Wladimir, Arreola and Stiverne

[Max Power]

Obviously todays boxing world is one in which the fighters only compete 2 or 3 times a year. This would not be so bad if the top contenders and champs would fight each other on each occasion or because the ranking systems are skewed anyhow a more accurate match would be who the public perceives as the most dangerous opponents for the champs.

Currently, disregarding those that Wladimir has already fought (Haye), there are 2 would be challengers that should be regarded imo as the next logical step for Wladimir. Arreola or Stiverne pose something of a threat to the champ. Obviously Wlad is clear favourite but one of the things that unites these 2 challengers over what Wlad has had in his last several fights which have certainly been with lacklustre opponents is that these 2 guys have decent skills of their own... And both of them have a very hard punch!

Honestly I regard these guys far more deadly than Mormeck, Pianeta, Povetkin or Wach. Thoughts

Also these 2 guys along with Deontay Wilder if he pans out represent the foreseeable hopes imo for an American HW champion in a post Klitschko world, does anybody agree or have anything to offer on what the landscape might look like there??

[Spicoli]

Stiverne and Wilder for vacancy looks like a possibility. I personally, just me here, don't think Wilder has shown a thing to be mentioned with either Arreola or Stiverne...at the very least in accomplishment. He says he wants Wlad but you don't need "power" to beat Wlad..you need an identity, a wrap of barbwire to prevent hugging and real accurate skill..going past 4 rounds helps also Deontay. I like Jennings and think he does much better than Wilder or Arreola. Call me nuts. Power can be overrated and empty if you cannot touch him in the first place.

[Max Power]

No you are quite right regarding the power thing and that is exactly why I mentioned Wilder only as an IF. I agree Jennings may prove to be a better IF down the track but thing is with these guys like Jennings and Mitchell that come from football to boxing, they are not seasoned and don't have a "boxing brain" like Arreola and Stiverne and I'm not certain about the chin of Jennings or of Wilder's for that matter. I like Arreola and Stiverne not just because they pack a big punch, but they can take a lot of good shots too. A requirement against the Ukranians.

Either way I am usually bashing American Heavyweights but now I think I can comfortably say there are some decent competitors for the post Klit era. However as I said first, it would be nice if Vit would just retire already and Wlad would just fight one of them instead of taking the safe road.

I would also like to bet that Deontay will go the way of the big bust. He's the 2010's Michael Grant! lol But until then he's a solid prospect so I will mind my P's and Q's on that!

[El Kabong]

In order of what fights I would want to see most

1. Arreola - Can take a solid shot, good power, more motivated this go round.
2. Jennings - Flashy but can also trade, untested chin, decent pop for a smaller heavyweight, good handspeed, but not tight defensively for a slick fighter.
3. Tyson Fury - Because I want to see that dumb oaf demolished.
4. Pulev - He's supposed to be very good, let's see if he can succeed where Haye, Povetkin, et al have failed.
5. Stiverne - Sam Peter with a pure counterpunch mentality.
6. Wilder - Former sparring partner of Wlad's, big punch, never tested anywhere near Wlad's level

I think at this point Wlad wins them all fairly easily but Arreola, Wilder, and Stiverne have puncher's chances.

[erics44]

wlad would out cuddle these boys quite easily

areola, if far too chubby to avoid the cuddles

[Silkeyjoe]

IMO Stiverne and Arreola are too small to have a chance against Wlad. Arreola would take a bad beating. Stiverne has a better chance because he is slick and can slip punches and counter but dont think he gets close to Wlad. Wilder has the best chance of the 3 because of his height and power but Id say Wlad would catch him first and doubt he has a chin to take what Wlad dishes out. Jennings too small to.

I actually give Fury a better chance then most, especially Haye, because of his size but again I dont think he has the chin to take what Wlad dishes out. So who else does that leave. Pulev? Helenius? Solis? All no hopers Im afraid. Price was my pick to dethrone Wlad but judging by his stamina and chin issues looks very unlikely now.