So Where Does Wlad Go From Here?

With the exception of his brother (I just don't know what to make of that so I'm going to just ignore it) Wlad has now defeated ten Ring Magazine ranked contenders in his last eleven fights.

Of the current Ring ranked contenders Wlad has beaten #'s 2, 5 and 6. So who does that leave?

In the order of their rankings

Povetkin
Adamek (he's, ahem, busy)
Dimitrenko
Boytsov
Helenius
Arreola

Let's go through them

Povetkin-Pluses, unbeaten, amateur pedigree, good puncher, has fought several gigantic fighters, trained by Teddy Atlas. Minuses He's another one of those good all around 6'2, 230 pounders with ordinary reach. We've seen this film already but he's the highest ranked guy..

Dimitrenko-Pluses, Taller, heavier and longer than Wlad. Coming off a good win over Albert Sosnowski and seems to have learned from the Chambers fight. Minuses Eddie Chambers was able to really dominate him. Eddie went wherever he wanted and he hurt Dimitrenko. Bad memory, but as said, he seems to have improved. Not a bad next fight.

Boystov-Pluses-Technically pretty good, likes to fight, seems to bring some sting when he punches. At only 25 the youngest of the possibles. Unbeaten. Minuses-Yet another 6'2, 220 guy. Biggest win is probably Bedenko, not impressive. Vinny freaking Madelone went the distance with him a couple of years ago. Too soon is my guess.

Helenius-Pluses-A BIG man at 6'7 and 240 or so. Has taken out a couple of names in Sam Peter and Lamon Brewster and has also beaten at least one gigantic fighter. Minuses Only had 15 fights and seems to have an August date with Liakhovich. Not a bad choice in my mind if he wins that fight.

Arreola-Pluses-There is absolute 100% certainty he would show up and fight hard. Big enough to compete, punches hard enough to be a threat. Seems to have his weight under control. Minuses-Always possible he shows up at 260 and stinks out the joint. Dominated by Vitali already. If he can't get by Adamek how does this get marketed? If Arreola shows up fit and destroys Ahunanya next week, why not?

It seems to me the right candidates are Povetkin, Arreola, Helenius and Dimitrenko. Helenius' people may think he needs another couple of fights so I'll guess he's out for now.

The right order is probably Povetkin, Arreola and Dimitrenko.

If Povetkin passes, is it possible Arreola gets the nod because HBO would be willing to pay something for a fit Arreola?

Where should Wlad go next?

I would most like to see him fight Helenius I think. Don't see him losing though. I think David Price MIGHT be able to beat everyone on that list already. I think it's time for him to step up his competition. This is not me picking the Brit because I am British, as some may feel. I have honestly seen some good things in Price, but he is still a couple of years away from Wlad and thats if he keeps improving at the rate he has been.

honestly don't think any of em stand a chance, as you gave pretty good reasons on each. Every single one of em is lacking to much in one aspect or another, where as wlad these days is just so refined. You're not going to be able to just bumrush him or wait for him to tire like it used to be in the past, and as we saw one big shot isn't going to do it either. Its going to take someone with good boxing skills, good pop on their punches and willing to throw at least close to what wlad is throwing. Of the people on that list I see nobody beating him unless wlad gets old, as for who he should fight next, just fight em all and call it a day.

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Originally Posted by rjj tszyu

I would most like to see him fight Helenius I think. Don't see him losing though. I think David Price MIGHT be able to beat everyone on that list already. I think it's time for him to step up his competition. This is not me picking the Brit because I am British, as some may feel. I have honestly seen some good things in Price, but he is still a couple of years away from Wlad and thats if he keeps improving at the rate he has been.

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Price is miles away from being ready for this level. He's had what? Ten fights? And he's been in with a series of absolute nobodies. But he sure is BIG!

He's at least 2-3 years away is my guess.

