry was in terrible physical shape, coming 20 lbs over his previous fighting weight and was very flabby around the middle. Larry lost but was really in no danger despite all the above facts.
Reality: Vitali destroyed a prime and physically peaked Larry Donald. That Larry was in great shape, but Vitali said he would be the first to KO Larry and he went out there and brutally beat up Larry and he KO'd him. No one, including Povetkin, ever came close to destroying Donald the way Vitali did. Why not Huki asks?
Reality: Povetkin needs more tough fights to gain more experience before fighting Vlad. Vlad would easily destroy anybody Povetkin has fought, and he would get ridiculed for fighting anybody that Povetkin has fought. Live and learn Huki.

Now you are a complete idiot. Donald came in the same weight as he did for the Valuev match. Donald was stunned a few times, but wasn't stopped because of his great chin and holding skills. Prime Vitali knocked out Donald very late in the fight. Shutting out Donald on all 3 scorecards in your first real step up in your career is as impressive as being a power puncher in your prime stopping Donald after 40 fights. But all this is meaningless.

What the hell does Vitali have to do with ANY of this? You just made two points comparing Vitali to Povetkin based on one fight in order to help make one point about Wlad. What kind of retarded logic is that?

Reality: You argue and think the way a new boxing fan or a true nuthugger does. If A beats B and C beats B a little better, then that automatically means C is better than A. One of the funniest thing about delusional Klitschko fans is that they use Vitali's accomplishments to make Wlad look better. Your first two points had absolutely nothing to do with your 3rd. NOTHING.

Reality: I argue with sense and back up my thoughts with facts. The fact is that Povetkin has the perfect style and the abilities to destroy Wlad. The fact is that most people agree with that, but they think at this point Povetkin needs more experience to be ready for Wlad. That's where I disagree with them. I think that after beating Byrd and Brock/Chambers, Povetkin will beat Klitschko, even at this green stage of his career.

Why am I even wasting time arguing with you? Most people would agree with me that you're an idiot. You said Wlad would KO a prime Larry Holmes.

[Vincent Gottschalk]

Povetkin should fight Dimitrenko to get used to fighting a guy Wlad size and also should fight Shannon Briggs to get used to facing a guy with Wlad's power before taking on Wlad:nono

[huki]

:good Good post.

Boxing would be a better place if we had more real fighters like Povetkin.
Exactly. Fans of boxers want them to slowly and safely make their way to the top over years of building up their undefeated records, then finally try to go for the title. It is much more exciting to see a fighter with the confidence of Povetkin say "screw the safe way, I know I am the best right now, and I will show everyone by going after the #1 guy as soon as possible". Then when he wins, it makes his win much more impressive and way more exciting. His stock goes from 5 to 10 right away, instead of taking years to make his stock rise from 5 to 6, from 6 to 7..

Risky matches with huge rewards is what boxing is all about and people should be praising Povetkin and giving him a chance instead of immediately saying he can't do it just because he's not doing it the safe way like the others are.

[LennoxGOAT]

He's not ready. I think people make a mistake to even measure him by his ability to hang with Wlad while forgetting that Wlad himself is a work in progress and improving fight after fight.

Today, Wlad beats Sasha, tomorrow, it may be even more difficult a fight for Sasha. I don't think Povetkin will eclipse Klit any time soon. Might be more a passing of the torch situation in 3 or so years.

Agreed. People are really underestimating Wlad here....

[Bummy Davis]

I seen a lot of fighters get ruined by being rushed, If Alex wins, he will then be at the top level and have to fight the best, he has a chance but If he gets brutally KO'd it may ruin him forever. amatuer experience is great and the gold medal is a great sign of pedigree and talent but who was ready to fight for a title with 13 pro fights of the Gold medal guys, Vlad,Ali,Frazier,Foreman,Patterson,Leonard,L.Spinks,M.Spinks,Lennox,Mercer...???? which one of these guys, what makes Alexander so special that he is different...Spinks beat Ali in his 7th fight and Rademacker fought Patterson in his first but they were kind of ruined by not taking the proper steps in the pro ranks. If Alex wants a title,why fight Vlad ? the fight will make him rich but is it the best thing for his career and developement

[Dekkers]

Povetkin's going after the wrong Klitschko if he wants one this soon.

[DanePugilist]

Povetkin is good, but not that good. It's okay to skip many of the tomato cans, but he shouldn't make giant leaps either.

If he meets Wlad within the next 18 months, he will get flattened by Klitschko, and to what end? Furthermore Wlad should be the last WC on his list. It's folly to start with the best. Especially when you have only had a bit over a dozen fights.

[dwilson]

Two more fights then Vlad? shit the poor kid is going to get destroyed. Can not knock his guts or potential but the idea is mad. Still if he comes through he will have earned the chance and have a chance but at the moment i am still gob smacked at the thought.

[joe33]

He is also 27 now,he aint got forever,you never know what can happen in life.

