Is Anthony Joshua TOO big?

[Emmseegee]

Wlad is a very intelligent fighter, and also extremely focussed on executing that gameplan. That really is I think Wlad's greatest asset - his size helps, but only because he uses it so intelligently. That's not something that is easy to do.

indeed

I do find it amusing when people harp on about Wlad's size, as if it is some sort of unfair advantage - and ignore his considerable skills.

He has skills yes but surely no one can deny that his skill set is built around his physical advantages?

Advantages to such a degree that they are only really possible in the heavyweight division. He has made use of his physique and used it to his advantage, for that he deserves credit but would his skill set and ability carry him to an undefeated record if he was fighting the same style etc in the welterweight division standing at a height of 5'9"..... Not a chance.

[jamesmcdonnell]

[/quote]

I do find it amusing when people harp on about Wlad's size, as if it is some sort of unfair advantage - and ignore his considerable skills.[/quote]

He has skills yes but surely no one can deny that his skill set is built around his physical advantages?

Advantages to such a degree that they are only really possible in the heavyweight division. He has made use of his physique and used it to his advantage, for that he deserves credit but would his skill set and ability carry him to an undefeated record if he was fighting the same style etc in the welterweight division standing at a height of 5'9"..... Not a chance.[/quote]

Yes, in the same way that Tyson's skills set was built around the fact that he was short, stocky, incredibly powerful, and had the quickest hands since Ali - obviously you build your skill set around your assets.

Do you think Tyson could have fought like that if he was 6' 5" and 245 lbs? I'd have still picked a prime Tyson to get underneath Wlad's jab and smash him up. They both had physical advantages, Tyson's ultimate asset was his speed, not his power, there have been harder hitters, but never has there been a fighter blessed with his combination of speed and power.

What is the point of talking about if Wlad was a welterweight - he isn't - it's a fatuous conversation. Wlad is a 245 lb man, and a very very good one at that.

Thomas hearns build his career around his ridiculous wingspan and height, blazing jab and devastating right hand. So does that mean we shouldn't rate him either?

[lurkyshaka]

He's too bulky for my liking.....there is clearly too much emphasis on weights in his camp. I don't care what is said, he's obviously lifting heavy and its not necessary. He's a massive man, physically a beast. But i bet he's still interested in improving his PB's in the weights room and that's not a good mentality for a boxer.

I'd rather he worked on speed, loosening up and fighting as fluidly as possible. The size, strength and power is already there. Its not an area he needs to work on. His speed, cardio, flexibility and boxing technique is far, far more important. I fear the weight work will prove to be detrimental to him at some point, because lugging around big muscles is tiring and if a fight goes longer we could see that.