Round-By-Round - Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko - April 29th 2017

[boxingknockout]

I'm thinking more and more that it will be a cagey fight from both sides. Barring either getting banged with the perfect shot, this might well be a distance fight

[Rob3_142]

It's really interesting that this poll (and this is of hardcore fans largely) is the exact opposite of betting firms and populist polls I have seen of FB etc.

In fact in some Joshua is an even bigger favourite. Normally this would indicate a big bet worth taking.

However I am finding myself reticent. There's the age, the Fury fight, the home advantage. and most importantly the chin scenario (and Joshua can bang.)

If Wlad had Vitali's chin I would go big on Klitschko even considering theoher factors...but I can't at this point. I believe the prices will even drop lower closer to the contest as bettors get sucked into the hype and bandwagon

The more and more I think of it, I see the night getting earlier and earlier for Klitchko. I'm looking at who and how Klitchko has achieved his previous recent success. Then I look at Joshua and what he brings to the table. Klitschko has either had a massive reach/height advantage or a massive power advantage, but here he has neither.

Who was the last person that you could argue had more power than him and didn't give away reach and height? (and before anyone says Fury, while he definitely had more height, he didn't being power).

I could see the first 2-3 rounds being cagey, but then Joshua upping the tempo. When Joshua is on the offensive, he usually catches his man flush a few times. Can Klischko bring some counter punching into his game? He usually boxes in straight lines behind his jab, which might not necessarily work so well against Joshua.

[jamesmcdonnell]

The problem is the calibre of opponents that Joshua has faced, smashing up the bum of the month club doesn't count for much when facing a former champ of Wlad's polish.

If it was a few years ago, I'd give todays Joshua very little chance, the question is whether Wlad has slipped enough.

I've noticed in Joshua's last couple of fights that he seems to be reaching his level, his offensive output can be impressive at times, but he's stiff and robotic and he is also predictable. He will likely have to be far more cautious against Wlad than anybody else he has faced, or risk getting hit with big jabs and right hands, if of course Wlad can still let the hands go.

[samwbr]

Rob McCracken will have a plan, Joshua does what he tells him he wins. If Joshua isn't overawed by the occasion I think he will knock him out early.

[Taansend]

I'm thinking more and more that it will be a cagey fight from both sides. Barring either getting banged with the perfect shot, this might well be a distance fight

I was thinking that too but a little voice In my head says early Joshua ko over the rusty 41 year old.

Not that Joshua is that good but just that Klitschko is fighting him, father time and ring rust.

[boxingknockout]

I'm thinking more and more that it will be a cagey fight from both sides. Barring either getting banged with the perfect shot, this might well be a distance fight

I was thinking that too but a little voice In my head says early Joshua ko over the rusty 41 year old.

Not that Joshua is that good but just that Klitschko is fighting him, father time and ring rust.

Yeah I guess that's why it's such an interesting crossroads fight.

[Bard of Boxrec]

This poll is ridiculous, but about what is to be expected. Wlad is going to go into his shell the second he tastes the power of what's coming back. FFS, he went into his shell against Tyson Fury who isn't a big hitter. This one is over inside four rounds. No sage chin stroking necessary

Wlad doesn't fare well against live bodies, as history has shown us

[BitPlayer]

This poll is ridiculous, but about what is to be expected. Wlad is going to go into his shell the second he tastes the power of what's coming back. FFS, he went into his shell against Tyson Fury who isn't a big hitter. This one is over inside four rounds. No sage chin stroking necessary

After all Joshua has been in with some of the biggest hitters in the division, like Charles Martin.

[Bard of Boxrec]

This poll is ridiculous, but about what is to be expected. Wlad is going to go into his shell the second he tastes the power of what's coming back. FFS, he went into his shell against Tyson Fury who isn't a big hitter. This one is over inside four rounds. No sage chin stroking necessary

After all Joshua has been in with some of the biggest hitters in the division, like Charles Martin.

I'm going to tell you something I am very confident of. Wlad's power is going to count for nothing in this fight. Nothing. I'm going to think of a number of right hands Wlad actually throws in this fight and offer the over/under on it. Folk'll be shocked

[Rob3_142]

This poll is ridiculous, but about what is to be expected. Wlad is going to go into his shell the second he tastes the power of what's coming back. FFS, he went into his shell against Tyson Fury who isn't a big hitter. This one is over inside four rounds. No sage chin stroking necessary

After all Joshua has been in with some of the biggest hitters in the division, like Charles Martin.