[Alcaldemb]

People it depends on how Povetkin does in this tournament. If he is able to dominate Byrd and the Brock/Chambers winner then I would say he has earned the right to fight Wladimir and, while he could probably use a fight against someone like Virchis, would have experience at a relatively high level that might just prepare him for the fight.

Stylistically Povetkin is the kind of fighter that should give Wlad trouble. He is a fast, hard hitting and skilled pressure fighter with an expansive arsenal and is deadly accurate.

[EpsilonAxis]

I don't think Povetkin's being rushed so fast, considering his amazing amateur background.

But he should NOT be fighting Wlad for the title within 2 fights. That is insane. Why even risk ruining such a precious fighter?

[marting]

I don't think Povetkin's being rushed so fast, considering his amazing amateur background.

But he should NOT be fighting Wlad for the title within 2 fights. That is insane. Why even risk ruining such a precious fighter?


That's pretty much how I feel.

[Mendoza]

Is he so good that they can put him in with Wlad in 15th pro fight or are they rushing him too fast and he should have 20 or so pro bouts before taking on Wlad?

Povetkin is being moved at a rapid pace. He isn’t ready for Wlad yet, but should be ready for a world title vs another champion as early as 2008!

[Irish Steel]

Povetkin is slightly overated IMO. He hasnt really fought anyone. Besides an aging Larry Donald. Yes, he had a fantastic Amatuer career, buti dont even think with 13 pro fights he has fully adjusted his style etc etc. Wlad takes him out in the 7th.

[huki]

Huki. Let me school you some more boy.

How old are you son, 12..13..maybe 14. Not yet at the age of reason, huh. Few knowledgable boxing fans are going to agree with any of your so called logic and ad hominid style of argument. You got no strong debating skills so you just make personal attacks when someone disagrees with you. Very weak and pathetic. Someone doesn't agree with your pathetic reasoning so you just whine in your girly voice "you don't know anything about boxing..whah..whah..whah..I know everything and I am always right..why doesn't anyone agree with me".

Vlad will murder your man love if they were to fight now.

Larry Donald weighed in at 245 lbs of fleshy flab (pictures don't lie) for your boy and he still couldn't put him away. If he was ready to handle elite fighters he would have busted up the flabby 40 year old Donald. How the fuck is he going to handle Vlad.
Answer: He ain't ready right now.

Sorry my point about Vitali went over your narrow head. I'll try to go slower and use simple words so maybe you can follow. Vitali easily blew away Donald when Donald was 5 years younger, 20 pounds lighter, and solid as a rock. Vitali was elite and destroyed the guy, and if your man love was ready for the elite he would have done at least the same to an older fatter lesser version of Donald.
He didn't, why? because he ain't ready.
Who on Povetkin's list of opponents would be a serious challenge to any elite fighter.
Answer: Nobody!!
Are you getting it yet.

Povetkin's good but he has yet to prove anything at the elite level of professional boxing. He's beaten a reasonable collection of jouneymen for a 13 fight "career". No stars, no undefeated fighters, no young hungry competitive lions on his resume, no fellow prospects. What he's proven is that he too can beat 13 guys who have been beaten before when they stepped up.

Do you hear that loud popping noise yet, when you do it will be your delusional head popping out of your lumpy ass.

Vlad has proved he's #1. It is almost unanimous consensus in the boxing world that Vlad is #1 and a favorite going in against anyone.
At the present he would be a huge favorite against Povetkin.

No I don't think Larry Holmes is all that great, he's the first heavyweight champion in 100 years to lose his title to a light heavy, not once but twice, the same Lt Heavy that Tyson murdered in 90 seconds. He got knocked out by Duane Bobick in the Pan Am games. He was the best of a weak era. I disagree with you but agree with ATG trainer Emanuel Steward, Vlad continues improving he will be an ATG. Larry and Vlad would be a good fight, Vlad by KO. Foreman KO's Holmes. Prime Ali Ko's Holmes. Frazier KO's Holmes. Vitali KO's Holmes. Liston KO's Holmes. Tyson KO's Holmes. Dempsey KO's Holmes. Sanders KO's Holmes.
You've been schooled again, back to special ed.
This is just too easy. I've got to go find some comp, you're just too weak, uninteresting, and with no knowledge base.
Wow, you're 56 and your logic is that of a 5 year old. I barely insulted you and you spent half your post trying to put me down.

Anyways, once again, the Vitali vs Donald and Povetkin vs Donald comparison is completely irrelevant. You're making it seem like Povetkin struggled with him. Povetkin did "bust up" Donald. Just because he didn't knock him out doesn't mean that he didn't beat his ass and dominate him. Donald has a great chin and the only time he was stopped was when he was up against a huge puncher in their prime. Povetkin shutting out and dominating Donald, but not knocking him out is not any kind of indication that he can't compete with Klitschko or anybody at the elite level. Especially since Wlad isn't in Donald's league when it comes to chins. In fact, none of the champions are. By the way, did you actually watch the Vitali-Donald match? Can you tell me what was going on in the first 10 rounds?

Yes, of course Wlad would be favored against Povetkin and anybody else. No one on Povetkin's resume would give Wlad trouble. Thanks for that great point also.