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Originally Posted by armin

honestly don't think any of em stand a chance, as you gave pretty good reasons on each. Every single one of em is lacking to much in one aspect or another, where as wlad these days is just so refined. You're not going to be able to just bumrush him or wait for him to tire like it used to be in the past, and as we saw one big shot isn't going to do it either. Its going to take someone with good boxing skills, good pop on their punches and willing to throw at least close to what wlad is throwing. Of the people on that list I see nobody beating him unless wlad gets old, as for who he should fight next, just fight em all and call it a day.

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It seems absolutely crazy to even me, but the fight I think I'd like to see is with Fatboy Arreola.

I think that fight would ruin arreola for good, only so many bombs you can take on that chin till your chin tells ya to get a new profession. Cris would give it his all but don't think he finishes the fight on his feet. Who knows tho cris has some good combos when he throws em. I think wlad is just a class above the rest, and at this point in time he'd even beat vitali in a fight as well. I think the thing that'll beat wlad in the end is father time.

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Originally Posted by armin

I think that fight would ruin arreola for good, only so many bombs you can take on that chin till your chin tells ya to get a new profession. Cris would give it his all but don't think he finishes the fight on his feet. Who knows tho cris has some good combos when he throws em. I think wlad is just a class above the rest, and at this point in time he'd even beat vitali in a fight as well. I think the thing that'll beat wlad in the end is father time.

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Tough to argue with any of that.

It's a shame that there isn't more out there for him, between the two of them the Klits have nailed it. Shame they will never bust each other up, but I guess you could never ask them to. I say just beat whoever is ranked and have 3 more fights.

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Originally Posted by miles

It's a shame that there isn't more out there for him, between the two of them the Klits have nailed it. Shame they will never bust each other up, but I guess you could never ask them to. I say just beat whoever is ranked and have 3 more fights.

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I don't think you could ever demand it of brothers either, but it'd be the highest grossing fight of all-time wouldn't it?

I suspect promoters would fall all over themselves to offer them each $50 million.

Well, Povotkin would be the next logical stop but I feel that what will determines his next move might well be the issue of Vitali-Adamek: The brothers plan was that they should hold all the belts together and then, Wladimir should be the next Unified hW. Would Vitali lose against Adamek, it would be Adamek-Wlad and would Vitali wins... I guess that then Vitali will retire (as he told once) and that Wlad would make the necessary fights to put his hold on the missing belt. I guess it would play something along those lines.

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Wlad has now defeated ten Ring Magazine ranked contenders in his last eleven fights.

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Whoa thats an impressive stat and contradicts the theory that he is only fighting bums. I know these guys werent great fighters but they were the best on offfer and Wvlad not only beats them but dominates them. I hope he gets his dues because he deserves it.

Adamek is the last of the realistic challengers left. The others are pretty predictable in that they wont get past either brothers jab. Congrats to the Klitschkos for achieveing their goal. I'd pick them over Phil and Grant Mitchel too.

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Originally Posted by marbleheadmaui

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Originally Posted by miles

It's a shame that there isn't more out there for him, between the two of them the Klits have nailed it. Shame they will never bust each other up, but I guess you could never ask them to. I say just beat whoever is ranked and have 3 more fights.

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I don't think you could ever demand it of brothers either, but it'd be the highest grossing fight of all-time wouldn't it?

I suspect promoters would fall all over themselves to offer them each $50 million.

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It would be surreal to see them going at it. I want that fight more than any other.

I think if Adamek were to pull out a miracle and beat Vitali then that would be the next logical step. Also the winner of Fury vs Chisora could happen. It is defiantly slim pickings in the heavies right now. I don't think we will see Wlad for the rest of this year.

Povetkin would be the most logical choice, but who knows what is going on in the mind of Teddy Atlas.

Nobody mentioned Valuev here. I'd like to see that purely cos its a challenge that Wlad hasnt yet faced, fighting a bigger man. I mean im sure Wlad would win (but im sure he'd beat anyone previously mentioned in the thread tbh) but at least its something different. Dude might have retired though, not sure, hasnt fought since the Haye fight.