I'm going to tell you something I am very confident of. Wlad's power is going to count for nothing in this fight. Nothing. I'm going to think of a number of right hands Wlad actually throws in this fight and offer the over/under on it. Folk'll be shocked

Point.

Does Klitschko possess the hand speed to catch Joshua out? Will he be ready for the Joshua counter, which is quickly becoming a trademark?

[Bard of Boxrec]

After all Joshua has been in with some of the biggest hitters in the division, like Charles Martin.

I'm going to tell you something I am very confident of. Wlad's power is going to count for nothing in this fight. Nothing. I'm going to think of a number of right hands Wlad actually throws in this fight and offer the over/under on it. Folk'll be shocked

Point.

Does Klitschko possess the hand speed to catch Joshua out? Will he be ready for the Joshua counter, which is quickly becoming a trademark?

Wlad is obviously capable of throwing quick shots, but it doesn't matter. He won't throw them.

You can't counter what doesn't throw. Unlike big ol' goof Fury, Joshua will actually attack Wlad, rough him up and stop him. It'll look very easy indeed.

Wlad will throw three right hands or less. I might actually seek odds on Wlad throwing no right hands. That could be an interesting bet.

[dbf]

If Joshua took a couple of rounds to see what Molina had expect him to take at least 4-5 till he gets comfortable with Wlad. I think if Wlad can land with something clean in those first 5 rounds he has a chance. For me this has all the makings of a points fight. AJ more cautious then we have seen him and Wlad happy to hold and spoil if things get heated. Plus the pressure of a sold out Wembley could lead to edgy performances from both.

[Rob3_142]

If Joshua took a couple of rounds to see what Molina had expect him to take at least 4-5 till he gets comfortable with Wlad. I think if Wlad can land with something clean in those first 5 rounds he has a chance. For me this has all the makings of a points fight. AJ more cautious then we have seen him and Wlad happy to hold and spoil if things get heated. Plus the pressure of a sold out Wembley could lead to edgy performances from both.

I think he has to go earlier than 5. He has to give something for Joshua to think about in the first 2 rounds. If Joshua feels that WK isn't going to throw, then he'll do exactly what he did against Molina, and up the pace a few gears.

[davie]

Wlad lost the ability to pull the trigger clearly in the Jennings fight.
I see AJ stopping him mid-rounds.

Not sure he's lost the ability as such. Against Jennings to an extent and clearly against Fury, he was facing boxers, trying to be evasive, setting traps for him and take him out of his comfort zone.

If AJ fights as AJ usually does he'll be a more attractive target to Wlad, to let his punches go

However, if AJ and his team have any sense (and I'm not implying they don't) they'll learn lessons from the last couple of fights and know how to make Wlad think twice about pulling the trigger. I'm not saying replicate Fury entirely, but there's plenty to be gleaned from Fury's jerky style, unpredictability and head movement

Wlad will already be wary of letting punches go against a heavy handed fighter like Joshua, if AJ can make himself a more elusive target and give something back that makes Wlad think, he could make Wlad go into his shell again.

If he fights as we have seen him till now, trying to walk through an opponent and just looking for an opportunity to end it, he could set himself up perfectly for Wlad.
Wlad of old would eat that up all day, control him with the jab, break through his guard with straight shots, catch him coming in and tie him up.
He might get away with it if Wlad has aged as many have predicted but it would be a dangerous tactic.

[Mimmy]

This poll is ridiculous, but about what is to be expected. Wlad is going to go into his shell the second he tastes the power of what's coming back. FFS, he went into his shell against Tyson Fury who isn't a big hitter. This one is over inside four rounds. No sage chin stroking necessary

Wlad doesn't fare well against live bodies, as history has shown us

this

[Boxerbeetle]

Surprised to see Wlad favourite in the poll. He's 40 years old, looked poor against Jennings and totally shot against Fury. The momentum is completely against him.

[keithmoonhangover]

Wlad doesn't fare well against live bodies, as history has shown us

Povetkin? Pulev?

[crusader]

He beat them, so they must not have been live

He's certainly never defeated anyone who put forth the great efforts that mighty warriors like Eric Molina, Kevin Johnson, and Charles Martin did against AJ

[Monte Fisto]

I'm thinking more and more that it will be a cagey fight from both sides. Barring either getting banged with the perfect shot, this might well be a distance fight

Not sure AJ has the discipline to not go after him. I guess we will find out.