This is my point, that you're not understanding. I understand that most people think Povetkin is rushing too fast, so he will not be able to beat Klitschko at this point. It's a reasonable argument for one to have and although I disagree with it, I don't think it's a dumb thing to say. Here's all I'm trying to say. Even at this green stage in his career, he has everything one needs to beat Wlad. Stylewise he's a big threat to Wlad and saying that you can't see ANY possible way that Povetkin could beat him is completely ridiculous. You REALLY think that there is no possible way that Povetkin can check that chin? Since his loss to Brewster, Wlad has beaten only one opponent who was a serious threat to him, Sam Peter. Sam Peter was as green as Povetkin will be after these next two fights, even more green actually. Peter gave a lot of trouble to Wlad and almost stopped him, even though he has a miniscule amount of boxing skill and his timing, speed, countering, defense, precision, and variety of punches doesn't even compare to that of Povetkin. There's no question that Povetkin could beat Wlad. The question is, can he do it without much pro experience? And I think that he definitely could. Your argument that Povetkin has zero chance against Wlad and you can't see any possible way Wlad can lose isn't reasonable, especially because of Wlad's glass chin.

You lived during Holmes' prime and his entire career and you think he isn't great?

"Vlad by KO. Foreman KO's Holmes. Prime Ali Ko's Holmes. Frazier KO's Holmes. Vitali KO's Holmes. Liston KO's Holmes. Tyson KO's Holmes. Dempsey KO's Holmes. Sanders KO's Holmes"?

:lol: You want people to take your arguments seriously and think that you know something about boxing and then you say something as stupid as that? Let me guess, Wlad beats prime Ali, Foreman, Frazier, Tyson, and Dempsey too?

[hitman_hatton1]

He is also 27 now,he aint got forever,you never know what can happen in life.

yep.

add into it that the division is a wasteland at present. :yep and povetkin should be rushed. :hey

[ruizfan]

Make him cry...

[DoumB]

I didn't insult anybody. I will insult you though. You know almost nothing about boxing and you came to this forum for the sole purpose of nuthugging Klitschko. You're a true brainwashed Wlad superfan who has even made statements as dumb as "Wlad would KO prime Larry Holmes". You're the one who needs to "learn some humility" before insulting a true ATG HW like Holmes.

dude u will now understand that u have no more credibility then him, saying povetkin as everything for him in a fight between him and wlad is proving the fact that u are a fanboy and nothing else, u just proved yourself out, man u dont seem to understand that I get what u mean and tath povetkin is a huge prospect and a force to be reckoned for but im not blinded like u are cause I know for sure that right now he dont stand a chance, later after a few good tune ups, he can have a fight with wlad and maybe beat him but right now wlad is head and shoulder above him and easily

[tays001]

AP get ko'd in brutal fashion in less then 8

[Heavyrighthand]

Is he so good that they can put him in with Wlad in 15th pro fight or are they rushing him too fast and he should have 20 or so pro bouts before taking on Wlad?

He has to win two more fights, first, so he's not being put in there wtih Wlad, just yet.

And these two upcoming fights against top ten opponents will SEE if he's ready or not. This works out well, I think. :good

Go, Povetkin.

[Vanboxingfan]

I personally think he's at least 4-5 fights away, and while I admire him going after Wlad who is clearly the best in the division I think he should do so slowly and systematically. I fight against Peters would be a good test.

[Willy Bonka]

In My opinion...


Alexander Povetkin( 13-0-0-10KO ) would be better suited to fight a few more Opponents that have not yet been truly "tested"( Carl Davis Drumond-Costa Rica/ 20-0-0-17KO, Albert Sosnowski-Poland/ 40-1-0-24KO, Roman Greenberg-Israel/ 25-0-0-17KO ), or "tested", but not currently Title Contenders( Kali Meehan-Australia/ 32-3-0-26KO, Tye Fields-USA/ 38-1-0-34KO, Sinan Samil Sam-Turkey/ 27-4-0-15KO ), ...before appearing in a *Title Bout with Wladimir Klitschko!!! :nono

[brooklyn1550]

No I don't think Larry Holmes is all that great, he's the first heavyweight champion in 100 years to lose his title to a light heavy, not once but twice, the same Lt Heavy that Tyson murdered in 90 seconds. He got knocked out by Duane Bobick in the Pan Am games. He was the best of a weak era. I disagree with you but agree with ATG trainer Emanuel Steward, Vlad continues improving he will be an ATG. Larry and Vlad would be a good fight, Vlad by KO. Foreman KO's Holmes. Prime Ali Ko's Holmes. Frazier KO's Holmes. Vitali KO's Holmes. Liston KO's Holmes. Tyson KO's Holmes. Dempsey KO's Holmes. Sanders KO's Holmes.


You really underestimate Larry Holmes....Sanders KO's Holmes? Give me a break

[DamonD]

Sanders would swing at thin air for 3 or 4 rounds and get jabbed to pieces by Larry, probably laughing and tossing out insults under his breath as he did so.