Povetkin is long overdue to fight Wlad and he talked a ton of shit just like Haye did....but that stalled when his career stalled. I'm not certain of what he brings to the table anymore, he hasn't fought top contenders for a while, he's moving too slow, and I don't see the fire in him there once was. I'd LOVE for Povetkin to take out a guy like Stiverne before getting his shot vs Wlad.

Helenius and Dimitrenko seem ready to me, they've both been active, both fighting decent competition and they are big guys and good boxers. I'm a little worried about what Helenius brings to the table, but Wlad would still be a heavy favorite over both.

Arreola is on the road back...I'm interested in that fight, it's bound to be more exciting simply due to the fact that all Arreola knows how to do is brawl, he won't run and hide.

2 more to consider: Ruslan Chagaev 2 (not my favorite choice) or Nicolay Valuev....I would thoroughly enjoy Wladimir ridding the heavyweight division of the 2 biggest frauds (one litterally the biggest the other figuratively) it's ever seen. I think a Wlad-Valuev fight would be pretty decent and he'd get some credit if he KO'd Nico too.

If Odlanier Solis can get his knee healed up he's by far the best opponent imo.

I'd also love to see how Mike Perez develops over the next couple years. A good future long term prospect imo, although I have no idea how long Wlad will be sticking around for.

Aside from them though there is really nobody and it wouldn't surprise me at all to see the winner of Chisora Fury (so Chisora) lined up for a shot next year.

Helenuis can be sold as a big man, knockout puncher. Big fight down the road.

I think it would be fun to see Wlad against Valuev too. To see him in with someone bigger and to potentially see an oak tree tear a hole through the canvas. WOuld be an awesome spectacle.

Wlad says he loves boxing (strange, because he doesn't act like it in the ring) and wants to be around for awhile longer so he may have another 1/2 dozen fights left in him.

Povetkin is probably as good as he's ever going to be, in fact having Teddy Atlas as your trainer can only make you worse, so Povetkin may as well just get his ass-whippin' over with.

Helenuis would be an intriguing fight for Wlad, he looked pretty good stopping Sam Peter, and he's a big HW. I believe it would be a fun fight to watch. :cool:

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Originally Posted by miles

I think it would be fun to see Wlad against Valuev too. To see him in with someone bigger and to potentially see an oak tree tear a hole through the canvas. WOuld be an awesome spectacle.

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I'd rather see Vitali fight Valuev, now that would be a trip.

Where does Wlad go from here? He goes back home to his Beverly Hills mansion and count his money.
Anyone find it funny that a Ukrainian born in Kazackstan that now lives in Beverly Hills, California but made a shit load of money off of Germans and Brits that he has no connection with?

Now that's what I call hustling, son.

Fight his brother.

yep maybe have two more fights and retire.

Only type of fighter who is going to trouble him is someone of similar physical stature - and brother side there ain't no one out there :-\

though I recognize Wlad's dominance and skill I don't really rate him :-\ go figure

If I'm Wlad I go for:
Povetkin and when he passes, I fight Arreola.

Dimitrenko should be as ready as he ever will be by the following fight
Helenius should be ready as he ever will be by late next year
Boystov should be ready as he ever will be by late next year

Wlad's team should have him fight every 3 months from now till the end of 2012 and have him retire. Spank all of these guys and then walk away.

Wlad or Vitali vs the freashow (Valuev) would be bizarre. Holy shit. Watching Wlad use that huge head as target practice. I think the biggest concern would be either Klit brother breaking their hand on that huge, thick, skull.

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Originally Posted by J_C

Nobody mentioned Valuev here. I'd like to see that purely cos its a challenge that Wlad hasnt yet faced, fighting a bigger man. I mean im sure Wlad would win (but im sure he'd beat anyone previously mentioned in the thread tbh) but at least its something different. Dude might have retired though, not sure, hasnt fought since the Haye fight.

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It didn't even occur to me that fight could be sold. But maybe it could! The argument is, I guess, "I beat the little guy, now I'll beat the big guy."

