Wladimir Klitschko vs Ruslan Chagaev

[El Kabong]

How will this fight go? Who will win? And what does this fight mean? We also need to consider what happens next if Wlad wins or if Ruslan wins?

[El Kabong]

I think Wladimir will be able to KO Ruslan because this will be Ruslan's first fight with a big puncher and he still has question marks about his chin especially since such a long layoff vs the top level fighters in the division.

After this fight Wladimir will more than likely fight in September vs Alexander Povetkin and then later on vs the winner of Dimitrenko-Chambers (I think this fight will mirror Wlad-Byrd I or II with Dimitrenko totally schooling Fast Eddie).

I know this fight is "disappointing" to the British posters on this board, but this fight means more to the division than any fight David Haye could have, this fight can finally bring about a Valuev-Klitschko matchup and bring the division together...having fighters like John Ruiz FORCED to fight the creme de la creme of the division and thus ensuring their demise. If Wladimir is the winner (especially by KO) this could bring about a great purging of the pretenders in this division because Don King fighters will have to find other routes to title shots rather than ONLY following the WBA ladder to that "title".

[El Kabong]

Although I do rate Ruslan as a very good fighter, I think he doesn't have great 1 punch power, he's smallish, and although he's a southpaw, Wlad has fought Tony Thompson and Sultan Ibragimov and should be well prepared to fight him after trying to prepare for the speed and power of David Haye.

[JazMerkin]

Thought I'd come in here & keep you company Lyle

I think Wlad takes this by a close decision, but I feel it will sadly be a painful fight to watch. I think Haye had Wlad in a position where we would have got a great fight, although I can't deny this fight being good for the division statistically & will give us a lineal champ so I will be watching. I think the jab is the key & see it 115-113 or 116-112 for Wlad.

Hopefully Haye gets a fight with somebody soon & Arreolla realizes he has to get into something approaching shape because this division needs some excitement, and for all their technical merits the Klitschkos just don't provide it.

[El Kabong]

Close decision? How will Chagaev do that? I am interested because Chagaev has good workrate but he's easy to hit, his punches are wide too....easy to pick off with the 1-2. The size difference is ridiculous Chagaev is 6'1 228...that's a small heavyweight even compared to David Haye.

David Haye should take on a fighter who is either as big as Wladimir, punch as hard as Wladimir, or have a similar style as Wladimir, or just a top level heavyweight. If Haye KO'd Sam Peter it would be good for him, I would respect it, it wouldn't be the greatest thing ever but it would be a good solid fight.

[JazMerkin]

Close decision? How will Chagaev do that? I am interested because Chagaev has good workrate but he's easy to hit, his punches are wide too....easy to pick off with the 1-2. The size difference is ridiculous Chagaev is 6'1 228...that's a small heavyweight even compared to David Haye.

David Haye should take on a fighter who is either as big as Wladimir, punch as hard as Wladimir, or have a similar style as Wladimir, or just a top level heavyweight. If Haye KO'd Sam Peter it would be good for him, I would respect it, it wouldn't be the greatest thing ever but it would be a good solid fight.

I think Chagaev's workrate will get him 4 or 5 rounds in the judges eyes at least, but can't see him getting the kind of close decision where anyone could say he was robbed. I wouldn't mind seeing Haye-Dimitrenko, although personally I don't think the HW division is strong enough right now that he should fight his way up. He did actually plan another fight post-Barrett before going for the title, but the bros Klitschko wanted to get on with it.

I think the reason Chagaev won't get knocked out is because of the speed. I think he will see the punches coming enough to ready himself for them, whereas I think if he fought Haye he would find it harder because of the speed, although Wlad undoubtedly hits harder

[Tilt A Whirl]

Close decision? How will Chagaev do that? I am interested because Chagaev has good workrate but he's easy to hit, his punches are wide too....easy to pick off with the 1-2. The size difference is ridiculous Chagaev is 6'1 228...that's a small heavyweight even compared to David Haye.

David Haye should take on a fighter who is either as big as Wladimir, punch as hard as Wladimir, or have a similar style as Wladimir, or just a top level heavyweight. If Haye KO'd Sam Peter it would be good for him, I would respect it, it wouldn't be the greatest thing ever but it would be a good solid fight.

How Chageav may even pull off an upset,is he moves and slips really well for a Soviet era trained fighter

[OumaFan]

Going to boycott this one, has horribly dull written all over it. What a letdown after the Haye fight. If its good I'll catch it later. Don't see Ruslan winning, he may well pull out.

[El Kabong]

Going to boycott this one, has horribly dull written all over it. What a letdown after the Haye fight. If its good I'll catch it later. Don't see Ruslan winning, he may well pull out.

Don't even know you'll have the option to watch it as it won't be on HBO

It might be boring BUT it's a meaningful fight, and it keeps Wlad busy and he needs to fight and defend the titles it's his job...it would be nice if we had a very exciting fight but hell even I think it will be reminiscent of the Sultan Ibragimov fight, but we might be in for a surprisingly good fight if Chagaev just comes forward, that's all he has to do, come forward, let his hands go, and get KO'd

[bzkfn]

How will this fight go? Who will win? And what does this fight mean? We also need to consider what happens next if Wlad wins or if Ruslan wins?

I don't see Wlad going for the KO. This fight is risky for him so I see him playing it cagey as not to risk future paydays. He hasn't been preparing for a southpaw and has just switched his training. Chagaev will make life difficult for him, but I see Wlad winning a decision. If Chagaev won though, I wouldn't be shocked.

I've heard the WBA title will not be on the line, as Valuev is champion, neither Chagaev nor Wlad have applied to the WBA to sanction the fight, and the WBA said they would be unlikely to sanction it even if a request came in as Chagaev's position as champion in recess is under discussion.

[MRBILL]

I hope to hell this fight has more thrills and fireworks than that of the stinky 2008 fiasco of "Klit-Iggy" from New York........

If Rusty Chagaev is gonna make a name for himself, he's got to get the lead out and make a stand....... No jackin' around in the ring posing and feinting, and not throwing anything worth while... I hate that....

I see Wlad Klit as the better man..... It sounds like both are serious, so I expect a good fight...... My guess is, Klit by late round TKO........ Peace...

MR.BILL

[El Kabong]

fightnews.com said something about this fight getting picked up by ESPN Classic!

[USA LOVES THE KLITSCHKOS]

I say Wlad by ko, Ruslan will find out he's not in with the second rate HWs that he's use to fighting.