I do think this is way too early for Povetkin, but let's see how he does in his next 2 fights. Shows just how starved the division is of some interesting contenders rather than the usual old cycle, though.

[joeboxer]

Povetkin isn't worried about losing and padding his record. He is challenging himself. its very refreshing. how much different would this fight be one or two years from now? not that much different. even if he loses so what...no one can ever say he took the easy road and he still has plenty of time (although he is already 27) to make his mark.

[bmf95b]

He is not being put in with Klitschko,....He is being put in against Cris Byrd. Then the winner to face off the winner of Brock and Fast Eddie. Read................................................................................................ ...................

[Rudolph]

Yeah, knocking out aging bums for 5 years while earning money, respect, a high KO%, and star status in Germany sounds like a great way to get experience and get ready for the GOAT HW Klitschko. Povetkin has balls and he doesn't need to waste his time building a reputation. He's on a mission to get to the top as fast as possible and a man with this kind of confidence and so much talent is a huge danger to anybody in his way.


I guess reaching the age of 27 while knocking out hopeless bums, undersized cruiseweights and ageing veterans equals having a lot of balls and a guaranteed win over the best HW out there. A-ha, a-ha, I thought so.

[Rudolph]

It's amazing how so many people think Povetkin has no chance. This is Wlad we're talking about. Who has he even beat to achieve this untouchable status?

It's not that he doesn't have a chance. You make it sound as if he's guaranteed to beat Wlad, which is laughable. Let me ask you something: who has Sasha even beat to hold his chances so high?

[MrSmall]

It's not as if Povetkin is a green boxer, he's been fighting for years and has VAST experience.
So far he's surpassed people's expectations,and has a good couple fights before he maybe fights Wlad.

[Rudolph]

BTW, Povetkin is possibly the only heavyweight today who has the right style against Klitschko. But remember, "right style" doesn't always mean a guaranteed victory.

Right now we've seen Wlad against tall boxers, short boxers, counterpunchers, pressure fighters, sluggers, brawlers, etc. and while he's had his share amount of difficulties he's still lost only three times out of 50+ fights. That means that he's had experience with virtually every existing style of boxing.

But it's not the style that really mattes, it's the quality of execution. Povetkin executes well, but against whom?

On the other hand Povetkin has fought 13 fights against low level opposition, which is expected of anyone who's at the beginning of their pro career. Look at Tyson's fight 20 opponents, look at Lewis' and so on. And he's had his share of trouble too, even against weak competition. The number of shots he took from Ahunanya, for example. But among all of the people on his resume there's no one who even comes close compared to Wlad. Which means Povetkin hasn't had the right experience yet. So yeah, in theory he's got the right style, but has it been practically proven yet? No, it hasn't.

So i guess it's completely valid to say that he's probably not ready yet. For the simple reason of that we haven't seen him beat anyone who even remotely resembles Klitschko in style, power and skill.

[Willy Bonka]

There is a fairly strong possibility that Alex will not even fight W. Klitschko( through the IBF Tournament )...

[joma86]

Originally posted by Alcaldemb:
A comparison of the records of Lennox Lewis and Alexander Povetkin's first 13 opponents at the time they fought them.

Lewis 336

197-126-13 (116). % W 58, L 37, D 3, KO 34

Povetkin 317

232-71-14 (141). % W 73, L 22, D 5, KO 44

Very impressive side by side comparison.
:patsch
So here's a comparison to LL's first 13 Pro fights.
Povetkin's looks more impressive to me:deal

[Willy Bonka]

Hmmm...

[Odo]

Povetkin needs name recognition outside the circle of us hardcare fans.
He fights out of Germany for a German promoter,but hardly any sport fan in Germany has ever heard his name.Povetkin is totally unknown in Germany.
He needs more fights in order to make some noise and get a following in Germany which is one of the biggest box markets on this planet,and where a top fighter usually earns more money than in the USA (well,apart from a handful of elite fighters a la De La Hoya).
Money is the name of this game.Therefore a fight between Povetkin and Wlad would be far too early if it took place within the next 2 years.
So far Povetkin's Germany promoter has done an excellent job,but now is the time to make Povetkin's name known among casual sport fans.
Of course Povetkin has a chance to beat Wlad! Povetkin is probably the best fighter Wlad will ever have faced in his entire pro career.
Povetkin was a superstar at the amateurs-one of the most dominating heavyweights at the amateurs of all times.
Fighters like Calvin Brook or Sam Peter were dwarfs compared with that giant and his huge shadow which no present pro fighter of the younger generation was able to cross at the amateurs.
However,the pro game has its own rules.Markebility is one of the most important factors in the paid ranks.At times a fighter's skills are not really that important.
Povetkin desperately needs name recogition among casual box fans worlwide.No German or American tv channel will pay millions of dollars or euros for a fighter who is hardly known outside the circle of us hardcore fans.

[Willy Bonka]

:think

PREDiCTiON:
Povetkin wins a *victory over Byrd( UD ), Brock *wins over Chambers( KO ), then Povetkin *loses to Brock( TKO )!


