Chagaev - does he have a chance?

[jamesmcdonnell]

I watched a load of Chagaev fights last night - and he does possess a lovely left hook, and Wlad has always been vulnerable to this. I know the sanders fight is quite a while ago now, but it was the same shot which did for him then, and he absorbed a few from Sam Peter too.

Chagaev isn't as quick or mobile as Sanders, who was very quick for a big man, but he may be quick enough to get in range and detonate one on Wlad - as we know, Wlad doesn't have a great chin, and Chagaev looks like he has enough of a punch on his left hook to fell the big bugger.

Thoughts?

[Lenny]

I think the southpaw thing came into play in the Saunders fight and Chagaev is also a southpaw isn't he?

He is giving away a lot of height and his punches will have to travel quite a distance to land on Wlad's chin especially when he will be boxing, safety first on the backfoot. Can't see Wlad taking any risks in this fight with nobody new to impress and only his fans paying much interest who will cheer him through anything.

I'll be cheering on Chagaev and hope he can certainly give it much more of a go than Ibragimov who was pretty pathetic. But I expect a Wlad UD and me making plenty of trips to the bar.

[Coco]

I think he has a big chance, and he brings a lot more to the table than recent American champions. Of course the big question is whether he can slip the jab, if he can do that it will get very interesting, as he def has the power to take Klit out.

[HPI]

most certainly could land the money shot.

Will be interesting to see how it pans out.

Although probably more exciting reading an internet report than actually watching it

[jamesmcdonnell]

I think he does. He is technically quite correct, his shots will come through Wlad's guard and he looks a tough nut. I think that part of the scenario depends on what is going on in Wlad's mind pre-fight. He looked bad coming in for Sanders, and fell apart when Brewster stood up to some stiff shots.

I actually think that Wlad is not great when someone comes under his dangling left hand, he could get shocked on Saturday. I don't care who wins to be honest, I just hope it is a good fight and that my trip to Germany is worthwhile.

He has a head like a cinder block, and looks very very sturdy does Chagaev.

He may just be the best opponent Wlad has faced to date.

[Coco]

Chagaev seems to have a decent pair of whiskers and was a stellar amateur too, getting inside Klits long arms will be a harder job than doing it v Valuev though, but I think he will provide a much sterner test than Haye

[Dioufy]

I just wish Chagaev was three inches taller. He still has a chance, but if Skelton can catch Chagaev pretty clean when coming in, then Klitschko will have a field day. If Chagaev is still standing after eight then he could take the big man out. It's an intriguing fight - I hope Klit wins, as I still want to see Haye Vs Wlad happen.

[Asterix]

I'm going to go against the grain. I don't think he has much of a chance. He's too small and slow. I could see him turning up for the cheque and then bidding farewell to boxing.

[Autobarn]

I watched a load of Chagaev fights last night - and he does possess a lovely left hook, and Wlad has always been vulnerable to this. I know the sanders fight is quite a while ago now, but it was the same shot which did for him then, and he absorbed a few from Sam Peter too.

Chagaev isn't as quick or mobile as Sanders, who was very quick for a big man, but he may be quick enough to get in range and detonate one on Wlad - as we know, Wlad doesn't have a great chin, and Chagaev looks like he has enough of a punch on his left hook to fell the big bugger.

Thoughts?

oooh, you must have the patience of a saint, to watch a load of ruslan's fights

he is solid, chag, and beat a giant in valuev - where he showed skills and toughness

but so many fights chag has been overweight, plodding

at least he can fight coming forwards, which makes him a bolder pick than, say, ibragimov

hopefully chag can come under the wlad jab, work him over inside, and get rid of this imposter

[Coco]

Chag did win 2 world championship golds and beat Felix Savon twice

[jamesmcdonnell]

I watched a load of Chagaev fights last night - and he does possess a lovely left hook, and Wlad has always been vulnerable to this. I know the sanders fight is quite a while ago now, but it was the same shot which did for him then, and he absorbed a few from Sam Peter too.

