My opinion of Valuev

[Purist]

I actually like his personality. I just don't know how he'll do as a boxer against the top guys. I think we're all being too hard on him, because he's trying as hard as he can. And he should be applauded for that. And he seems to care about what the fans think of him. Hey he used to be a side show and decided he wanted to be Heavyweight champ and he got that title. Points should be awarded for trying and effort. even though he's not the best style to watch he's trying as hard as he can and is learning every day. And I realised that after last night and I appreciate him for it. He's a pretty ok heavyweight, I can applaud him for his effort and I wish him well. That said, I think Byrd would beat him and Wlad could beat him, but if that laping right hand catches anyone its gonna be over. Thing about Valuev I noticed is he is patient and looks for openings and then takes them, we see it as boring.. but actually.. its something good. He needs to improve that defense and tighten up his jab and add a more reputoire of punches and he'll do fine.

[jabvargas24]

couldnt agree more. CC

[Wacko3205]

Good thoughts. Not quite what I expected from you on him...as opposed to what you used to think about the big guy...but good thoughts all the same.

He is getting better & he does get the job done...that's what I like about him. He's been cracked good several times & has kept on coming. He's improved his combo's & he's finally gotten a decent jab going.

At a time like this in the heavyweight division...that might be all it takes.

[fightinfireman]

hear, hear! good post

[Pugilistic]

your right. he is trying at least. im going to give him a chance

[Lords Gym]

I'm not all that impressed with the big guy. Valuve is awkward and thus is somewhat effective, but any real sound fighter should be able to cash his check. I do like him as person. but as a boxer he is shit. Fights like that are a hard watch for me, I don't enjoy these awkward type fights from a fan perspective it bores me stiff. Just my opinion!

[Galaxy]

Gotta give Valuev his props, I figured although Barratt was nothing special he would be able to ring Valuev's bell. But Valuev did what he had to & scored a convincing victory.

[DaxxKahn]

The guy really has a cinderella man type story. I guesss two years ago his whole family wife kids and all lived in a two room apartment...Plus the sideshow thing...Actually King is still doing that but...He seemed fairly nice. I wish he as just a little better in the ring...He is painful to watch for anything more than a round or two..The guy reads novels...Poetry...interesting fellow...If anything he will make some money and be able to give his family a decent lifestyle..

[gyrokai]

Good thread Starr and cc all!

The thing that gets me laughing is that Valuev had fought as textbook as he could the whole fight. Jab, right, uppercuts, etc. Then he throws a haymaker right and it's over, haha.

[TheBESTP4P]

yeah i concurrrr with starrrr Valuev really GREW on me, get it GREW on me?

[BoomBoom]

I think 90% of his problem is his trainer/corner. They gave him horrible instructions and really dont bring out the best in him. I think if he gets a new team hed be better off but i dont see that happening. I like the guy personally cause he is a gentleman but if you can weather the storm, he can be beat. Brewster and Peter imo would beat him.

[El Kabong]

OK, here's my opinion on Valuev.

He's got some heart, good stamina, he's a nice guy and his hands are a bit faster than I expected.


HOWEVER

1. He has NO POWER
2. Barrett fought trying to stay on the outside...Nicolay is 7 feet tall, he takes a step forward and nullifies you staying on the outside
3. Barrett ROCKED him in the first....he hasn't fought any power punchers yet he has been rocked. Watch it again his knees buckled

My keys to victory vs Valuev
1. Stay in "the pocket"
2. Work the body
3. Left hooks!
4. Right cross over the jab

He's a DECENT fighter but I don't think even he thinks he's the best out there.....he does have a hot wife though...good for him

Sam Peter would have a GREAT fight vs him because he throws wild punches and those would reach him.

Wlad would pick him apart though...no doubt in my mind

[ICB]

I actually like his personality. I just don't know how he'll do as a boxer against the top guys. I think we're all being too hard on him, because he's trying as hard as he can. And he should be applauded for that. And he seems to care about what the fans think of him. Hey he used to be a side show and decided he wanted to be Heavyweight champ and he got that title. Points should be awarded for trying and effort. even though he's not the best style to watch he's trying as hard as he can and is learning every day. And I realised that after last night and I appreciate him for it. He's a pretty ok heavyweight, I can applaud him for his effort and I wish him well. That said, I think Byrd would beat him and Wlad could beat him, but if that laping right hand catches anyone its gonna be over. Thing about Valuev I noticed is he is patient and looks for openings and then takes them, we see it as boring.. but actually.. its something good. He needs to improve that defense and tighten up his jab and add a more reputoire of punches and he'll do fine.

thats if byrd could reach him :P

[El Kabong]

Prime Tyson would have ate him alive!

His body is WIDE open for shots....but no one throws to the body.

It was a good showing for Valuev but I think a better showing for Barrett as he caught Nicolay his fair share of times

[DipsmackPeeMonkey]

I have no problem giving Nikolai props for trying his hardest, and he is a unique and refreshing sports personality.

However, no way in hell does Byrd have a chance and seriously, the first "real" heavyweight that he fights is gonna bring his parade to a stand still.

How many times was BArrett allowed to just tee-off and land one? He landed so many chopping right hands it wasn't even funny. And he's not a power hitter... imagine what happens when Klitschko's laser left hook or a Tua right hand or a Shannon Briggs right hook finds the mark...?

He'll be enjoyable to watch get chopped down and ponder around the ring, but his time is limited. If i was 330 pounds with very little boxing skill, I could stay at the top for awhile too on account of my sheer size.

Good post, very thoughtful, I just think folks are trying to see something that isnt there.