END-OF-TOURNAMENT *RESULT:
W. Klitschko vs Brock II.


...I'm not so sure I would enjoy this match-up AGAiN( Wlad too BiG for Brock )! :roll:

[sst]

Chirs Byrd will be a good match up for Povetkin. He will win that fight much the same as he beat Donald. Controlled and winning every exchange. Byrd would do much better agint Chambers. Who is not as crisp a puncher and tends to telagraph his shots. While we are on the topic of Chambers I am disapointed team Povetkin has not got him in the ring. Chambers style is a ko waiting to happen against the accurate Povetkin. He will rake Chambers body when he falls into that shell with his hands around his face. Then close the show when the hands come down. Povetkin is the real deal. He is going to give Team Klitchko nightmares. If Wlad was smart he would be fighting him next before he got any better.

[achillesthegreat]

I don't think he is being moved too fast. Fact is, he can handle it. Wlad appears the best in the division so he'll never face a Wlad to prepare him for what Wlad brings. However if he gets past Byrd then Brock/Chambers he sure as hell will have what he needs under his belt.

He'd have gone 12 rounds, beaten numerous contenders, got a shit load of experience etc

Some can be moved fast, some can't. Povetkin and his team seem to be cool with it.

After 15 fights he'd have done what someone with 25 fights has but would have ten less journeymen on his record.

[achillesthegreat]

I do think Povetkin matches up VERY well with the three in the tournie. None of them are particularly big, strong or powerful. They are all skill merchants and Povetkin doesn't have an issue with that.

To be honest, I think Povetkin would need ONE more fight against someone like McCline. A big bastard.

[huki]

I guess reaching the age of 27 while knocking out hopeless bums, undersized cruiseweights and ageing veterans equals having a lot of balls and a guaranteed win over the best HW out there. A-ha, a-ha, I thought so. If taking huge steps so fast while easily dominating his opponents, then getting into a tournament with two top HWs, and fighting the recognized #1 HW Champ in the world in his 16th fight doesn't equal balls, then I don't know what does.

dude u will now understand that u have no more credibility then him, saying povetkin as everything for him in a fight between him and wlad is proving the fact that u are a fanboy and nothing else, u just proved yourself out, man u dont seem to understand that I get what u mean and tath povetkin is a huge prospect and a force to be reckoned for but im not blinded like u are cause I know for sure that right now he dont stand a chance, later after a few good tune ups, he can have a fight with wlad and maybe beat him but right now wlad is head and shoulder above him and easily Let me take a few minutes and try to understand what you said in that single sentence..

So let me get this. You agree that Povetkin is a force to be reckoned with and could beat Wlad after a few good tune ups, but you say that he doesn't stand any kind of chance against him after two fights against top HW's? NO chance? "saying povetkin as everything for him in a fight between him and wlad is proving the fact that u are a fanboy and nothing else"? It is? That statement only proves that you're the one who doesn't know what you're talking about. Povetkin does have everything (and more) that one needs to beat Klitschko. The question is if Povetkin could actually be ready to take him on so early and I think the answer is yes. Wlad has never faced anybody in his career who has everything that he has on paper. Wlad has gotten knocked out 3 times and he has improved since his last loss a few years ago, but his chin is still glass. Povetkin's skills, natural abilities, toughness, and confidence present a VERY serious threat to Wlad.. a threat that's much bigger than any threat he's seen so far after the first Brewster fight. That's not just "fanboy" talk, it's looking at the situation realistically and I think most people would agree with that.

It's not that he doesn't have a chance. You make it sound as if he's guaranteed to beat Wlad, which is laughable. Let me ask you something: who has Sasha even beat to hold his chances so high?
Yes, I make it sound like I think it's a guarantee that he will beat Wlad. I am confident in him and that's that. I could turn it around and say that it is laughable to think that Wlad KOing Povetkin is a guarantee also. This is besides the point.

Who has Povetkin beat? It doesn't matter. That's not what you ask when a young pro fighter is up against a champion. If you asked that about Tyson in early '86, you would get a useless answer. When you look at a young pro against a champ, you look at what he has already accomplished in his life and you look at his skills/abilities. Povetkin is not just another super HW gold medalist, he is a legendary amateur HW. He has carried what he learned in the amateurs to the pro's very well and when you look at him move and act in the ring, it is clear that he is very experienced, relaxed, and knows exactly what he is doing. He has not lost a round in his career yet, even though he has taken huge steps very quickly in just 13 fights. He just shut out a world class opponent who in his last fight did enough to beat a HW champion in many people's eyes. Now next, you look at his abilities and skills. There is no question that he has great abilities. Power, speed, accuracy, reflexes, mental toughness, and chin (this isn't a fact yet, but there has been zero evidence so far to suggest it isn't). Skills: a great variety of punches, timing, countering, controlling the ring, balance, and more. After beating Byrd and Brock/Chambers, Povetkin will not be as green and although it would help to take some more fights before Klitschko, it shouldn't be a shock to see him beat Wlad so early in his career, especially when you look at everything he has and everything that poses a threat to Wlad.

