Re: Why Joshua will *KNOCK OUT* Klitschko
You've got to give Wlad credit, he's pushing 40 going back to back against two of the brightest young powers in heavyweight boxing. One a massive dopey mind fuck merchant with lots of underrated skill, the next an out and out wrecking machine. He deserves props for that.
Firstly Joshua has his hands full too, lets not ignore that. In terms of skill and experience Wlad represents a massive jump in class, over the hill or not. The thing is though, regardless of how skilled or experienced Wlad is it wont change what Joshua does one bit. He'll have a look for a minute but ultimately he'll be looking to take Wlads head off at the first opportunity. He'll be under more pressure, but he wont change.
The issue for Wlad is that other than tying up, his only form of defence is stepping back and waiting until it stops. Attacking Wlad is a relatively low risk task, especially now that he's clearly lost a bit of zip all round, I think we can all agree on that. Fury knew this, and used it against him brilliantly by feinting Wlad out of the fight, if Wlad thinks there's incoming, he doesnt punch back. Wlad also now seems to need a written invitation to let the right hand go. His jab has become more of a tap than the ram rod it should be. When Joshua lets fly, Wlad will do nothing other than move back and wait for it to be over, he's incapable of punishing him for it.
Offensively Wlad is capable of knocking Joshua out, he has the tools and the power, but he seems unable or reluctant to use them. Joshua's chin can be cracked, we all know that and if Wlad summons up a demon right cross from the vaults of muscle memory and it lands on Joshua's chin, dont be surprised if he goes to bye byes.
I think the odds are unlikely. Wlads overriding sense of self preservation and his loss of a half step mean that his once brilliant right hand is now a shadow of its former self. He's like a stone mason splitting a large block. Rather than systematically driving his sledge hammer into his breaking pins he lifts it, lets it fall under no force other than gravity, waits a while, then when the moment is right, repeats.
Unless Joshua freezes, Wlads plan A wont get the job done for me. There will just be too much leather coming in his direction. Wlad is going to have to change, and change big. He will have to fight fire with fire and ignore his predisposition with self preservation. He'll need to be ready for war and give back with interest what Joshua can throw his way. He'll also need to fully commit to his punches, no pity pat stuff.
The good news for Wlad is that Joshua will be a far more static target than Fury. I dont go along with the robot line, but he wont be like a jack in the box, constantly on the move and constantly giving the impression that he's going to punch, Im not sure if Joshua does feints? Joshua will be there to hit and if Wlad can muster up the gumption he will have a target. The big question is can he, or more importantly will he?
I just dont know if Wlad has it in him at this stage.
When God said to the both of us "Which one of you wants to be Sugar Ray?" I guess I didnt raise my hand fast enough
Charley Burley
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