Quote Originally Posted by bcollins
While I do think that Wlad is the best all around fighter in the division at the moment, I still think he has plenty of vulnerabilities.
Good post.

Now...that being said...I agree...to agree to disagree to a certain extent. Here's why:

Quote Originally Posted by bcollins
I don't buy into the 'glass jaw' argument, but I do believe that Wlad has trouble when he gets caught flush by a solid puncher. I honestly think a lot of it's mental. I think the reason he's done his falling down routine in the past is a combination of weak chin and stamina, coupled with an inability to overcome his fear in the ring. It's like he gets flustered if he gets caught, tries too hard to compensate for it, and winds up gassing out.
Wlad's only been down 3 times in almost 50 fights. The weak chin arguement goes right out the window there. Wlad recovers quite well when clocked flush. Watch all fights but exclude the Sanders match. Wlad can take a hell of a shot from some pretty heavy handed hitters. He took everything that Peter, Jefferson, Williamson, McCline, Brewster, & Shufford could throw. All those gents are heavy with knockouts. The chin arguement is a moot point.

Stamina? Yes...but he seems to have over come that issue (threw a high number against Byrd & kept his breath) & he seems to have overcome the fear of taking a big shot (Peter) from a heavy hitter.

Stamina is Wlad's worst enemy.

Quote Originally Posted by bcollins
That being said, I think Manny's done an outstanding job of working on Wlad's psyche. Let's face it...that's the only thing beating Wlad in a HW ring these days.

Wlad by UD.

(Oops! I accidentally clicked Brock by KO...)
As overratted as I think that Manny is...he does have a calming effect on Wlad...or he seems to. He's bumped his ego back in to place & I honestly think that that is what will push Wlad to become our unified champ.

Honestly...I'm a big fan of the guy now. For some reason...I never was. I was just to caught up in Vitali. Wlad is the superior fighter & he's more technical & fluid in the ring. The guy has grown on me to become one of my favorites...atleast in the void of his brother.

I hope that he shows out this weekend...I really do.