Wow, that's a long-ass post. I spent too much time in this thread. I'll start talking about Povetkin stuff once the matches become official, but for now, I've had enough arguing with you guys about this for so long, especially a certain 56 yaer old guy who thinks a prime Larry Holmes would get KOed by Corrie Sanders. :dead Can one of you at least say, "yes, I see how Povetkin could be a huge threat to Wlad when you look at both of them, even so early in his career"?

[Heavyrighthand]

People it depends on how Povetkin does in this tournament. If he is able to dominate Byrd and the Brock/Chambers winner then I would say he has earned the right to fight Wladimir and, while he could probably use a fight against someone like Virchis, would have experience at a relatively high level that might just prepare him for the fight.
.

Right, while Povetkin may not be ready, right now, after these two fights against world class opposition, he just may then be ready to at least take a stab at fighting Wlad.

Povetkin should be really tested after these two upcoming fights. Then we'll see if he's Wlad ready.

[Willy Bonka]

Like I said;



In My opinion...

Alexander Povetkin( 13-0-0-10KO ) would be better suited to fight a few more Opponents that have not yet been truly "tested"( Carl Davis Drumond-Costa Rica/ 20-0-0-17KO, Albert Sosnowski-Poland/ 40-1-0-24KO, Roman Greenberg-Israel/ 25-0-0-17KO ), or "tested", but not currently Title Contenders( Kali Meehan-Australia/ 32-3-0-26KO, Tye Fields-USA/ 38-1-0-34KO, Sinan Samil Sam-Turkey/ 27-4-0-15KO ), ...before appearing in a *Title Bout with Wladimir Klitschko!!!



PREDiCTiON:
Povetkin wins a *victory over Byrd( UD ), Brock *wins over Chambers( KO ), then Povetkin *loses to Brock( TKO )!

END-OF-TOURNAMENT *RESULT:
W. Klitschko vs Brock II.

...not particularly interesting, Wlad was too BiG for Brock! :roll:

[El Bombasto]

if his management is trying to keep him undefeated and milk a big payday, then yes

if they want him to fight the best, are not concerned about losing a couple of fights, and want to see what he's really got (true old school approach, and we need more of it), then no

[o_money]

maybe he's being rushed too fast but I didn't see the larry donald fight so I can't say for sure. As far as I can tell however fighting an ex-world champ and extremely skilled guy like bird in your fourteenth fight is rushing it.

And as far as fighting Klitchko even if he smokes bird and and chambers/brock he hasn't go the nessiary ring experience with a fighter that posses similar physical challenges the way klitchko does. So I would say almost certainly that he's being rushed into that fight. I'd rather see him win this tournament then fight a big strong guy like vv or something. or maybe even a peter to show that he can hang in there with a banger. because for such a skilled guy he sure takes a lot of shots.

[El Bombasto]

:think

PREDiCTiON:
Povetkin wins a *victory over Byrd( UD ), Brock *wins over Chambers( KO ), then Povetkin *loses to Brock( TKO )!


END-OF-TOURNAMENT *RESULT:
W. Klitschko vs Brock II.


...I'm not so sure I would enjoy this match-up AGAiN( Wlad too BiG for Brock )! :roll:

you either have an extraordinarily high opinion of brock or are way underrating byrd

[Bummy Davis]

A Evander H. fight would be risky for him but a good NAME fight to get him exposure in the U.S. and Europe a fight with Skelton in England, then Rahman...but I think a Rahman fight or Holyfield would be a good reconition fight, a cable fight and he could beat those guys but they would not be easy, Alex toughest fight so far was Donald who has not fought in 2 years, he did not drop Larry, no sence in fighting Vlad right now, the $$$$would not be there because no one knows who he is in the U.S. or Europe and right now Vlad might Ruin the kid with a terrific beating

[El Bombasto]

Probably, but perhaps he and his management don't care too much about staying undefeated

[Bigcat]

They have moved him perfectly so far , but after a man like Larry Donald they have to carefully evaluate where they are actually at.. Guinn is a good yardstick to measure him against..

[curmudgeon]

I guess reaching the age of 27 while knocking out hopeless bums, undersized cruiseweights and ageing veterans equals having a lot of balls and a guaranteed win over the best HW out there. A-ha, a-ha, I thought so.

If I remember correctly, he reached age of 27 after starting carreer by winning World and euro kickboxing and then winning all top tournaments out there in boxing - Olympics, World, Euro etc. Then starting out his pro carreer as good as anybody in the recent history.
Nothing is guaranteed, but I would not bet too much on Wlad in this match. Povetkin is pretty much an antidote to him; fast forward, exremely technical, big balls and good chin. Wlad did not fight anybody like him - at all.

[curmudgeon]

And he's had his share of trouble too, even against weak competition. The number of shots he took from Ahunanya, for example.

What episode you are referring to? He did not as much as blink against Friday, and Friday can bang.

He takes as many shots as he can safely take. Kid got brains.

[madpup]

If Povetkin thinks that he can overcome any potential losses and learn from it, then it is a no. I think he feels he has the mental strength to do it.