[boxingknockout]

I'm thinking more and more that it will be a cagey fight from both sides. Barring either getting banged with the perfect shot, this might well be a distance fight

Not sure AJ has the discipline to not go after him. I guess we will find out.

I understand but Wladimir is a very careful

[Boxerbeetle]

I'm thinking more and more that it will be a cagey fight from both sides. Barring either getting banged with the perfect shot, this might well be a distance fight

Not sure AJ has the discipline to not go after him. I guess we will find out.

I understand but Wladimir is a very careful

A very careful what?

[Rob3_142]

Wlad lost the ability to pull the trigger clearly in the Jennings fight.
I see AJ stopping him mid-rounds.

Not sure he's lost the ability as such. Against Jennings to an extent and clearly against Fury, he was facing boxers, trying to be evasive, setting traps for him and take him out of his comfort zone.

If AJ fights as AJ usually does he'll be a more attractive target to Wlad, to let his punches go

However, if AJ and his team have any sense (and I'm not implying they don't) they'll learn lessons from the last couple of fights and know how to make Wlad think twice about pulling the trigger. I'm not saying replicate Fury entirely, but there's plenty to be gleaned from Fury's jerky style, unpredictability and head movement

Wlad will already be wary of letting punches go against a heavy handed fighter like Joshua, if AJ can make himself a more elusive target and give something back that makes Wlad think, he could make Wlad go into his shell again.

If he fights as we have seen him till now, trying to walk through an opponent and just looking for an opportunity to end it, he could set himself up perfectly for Wlad.
Wlad of old would eat that up all day, control him with the jab, break through his guard with straight shots, catch him coming in and tie him up.
He might get away with it if Wlad has aged as many have predicted but it would be a dangerous tactic.

I think it is dangerous to try re-invent his style. I think he has to try keep to his basics, and look to counter on the outside. Once Wlad feels the power, he'll have to decide to stick or twist. Whoever lands the solid punch first will likely go on and win the fight.

[Monte Fisto]

,

[davie]

Wlad lost the ability to pull the trigger clearly in the Jennings fight.
I see AJ stopping him mid-rounds.

Not sure he's lost the ability as such. Against Jennings to an extent and clearly against Fury, he was facing boxers, trying to be evasive, setting traps for him and take him out of his comfort zone.

If AJ fights as AJ usually does he'll be a more attractive target to Wlad, to let his punches go

However, if AJ and his team have any sense (and I'm not implying they don't) they'll learn lessons from the last couple of fights and know how to make Wlad think twice about pulling the trigger. I'm not saying replicate Fury entirely, but there's plenty to be gleaned from Fury's jerky style, unpredictability and head movement

Wlad will already be wary of letting punches go against a heavy handed fighter like Joshua, if AJ can make himself a more elusive target and give something back that makes Wlad think, he could make Wlad go into his shell again.

If he fights as we have seen him till now, trying to walk through an opponent and just looking for an opportunity to end it, he could set himself up perfectly for Wlad.
Wlad of old would eat that up all day, control him with the jab, break through his guard with straight shots, catch him coming in and tie him up.
He might get away with it if Wlad has aged as many have predicted but it would be a dangerous tactic.

I think it is dangerous to try re-invent his style. I think he has to try keep to his basics, and look to counter on the outside. Once Wlad feels the power, he'll have to decide to stick or twist. Whoever lands the solid punch first will likely go on and win the fight.

I think his basics are custom made for Wlad and if his chin is as suspect as some suspect, then he'll get dropped if Wlad is still sharp.

Of course that "if" needs reiterating. Because if Wlad is done, Joshua will likely go through him regardless.
But if Wlad isn't shot and isn't as gunshy as some think/hope, then AJ will have to do something different, something significantly different if you ask me.

His lack of head movement combined with his naturally aggressive nature are a real concern for me. Coming in with that stationary target against someone so proficient at catching you coming in with that right hand, are a bad mix IMO

[dirk2686]

Whilst it's fine to say the level of opposition Joshua has faced hasn't been great, the same can be said of Fury before he fought Wlad. It's a bit of a non point really; if general consensus is he needs to step up, his lack of top level experience is a given when he actually does.