Chagaev isn't as quick or mobile as Sanders, who was very quick for a big man, but he may be quick enough to get in range and detonate one on Wlad - as we know, Wlad doesn't have a great chin, and Chagaev looks like he has enough of a punch on his left hook to fell the big bugger.

Thoughts?

oooh, you must have the patience of a saint, to watch a load of ruslan's fights

he is solid, chag, and beat a giant in valuev - where he showed skills and toughness

but so many fights chag has been overweight, plodding

at least he can fight coming forwards, which makes him a bolder pick than, say, ibragimov

hopefully chag can come under the wlad jab, work him over inside, and get rid of this imposter

Chagaev was 227 for his last outing, that's his lowest weight for four years or so.

[Lenny]

And Chagaev was 225 for the Valuev fight that didn't happen so hopefully we can assume he'll be in great shape still

[SteveO]

I suppose he has a chance but I don't think he will win this fight and it may even be his last one!

[jamesmcdonnell]

Why might it be his last one? Do you know something we don't?

[THEBUTCH]

As good as Chagaev is, his undoing could be his cautious nature, especially against someone like Vladimir who is very difficult to outpoint. I think he'll have to sacrifice some of his quality, for quanity.

[Counter-puncher]

I just wish Chagaev was three inches taller. He still has a chance, but if Skelton can catch Chagaev pretty clean when coming in, then Klitschko will have a field day. If Chagaev is still standing after eight then he could take the big man out. It's an intriguing fight - I hope Klit wins, as I still want to see Haye Vs Wlad happen.

we've discussed this mate, i htink chag will at least make it interesting.

it would be great if he can work wlad's body some

i'll probably end up watching in some bar in Brussels

[Bard of Boxrec]

You know, this fight is surprising. It is a 'replacement' fight, and ends up more credible than the original in that Chagaev is pretty much the recognised division #3.

However, because it is a replacement, and overshadowed by the disappointment of Haye pulling out, the fact that it is indeed the best fight at heavyweight has amazingly been almost overlooked.

Would this fight have attracted more interest without all the paraphenalia of Haye's pullout? Of course it would.

I am going to predict the upset. I've been thinking about it long and hard, and this is the best opponent Wlad has faced for years. At first I thought Chageav could easily come in as another Ibragimov, but I think he has more tools than Sultan, more variety and more willing to mix it up.

Then again, I can also see him labouring to another points loss. Chagaev isn't the sort of 'fire in belly' type of guy that I would feel confident in him going in there with bad intentions. Conversely it could easily turn out to be yet another stinker.

However, on balance I'm going to say Chagaev comes out looking to get close, succeeds a few times, takes a few, holds on, and eventually gets to Wlad, stopping him around round 8.

Chagaev TKO 8 Wlad.

[jamesmcdonnell]

As good as Chagaev is, his undoing could be his cautious nature, especially against someone like Vladimir who is very difficult to outpoint. I think he'll have to sacrifice some of his quality, for quanity.

Yes, Chagaev cannot afford to try and sneak openings, he needs to close the gap, get inside Wlad's punching range, duck under the left hook and bang in his own. That's not the easiest of tasks against a 6' 7" man with an 81 inch reach who himself is innately cautious, but I think if he can get inside he will definetely make Wlad uncomfortable as we've seen in the past.

My other concern is that Wlad will just hold on for dear life as soon as Chagaev gets close, and that the referee won't deduct any point. Wlad does hold an awful lot on the inside these days.

[Autobarn]

I watched a load of Chagaev fights last night - and he does possess a lovely left hook, and Wlad has always been vulnerable to this. I know the sanders fight is quite a while ago now, but it was the same shot which did for him then, and he absorbed a few from Sam Peter too.

Chagaev isn't as quick or mobile as Sanders, who was very quick for a big man, but he may be quick enough to get in range and detonate one on Wlad - as we know, Wlad doesn't have a great chin, and Chagaev looks like he has enough of a punch on his left hook to fell the big bugger.

