ALEXANDER POVETKIN - WHAT NOW?

[overhand_right]

Is Povetkin just going to sit on his #1 ranking until December? Just get fatter and rustier until its time to fight Wlad K?

His fleshy look and dull effort against the even flabbier Eddie Chambers was a real buzz kill. Chambers was begging to quit, would of been whacked out by a real top flight contender IMO.

If he just stays out til fight time he even has less of a chance than he does now.

Think Chagaev and Peter both beat him too personally.

[TerribleTerry]

Chambers found him all too readily with that quick right hand but he has a nightmare style: very quick hands, defensively minded.

Povetkin should have a rust shedding outing or two but only in the form of a marking time fight - he has earned his right for a title shot in my opinion, no need to risk his ranking at this time.

Despite a couple of less convincing showings in recent times I still really like the way he goes about the business and his attitude towards fighting dangerous and stylistically difficult fighters.

We could do with a few more like Povetkin in the game today IMO.

[Autobarn]

I like Povetkin a lot. He makes adjustments, solves problems. Chambers is a sharp hitter - he blinded Brock permanently in one eye - and Povetkin overcame the speed disadvantage and ground out the win.

Alexander apparently had the flu as well, and if the Gerrys aren't lying their blue blooded bollocks off then it was an impressive result.

He's having a tune up and he has got Jameel McCline and Devarryl Williamson as sparring partners for the mystery July 19, TBA opponent, hasn't he?

The Eastern Europeans bring skill and hunger into the game but their promoters normally protect them. With Povetkin beating Donald, Byrd, Chambers and gunning for Wlad, I won't complain.

Personally, I think Povetkin has had the perfect build up to beat Chagaev.

[Poncey]

He has a "keep busy" fight in the summer. July I believe.

[steve689]

I was all for Povetkin as the next big thing and gave him a great chance with Wlad, up until the Chambers fight. The way Eddie found the right hand time and again made me think...what if that was Klitschko detonating those off his cranium?! It would be goodnight nurse.

Chambers stamina as expected let him down as Povetkin upped the workrate but the fight was still close.

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

Povetkin should fight a 'big un' like McCline or even Audley to get him ready for Wlad. Wlad will smash Povetkin to bits anyway though, its like Ricky Hatton against Tommy Hearns (or maybe Gerald McCellan), 'TiMMMBBBBAAAAA' as Hamed used to say

[Autobarn]

I like his attitude. He said after Chambers, "I'll have to be a lot better than this to beat Klitschko." I don't take this for lack of confidence- it just looks like he really wants to buckle down and make sure he beats Wlad. I'll keep on saying this: i think he can do it because he's the only fighter who comes forward with any real skill or urgency. Interesting that he's working in the gym with McCline and Williamson, both of whom fought Wlad. He's obviously doing his homework and the stay busy fight is a good idea.

Still think he's one of the best prospect/contenders out there in boxing. Yuriorkis Gamboa has many issues at the moment despite his talent - no one's seriously going to put him in with a puncher like Valero or Soto while he has no defence. Povetkin seems to be serious, sensible and thorough in his preparation.

He's going to be hard to beat. If Haye carries 240-pounds and can't blow out Povetkin he'll get beaten down. I rate Haye and Povetkin's chances at heavyweight and also believe in Odlanier Solis - who has some marvellous skills - if he can keep losing weight. All these guys can be big - I just hope that 6'6 lump Wlad gets knocked off by someone soon.

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

I don't see what the fuss is about.

Time will tell - it always does! 8)

[Bard of Boxrec]

well, he's ordinary IMO but among the best of a godawful bunch, etc.

He should get beaten handily by Wlad.

[Autobarn]

He's going to take Wlad down & pave the way for the new generation that actually want to fight.

[Max Molyneux]

Needs head movement If he's going to even attempt to get past Klitschko's jab.

Thats one thing Haye thankfully has.

[Autobarn]

I like Haye, I really rate him as a cruiser, and I hope he wins heavyweight titles.

I just hope he'll have some good dance partners like Povetkin and Solis Fonte.

Wlad will just feint and prod the jab and try to hold inside. In other words he'll just try to ruin the fight, as Hopkins tried with Joe.

Haye at 235 will have trouble coming forward. Maybe he can catch Wlad's chin. The power is the equaliser. But I just feel Povetkin obviously carries the weight more naturally, comes forward more efficiently. I rate the man & think the combination of skill and especially workrate will do the job.

The longer they leave it for Povetkin vs Wlad, the better Povetkin's chances. Hopefully he can add the head movement. His ability to feint his way in and use different angles (see the Donald fight) help his game vs a long each opponent.