Fighters who didn't try enough against Wlad

[Beanflicker]

You're giving Wlad's opponents waaaay too much credit, IMO. Did you see the Ray Austin fight? Tell me at what point Austin appeared to throw a punch in anger at Wlad. How about Sultan? Twelve miserable rounds of incessant pawing at an opponent (Wlad) who, curiously, was just as scared of getting tagged with Sultan's vaunted left hand. Haye? As was said earlier, if Haye didn't break Guinness records in trash talking before the fight..... he came pretty damn close. And what did he do in the fight? Diddly squat..... and then proceeded to blame his big toe.

The only one I'll give you is Povetkin. The guy put in an honest effort, and tried to win. What nobody foresaw, however, were Wlad's ridiculous mauling, grappling and fouling tactics. Whatever it takes to win.

The Pianetas and Leapais of the world probably wanted to win, too. But they were so ridiculously outgunned (and never should've been there in the first place).... it's difficult to give Wlad credit on those as well.

No. Wlad's collective opponents get no break in my book. I may have to grudgingly give Wlad credit for dominating the division for the last forever years. But I'm not about to let the collective heap of garbage that has paraded in front of Wlad off the hook.

Seems like a mighty big coincidence that all these guys freely decided to not put in a big effort in the biggest fight of their lives, doesn't it?

[TitoFan]

You're giving Wlad's opponents waaaay too much credit, IMO. Did you see the Ray Austin fight? Tell me at what point Austin appeared to throw a punch in anger at Wlad. How about Sultan? Twelve miserable rounds of incessant pawing at an opponent (Wlad) who, curiously, was just as scared of getting tagged with Sultan's vaunted left hand. Haye? As was said earlier, if Haye didn't break Guinness records in trash talking before the fight..... he came pretty damn close. And what did he do in the fight? Diddly squat..... and then proceeded to blame his big toe.

The only one I'll give you is Povetkin. The guy put in an honest effort, and tried to win. What nobody foresaw, however, were Wlad's ridiculous mauling, grappling and fouling tactics. Whatever it takes to win.

The Pianetas and Leapais of the world probably wanted to win, too. But they were so ridiculously outgunned (and never should've been there in the first place).... it's difficult to give Wlad credit on those as well.

No. Wlad's collective opponents get no break in my book. I may have to grudgingly give Wlad credit for dominating the division for the last forever years. But I'm not about to let the collective heap of garbage that has paraded in front of Wlad off the hook.

Seems like a mighty big coincidence that all these guys freely decided to not put in a big effort in the biggest fight of their lives, doesn't it?

Intimidation Bean....... intimidation. It does funny things to a man. I've given you some hard examples. Austin. He had the physical tools. His effort, though, was shameful. Sultan all he did for 12 rounds was meekly paw his jab and stay away. Wlad didn't force any action, either. Haye talked a bunch of sh*t.... but didn't back it up.

Wlad fans take this as an affront against Wlad. It isn't (well... except for his dirty fight vs Povetkin). It's a condemnation of his opponents. Every other HW champion in recent memory had their memorable fights. Tell me how many memorable battles Wlad has had. Then people claim Wlad isn't liked in the States 'cause he isn't American. Hogwash! I think that's a convenient excuse, to hide the real fact that Wlad isn't popular in the States because his fights are as dull as dishwater.

Wlad himself hasn't done himself any favors. He obviously enjoys his inmense popularity in Europe, and has done f*ck all to try and win over Stateside fans. That's obviously his choice... but then again it's the right of us fans not to like him for it. If he was a true ATG in his division, he'd make more of an effort to fight in the U.S. more often... and engage like the Tysons, the Lewises, and the Foremans used to do.

[Mr140]

Well to be fair there really not the need for Wald really to do much guys been champ for 10 years and beaten everyone. Sure i guess he could fight with more gusto but he is making 10 mill a fight sometimes more and he fucking worshiped over seas does not really need us as much. Lewis was not really liked that much either till he hung up his gloves really. Tyson and Holyfeild were very popular but at the same time they were american fighters. You do not have to be american to be loved but having a champ who grow up in ussr i not sure it helps if was american people would like him more by how much who knows. The problem really is if he can be love by Europe and Russia not to mention making a shit ton of money fighting his way it is really hard to argue with what he wants to do its a no brainer really if you think about it.

[Beanflicker]

Intimidation Bean....... intimidation. It does funny things to a man. I've given you some hard examples. Austin. He had the physical tools. His effort, though, was shameful. Sultan all he did for 12 rounds was meekly paw his jab and stay away. Wlad didn't force any action, either. Haye talked a bunch of sh*t.... but didn't back it up.

Wlad fans take this as an affront against Wlad. It isn't (well... except for his dirty fight vs Povetkin). It's a condemnation of his opponents. Every other HW champion in recent memory had their memorable fights. Tell me how many memorable battles Wlad has had. Then people claim Wlad isn't liked in the States 'cause he isn't American. Hogwash! I think that's a convenient excuse, to hide the real fact that Wlad isn't popular in the States because his fights are as dull as dishwater.

Wlad himself hasn't done himself any favors. He obviously enjoys his inmense popularity in Europe, and has done f*ck all to try and win over Stateside fans. That's obviously his choice... but then again it's the right of us fans not to like him for it. If he was a true ATG in his division, he'd make more of an effort to fight in the U.S. more often... and engage like the Tysons, the Lewises, and the Foremans used to do.

Intimidation? You really think so many pro fighters are scared to death of Wlad that they go in there and don't put up an effort?

Or is it more plausible that he uses his jab, reach, movement and constant threat of a counter to discourage guys from throwing?

It's one thing to punch a heavybag with arms like Arreola, it's another to mount offence against a guy who is constantly darting back when you make any forward movement, is constantly cocked to throw a counter straight right or left hook from his hip, is smashing you in the face with the hardest jab in boxing, and has a height and reach advantage and is a master at controlling that safe distance.