Thoughts?

oooh, you must have the patience of a saint, to watch a load of ruslan's fights

he is solid, chag, and beat a giant in valuev - where he showed skills and toughness

but so many fights chag has been overweight, plodding

at least he can fight coming forwards, which makes him a bolder pick than, say, ibragimov

hopefully chag can come under the wlad jab, work him over inside, and get rid of this imposter

Chagaev was 227 for his last outing, that's his lowest weight for four years or so.

yea but if you were watching his early fights, in some of them he was a right plodding lump

[Counter-puncher]

You know, this fight is surprising. It is a 'replacement' fight, and ends up more credible than the original in that Chagaev is pretty much the recognised division #3.

However, because it is a replacement, and overshadowed by the disappointment of Haye pulling out, the fact that it is indeed the best fight at heavyweight has amazingly been almost overlooked.

Would this fight have attracted more interest without all the paraphenalia of Haye's pullout? Of course it would.

this is the best opponent Wlad has faced for years. At first I thought Chageav could easily come in as another Ibragimov, but I think he has more tools than Sultan, more variety and more willing to mix it up.

hell yes

hell yes

hell yes

and hell yes.

almost makes me wish i was still bothering to go over there, that post. almost.

[SteveO]

Why might it be his last one? Do you know something we don't?

No James, I don't know anything you don't. It's just that if he gets badly beaten by Wlad and taking into account his medical problems and the fact that he may only be allowed to box in Germany, he may feel that enough is enough. I suppose a rematch with Valuev is a remote possibility but as Valuev was reluctant to fight a guy with hepatitis a couple of weeks ago why would he change his mind?

[Counter-puncher]

the southpaw angle is definitely worth considering.

hardly any jab-first orthodox fighters are comfortable against southpaws. add to that Wlad's unwillingness or inability to throw hooks on the inside in the last couple of years, you have to wonder what tools he has to actualyl hurt Chagaev. mind, i suppose the wlad plan of late doesn't call for him to bother trying to hurt opponents.

[jamesmcdonnell]

the southpaw angle is definitely worth considering.

hardly any jab-first orthodox fighters are comfortable against southpaws. add to that Wlad's unwillingness or inability to throw hooks on the inside in the last couple of years, you have to wonder what tools he has to actualyl hurt Chagaev. mind, i suppose the wlad plan of late doesn't call for him to bother trying to hurt opponents.

Yes, it's true - Wlad's left hook hasn't really been in evidence at all in recent fights. He's become a 1-2 merchant, single or double jab occasionally punctuated by a right cross.

I really hope Chagaev marmalises him - I'm so bored of Wlad, he's like a rich man's audley harrison as my mate described him. A huge great muscular behemoth with a chin of finest minton and the intenstinal fortitude of a dysentry sufferer.

Come on Ruslan, put this big robotic bore to sleep.

[Counter-puncher]

the southpaw angle is definitely worth considering.

hardly any jab-first orthodox fighters are comfortable against southpaws. add to that Wlad's unwillingness or inability to throw hooks on the inside in the last couple of years, you have to wonder what tools he has to actualyl hurt Chagaev. mind, i suppose the wlad plan of late doesn't call for him to bother trying to hurt opponents.

Yes, it's true - Wlad's left hook hasn't really been in evidence at all in recent fights. He's become a 1-2 merchant, single or double jab occasionally punctuated by a right cross.

I really hope Chagaev marmalises him - I'm so bored of Wlad, he's like a rich man's audley harrison as my mate described him. A huge great muscular behemoth with a chin of finest minton and the intenstinal fortitude of a dysentry sufferer.

Come on Ruslan, put this big robotic bore to sleep.

aye, unfortunately all that is academic if Chag can't get his leading foot outside Wlad's, he'll just get jab-hugged to death anyway :(

[Bard of Boxrec]

Good point, I can see Wlad stepping on Chagaev's feet every time Chagaev tries to get inside, like he did with Ibragimov.

By the way, good to see SteveO here - one of the 'founding father posters' of the Boxrec forum as I see it