Boxing Preview Analysis: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Tony Thompson

Tonight in Hamburg, Germany, Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko defends his WBO and IBF Heavyweight titles against Tony Thompson.

In this one, Klitschko, for a change, will be facing an opponent almost equal to him in height. The American challenger from Washington DC stands 6 foot 5 inches tall and has a respectable record of 31 fights with only 1 defeat. He hold wins over divisional contenders Dominick Guinn, Timor Ibragimov and Luan Krasniqi.

Klitschko, the champion, now holds a record of 50 wins with only 3 defeats and for me, is still the best of the bunch at heavyweight currently. Although in an era where marquee heavyweight opponents are sadly lacking, Klitschko is doing the right thing by keeping himself busy and attempting to build a legacy that way.

While Thompson is a respected challenger, I feel his style will play straight into the champion’s hands. The southpaw delivery of Thompson could be tricky for most opponents, but this time it could be the American’s undoing as he will be vulnerable to the Ukranian’s booming right hands when throwing his own left.

The Klitschko of 2008 is a more cautious fighter, but I feel after starting the bout behind his jab, he will begin to connect with his right hand to end the fight on a TKO around the midway mark.