Look at Wlad, his losses made him a better boxer.

[Jason997]

Losing to a quality fighter and getting a sense of what it takes to fight at a high level is better then beating up a bunch of tomato cans and has beens.

- Jason

[Willy Bonka]

you either have an extraordinarily high opinion of brock or are way underrating byrd

I appreciate Your opinion, but I wasn't saying that I thought Brock was "all that"( thus, the comment I made that Brock fighting Wlad again would NOT be interesting to Me ), or that Byrd was "good" or "bad", ...I only said how I thought the Tournament would end!

:think

PREDiCTiON:
Povetkin wins a *victory over Byrd( UD ), Brock *wins over Chambers( KO ), then Povetkin *loses to Brock( TKO )!

END-OF-TOURNAMENT *RESULT:
W. Klitschko vs Brock II.

...I'm not so sure I would enjoy this match-up AGAiN( Wlad too BiG for Brock )! :roll:

[Cachibatches]

A win over any and all of the fighters inthis torunament does not help Sascha. He should be fighting guys that can help him get used to size and/pr power. Rahmen, Whitiker, Briggs, hell, Brew would be the perfect measuring stick.

Undersized, slick boxers like Byrd and Chambers are no stick at all. And Brock only just has enough power to make it a little intersting.

[Vantage_West]

id like to see how he handles byrd. ive never gotten the chance to see him fight but out of the three that i have see fight. Byrd, Brock, and Chambers id have to put my money on chambers the kid is good and i hope iit comes down to him and povetkin thats a hell of a fightbyrd and chambers are thw ones not to face chambers is all workrate and rope a dope defence where as povetkin and brock are punchers with a jab.


i would think chambers goes to the top very quick hands not alot of power but alot of stamina and defence covers up everything most heavies dont have.

[Feiti]

I think it´s too early for him. Oleg Maskaev was matched with high level competition too early and it may have ruined him.

Just puttin Alex in the tournament is a huge risk. I am inclined to think he will win it, but it´s definitely far from certain that he´ll be able to beat Byrd and Brock.

[Bummy Davis]

Thats why Joe Frazier avoided the tournement back in the 70's and let Ellis win it and when he was ready fought Ellis, smart corner, Povetikens people are inexperienced on the pro level. He needs to make himself known in euorope and U.S. a fight with Holyfield,Byrd,Rahman, would do this in the U.S. but its not a lock that Alex can win them, he has beaten Donald but he needs to fight a name to get exposure, Evander may fit the bill but Evander will go down fighting

[jaycuban]

wait till Solis gets his hands on him.

[Brickhaus]

A win over any and all of the fighters inthis torunament does not help Sascha. He should be fighting guys that can help him get used to size and/pr power. Rahmen, Whitiker, Briggs, hell, Brew would be the perfect measuring stick.

Undersized, slick boxers like Byrd and Chambers are no stick at all. And Brock only just has enough power to make it a little intersting.

I still don't see how fighting those guys gets Povetkin ready for Wlad. He's already dealt with tall fighters before, so that's not so much of an issue. If it turns out that he can't handle a punch, then he never gets his shot against Wlad anyway; he might as well get KOed by the best out there so he can still have a career fighting lesser fighters. Other than that, stylictically, he should be able to dominate any of the big, plodding HWs. He'd need to fight someone with size, power and speed, and to be honest, Wlad's the only one out there at the moment. He could take 20 more fights and still wouldn't be prepared, other than that Wlad will have gotten old by then.

[Curtis Lowe]

Is he so good that they can put him in with Wlad in 15th pro fight or are they rushing him too fast and he should have 20 or so pro bouts before taking on Wlad?

I think you may be getting ahead of yourself. First he has to beat Byrd, no easy task, as we all know Byrd has a very difficult style for most to deal with. If he beats Byrd, then can beat the winner of Chambers/Brock fight, he may very well be ready. About a year will have past, he will have matured more, gained that much more experience and Wlad will be another year older.

I don't see the point in letting him have a bunch of lesser type fights and take the chance of picking up bad habits. If he happens to fight Wlad and loses, so be it. It won't be the end of the world.

[Stinky gloves]

Gold Olymic medalist, wins over Donald, Brock, Byrd/Chambers ...
what do you want more before getting title shot? Should he spar
with some other recognized veteran like Toney, Holyfield or Rahman?

[Danny Ocean]

even if he loses hes young enough to learn from it, it would be funny to see everyone jump off the bandwagon

[Vincent Gottschalk]

it's not are a matter of just losing it a matter of losing by knockout some fighters are just not the same after getting knocked out. Wladimir is one of hardest hitters in heavyweight history Povetkin is a come forword boxer puncher who's gonna walk right into Wlad big guns.:nono

[chliJs]

i don't think he's being pushed too fast. he won't have a chance against wlad, but this has nothing to do with him being pushed too fast. i would give him good chances against the other beltholders, so i consider him to be in the top league. but only because he isn't ready for wlad, yet, doesn't mean they shouldn't give him a try. let him lose against the best, take him out of the fight if it's too one sided, i don't care. it's still a matchup i would prefer over pseudo championship fights between ibragimov and chagaev, simply because it's two elite fighters facing each other, one in his prime who doesn't have to prove anything anymore, the other in an early stage of his career who will most likely benefit from this experience.

