Quote Originally Posted by TitoFan View Post
Quote Originally Posted by Beanflicker View Post
Quote Originally Posted by TitoFan View Post

C'mon Bean... technical doesn't necessarily mean Wlad's style. Lots of fighters, including heavyweights, have exhibited technical skills on defense that result in their not getting hit that much. Foot movement, moving in and out, head movement, leaning back from hooks, blocking shots, using timing and counterpunching, etc, etc, etc. Particularly at the lower weights. Wlad's idea of defense, especially when facing a strong puncher, is to maul, tie up, and lean on these guys throughout the whole fight. Don't tell me you thought the Povetkin fight was a good fight for Wlad (or the fans). Wlad loses fans everytime he has a fight like that.

I'm not saying Wlad has to allow himself to get hit. I'm just saying there's other types of techniques he could use, and probably would use, if he were less afraid of The Big Bang. Which in turn would result in more fan-friendly fights, and probably a larger fan base particularly in the U.S.
I think the key thing you said there was the "particularly at lower weights" part. Take (arguably) the most technical guy in the sport right now, Rigo and compare him to Wlad. Obviously the difference is one guy is 5'4'' and around 130lbs (fight night) and the other guy is 6'6'', 250lbs with a bodybuilder's physique, and that muscle mass eats up a ton of oxygen. Both guys have have to fight the same length of time, 12 rounds or less, so it's not possible for Wlad to fight the same way as a smaller guy, he's carrying around about 100 extra pounds. So again you have to go back to fighting to someone's body type: Wlad's responsibility is to avoid getting hit in a way that will not burn him out and leave him vulnerable in the mid to late rounds (like earlier in his career) and that's what he has done so you have to respect that.

I'm not saying he's exciting, I'm saying he's technically brilliant for a heavyweight. It's not luck that he isn't taking much punishment out there. And people say "oh he's not good, he's just big and tall". If that's all it took, Tye Fields would have been a dominant champ for the last 15 years, or Valuev would still be around.

No, you're right... you can't compare a big guy like Wlad to a Rigo. But there's been plenty of heavyweights in history who have exhibited good defensive boxing skills, none of which have involved the excessive mauling, leaning, or just pure inactivity (think Sultan fight) of Wlad. Let's take (prime) Tyson for example. Yeah... lot shorter than Wlad, but a big man nonetheless, with a lot of weight to carry around. How did Tyson avoid getting hit? Lots of head movement, side to side.... but also an aggressive offense. An aggressive offense is a good defense, as it puts the opponent on his heels, worring about not getting hit himself. Holmes was another one. His best defense was his ramrod jab, which constantly disrupted the other guy's rhythm. Holmes also had excellent foot movement and ring generalship. Young Ali was another. All these guys got hit their share, to be sure. But they weren't there strictly to trade. They knew when to engage. Wlad is just TOO cautious for many people's liking. Maybe those KO's early in his career did a number on his psyche.... I don't know. He gives the impression of fighting scared, unless of course the opponent is a Francesco Pianeta, whereupon Wlad just cruises his way through.
You're right; A 240lb Ike Ibeabuchi averaged 80+ punches per round- damn near 970+ by his damn self- that shit is called will power. A Wladimir Clinchko doesn't have that dog in him like his older bro. Hit Vitali hard- he's gotta get back or try...His ripped up face compliments of Lennox bares him witness.
But baby bro?
Wlad's got clinchitis.
Boxers aka Fighters like Ali or Holmes may clinch, may cover up, may return fire- when they are under fire..

But everytime Wlad is under fire...its his instinct. He can't return fire under fire- aint never done it will never do it.
Doesnt make him a bad guy, just means he will only throw his bombs...when the coast is clear bwaahaaaa!