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

If Odlanier Solis can get his knee healed up he's by far the best opponent imo.

I'd also love to see how Mike Perez develops over the next couple years. A good future long term prospect imo, although I have no idea how long Wlad will be sticking around for.

Aside from them though there is really nobody and it wouldn't surprise me at all to see the winner of Chisora Fury (so Chisora) lined up for a shot next year.

Helenuis can be sold as a big man, knockout puncher. Big fight down the road.

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Do you think people believe Vitali's KO was really a function of an injured knee? I don't. I think the KO caused the injured knee.

People who agree with me would say that makes Solis not credible. But I don't really knwo what people think on that one.

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Originally Posted by generalbulldog

where does wlad go from here? He goes back home to his beverly hills mansion and count his money.
Anyone find it funny that a ukrainian born in kazackstan that now lives in beverly hills, california but made a shit load of money off of germans and brits that he has no connection with?

Now that's what i call hustling, son.

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lol!

How many wins do you think Wlad retires with? Over 60?

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Originally Posted by El Kabong

How many wins do you think Wlad retires with? Over 60?

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If Vitali tells us anything about Wlad's DNA he should be able to perform at a high level for another three years anyway. That's what? 6 fights? Sounds like 60-61 or so.

He'll end up with the same kind of win number as Baer, Tunney, Holmes, Louis and Dempsey (what are recorded fights anyway). Behind guys like Ezzard and Foreman and ahead of guys like Ali, Patterson, Schmeling and Tyson.

I dunno what it means though.

Wlad should fight more often. I think he would be sharper if he fought every 3-4 months (as he used to do).

Especially with the caliber of opponents out there. If you beat 6 guys in say 20 months, you get alot more credit than beating 3 of those guys over the same time period.

He can't build his legacy on great opponents, so he should just mow everyone down he can.

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Originally Posted by captainanddew

Wlad should fight more often. I think he would be sharper if he fought every 3-4 months (as he used to do).

Especially with the caliber of opponents out there. If you beat 6 guys in say 20 months, you get alot more credit than beating 3 of those guys over the same time period.

He can't build his legacy on great opponents, so he should just mow everyone down he can.

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Yup. He could likely get nine fights in three years. If he did that? He likely beats everyone and will have mowed down the division. Then even his harshest critics will have to concede that while he may not be a great fighter, he was a great champion.

I wonder about Helenius though. Sort of smells like he might have the goods a few fights down the line.

I don't know about helenius, he needs to vastly improve. Granted I seen one full fight and some highlights on youtube so what I'm basing my opinion on is very limited. He doesn't seem active enough, kind of plodding and no head movement, target practice for wlad in my mind right now.

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Originally Posted by armin

I don't know about helenius, he needs to vastly improve. Granted I seen one full fight and some highlights on youtube so what I'm basing my opinion on is very limited. He doesn't seem active enough, kind of plodding and no head movement, target practice for wlad in my mind right now.

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Yup. But I wonder two years down the line. I mean if you were trying to craft a fighter to beat Wlad you'd go one of two ways. A bob and weave, highly active, endless gas tank, good chin, good punch, huge heart (think Joe Frazier) or you'd go with a long, tall guy who can punch and who can take one (think a 6'4+ Big George). Can Helenius be that latter guy?

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Originally Posted by marbleheadmaui

I don't think you could ever demand it of brothers either, but it'd be the highest grossing fight of all-time wouldn't it?

I suspect promoters would fall all over themselves to offer them each $50 million.

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It would be a sparring session. People wont buy it.

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Originally Posted by miron_lang

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Originally Posted by marbleheadmaui

I don't think you could ever demand it of brothers either, but it'd be the highest grossing fight of all-time wouldn't it?

I suspect promoters would fall all over themselves to offer them each $50 million.

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It would be a sparring session. People wont buy it.

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I dunno. The story is these guys had to stop sparring one another years ago because of the ferocity with which they went at it.