[madpup]

I think Wlad still had lots to prove, look at the anti-Wlad brigade here. He will only get widespread respect if he unifies.

[Bummy Davis]

he should avoid the Vlad fight for as long as he can,wait for the unification and build up a name for himself in the U.S. and Europe where the money is and also get a Bigger name in Germany. Then a title fight with Vlad will Pay $$$$$

[Brickhaus]

i don't think he's being pushed too fast. he won't have a chance against wlad, but this has nothing to do with him being pushed too fast. i would give him good chances against the other beltholders, so i consider him to be in the top league. but only because he isn't ready for wlad, yet, doesn't mean they shouldn't give him a try. let him lose against the best, take him out of the fight if it's too one sided, i don't care. it's still a matchup i would prefer over pseudo championship fights between ibragimov and chagaev, simply because it's two elite fighters facing each other, one in his prime who doesn't have to prove anything anymore, the other in an early stage of his career who will most likely benefit from this experience.

:yep

[Odo]

i don't think he's being pushed too fast. he won't have a chance against wlad, but this has nothing to do with him being pushed too fast. i would give him good chances against the other beltholders, so i consider him to be in the top league. but only because he isn't ready for wlad, yet, doesn't mean they shouldn't give him a try. let him lose against the best, take him out of the fight if it's too one sided, i don't care. it's still a matchup i would prefer over pseudo championship fights between ibragimov and chagaev, simply because it's two elite fighters facing each other, one in his prime who doesn't have to prove anything anymore, the other in an early stage of his career who will most likely benefit from this experience.

Why wont he have any chance against Wlad?

Povetkin was one of the most dominating amateur heavies of all times.His amateur career was even more impressive than Wlad's one.In the paid ranks he has been matched tougher and moved faster than Wlad.
He may be the underdog against Wlad,but he for sure has a decent chance to beat Wlad IMO.

[Brickhaus]

Why wont he have any chance against Wlad?

Povetkin was one of the most dominating amateur heavies of all times.His amateur career was even more impressive than Wlad's one.In the paid ranks he has been matched tougher and moved faster than Wlad.
He may be the underdog against Wlad,but he for sure has a decent chance to beat Wlad IMO.

Because he's shorter, slower, has less reach and has less power. Wlad has never been outboxed, and I can't see Povetkin being able to get off the end of his jab to outbox him. Wlad's only shaky attribute is his chin, and Povetkin isn't going to smash that no matter how many more fights he takes. The only chance of Povetkin beating Wlad is if Wlad suddenly gets old and loses some of the snap on his jab.

That and because Wlad is American and Povetkin isn't :nut

[Alcaldemb]

Because he's shorter, slower, has less reach and has less power. Wlad has never been outboxed, and I can't see Povetkin being able to get off the end of his jab to outbox him. Wlad's only shaky attribute is his chin, and Povetkin isn't going to smash that no matter how many more fights he takes. The only chance of Povetkin beating Wlad is if Wlad suddenly gets old and loses some of the snap on his jab.

That and because Wlad is American and Povetkin isn't :nut

Wlad is slower than Povetkin and does not put combinations together as well, nor does he have the same expansive arsenal. Wlad obvioulsy has an edge in power, size and experience. However if Povetkin can dominate this tourney he will have just about as much experience as you need to take on the next level. Povetkin hasn't fought a fighter like Wlad, but Wlad also hasn't fought one like Povetkin.

[curmudgeon]

Because he's shorter, slower, has less reach and has less power.

Slower? Have you seen how many punches he can string together in a few seconds? He looks to have every punch in the book, and a few scribbled on the margins of some rare forgotten copy.

[Tom_Tocca]

Wlad is slower than Povetkin and does not put combinations together as well, nor does he have the same expansive arsenal. Wlad obvioulsy has an edge in power, size and experience. However if Povetkin can dominate this tourney he will have just about as much experience as you need to take on the next level. Povetkin hasn't fought a fighter like Wlad, but Wlad also hasn't fought one like Povetkin.
If Holy actually wins vs. Ibragimov he will pose a good test for Wlad how to cope with Povetkin...

[PATSYS]

"Being rushed too fast" is a redundant statement.

[Grabonator]

They are not rushing him to fast. Povetkin is an ready fighter. Povetkin has still to beat 2 good fighters before he can fight Wlad and i think he is already an developed pro. He wont improve much from this point anymore IMO. He is as good as he is. After 2 fights hes ready for anyone and if not he will never be. Povetkin was already verry good when he turned pro and he hasnt changed much since then IMO because he was already an well rounded, skilled fighter. I think he will lose to Wlad, not because he was rushed biut because he is not big enough for Wlad and he will have Problems to hit Wlad. Povetkinis verry good but definatly no future ATG or p4p Top5