Klitschko says he can "totally read" Joshua

[punchoutsb]

AJ beats any version of Wlad. This will probably be Wlad's retirement fight.

Absolutely too early for part one.

Part two is true.

I've seen enough of both of them to come to an educated conclusion. They are both right around the same height, AJ has a slightly longer reach. Whenever Wlad faced an opponent anywhere near the skill level of a Joshua, he enjoyed physical advantages over them, and he would use them to his utmost advantage. Joshua looks to be more fluid and adaptable than Wlad ever was, and Wlad will not have the physical advantages over Joshua. Of course, a prime Wlad may have beaten Joshua, but I wouldn't have bet on it. I feel this fight is going to end in brutal fashion in Joshua's favor

Hard to come to an educated conclusion when AJ has yet to face more than a couple decent fighters. I agree that this fight will most likely end in AJ's favor, but we haven't seen enough of him against good opposition to claim educated conclusions on much of anything.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

Wlads whole career was against poor opposition.

[Impractical Poster]

Absolutely too early for part one.

Part two is true.

I've seen enough of both of them to come to an educated conclusion. They are both right around the same height, AJ has a slightly longer reach. Whenever Wlad faced an opponent anywhere near the skill level of a Joshua, he enjoyed physical advantages over them, and he would use them to his utmost advantage. Joshua looks to be more fluid and adaptable than Wlad ever was, and Wlad will not have the physical advantages over Joshua. Of course, a prime Wlad may have beaten Joshua, but I wouldn't have bet on it. I feel this fight is going to end in brutal fashion in Joshua's favor

Hard to come to an educated conclusion when AJ has yet to face more than a couple decent fighters. I agree that this fight will most likely end in AJ's favor, but we haven't seen enough of him against good opposition to claim educated conclusions on much of anything.

I understand your point of view, but I have seen enough of him. With some fighters I don't need to see them in with the top of their division to know what they are capable of doing. For example, I knew what Floyd was capable of the very first time I saw him. He ended up exceeding my expectations, but I knew I was witnessing a future dominate champion before he ever fought for a title.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

I've seen enough of both of them to come to an educated conclusion. They are both right around the same height, AJ has a slightly longer reach. Whenever Wlad faced an opponent anywhere near the skill level of a Joshua, he enjoyed physical advantages over them, and he would use them to his utmost advantage. Joshua looks to be more fluid and adaptable than Wlad ever was, and Wlad will not have the physical advantages over Joshua. Of course, a prime Wlad may have beaten Joshua, but I wouldn't have bet on it. I feel this fight is going to end in brutal fashion in Joshua's favor

Hard to come to an educated conclusion when AJ has yet to face more than a couple decent fighters. I agree that this fight will most likely end in AJ's favor, but we haven't seen enough of him against good opposition to claim educated conclusions on much of anything.

I understand your point of view, but I have seen enough of him. With some fighters I don't need to see them in with the top of their division to know what they are capable of doing. For example, I knew what Floyd was capable of the very first time I saw him. He ended up exceeding my expectations, but I knew I was witnessing a future dominate champion before he ever fought for a title.

agreed. I called kovalev the best light heavyweight in the world before he had fought anyone. Joshua the best heavy for a couple years.

[Kalan]

Wlads whole career was against poor opposition.

David Haye is one of the best boxer-punchers in Heavyweight History. Besides Klitschko he had 1 other loss in his 11th fight... Sam Peter was undefeated and highly ranked... Tony Thompson was a tough out the 1st time he met Klitschko. Nobody else ever put him out until he was well past 40... Eddie Chambers has been headed down hill, but he still has never been stopped by anyone but Klitschko... Brock was another undefeated top ranked challenger who was only stopped once in his career. By Klitschko... Prime Ray Austin drew with Sultan Ibragimov, but was crushed in 2 by Klitschko... Mariusz Wach was a 6'7.5" X 250 and 27-0 mandatory challenger. He embalmed Kevin McBride with one big shot and Mike Tyson couldn't hurt McBride with his best shots... Jennings and Pulev were also undefeated challengers... Alexander Povetkin was a 26-0 undefeated Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medal winner... Ruslan Chagaev was another Heavyweight Champion and the 1st man to beat 7-footer Nicolai Valuev. He was undefeated in 26 fights... Chris Byrd was a 31-1 slick boxer who couldn't win a round off Wladimir... Jameel McCline was a great big tall guy who counted Michael Grant and Shannon Briggs among his victims.

You'll have trouble finding 13 victims who were that good, who were beaten by any other Heavyweight Champion.

[tigermoth87]

Wlad is going to cruise to a UD.

Joshua may hit harder but he isn't Fury. He doesn't have Fury's jad, handspeed, footmovement, body work or ability to keep switching his stance which is what caused Wlad so much trouble.

He's way too limited and predictable whereas Fury is a very unpredictable, awkward fighter. The way he's constantly switching his stance and his fast feet are his biggest strengths and Joshua lacks that.

[Kalan]

Wlad is going to cruise to a UD.

Joshua may hit harder but he isn't Fury. He doesn't have Fury's jad, handspeed, footmovement, body work or ability to keep switching his stance which is what caused Wlad so much trouble.

He's way too limited and predictable whereas Fury is a very unpredictable, awkward fighter. The way he's constantly switching his stance and his fast feet are his biggest strengths and Joshua lacks that.

That's just a dumb post.. Fury DIDN'T keep switching his stance.. He fought Klitschko right-handed practically all the way.. Klitschko was going to get the left hook and straight right on him if he switched up -- so he didn't do that.. Fury is a natural boxer with loads of talent but no dedication or work ethic. He has no strength and the result is muted punching power -- and he gets real fat between fights.

Joshua is not predictable or readable.. He's not awkward and klunky like Wladimir was after a similar number of fights.. Wladimir is trying to say something to hype the fight.. Boxing writers need fresh material from the boxers.. so you have to be imaginative sometimes.. Klitschko isn't the type to say "This kid is so green. I have 50% more fights than he has rounds... I'm going to send him crying home to his Mama" so you come up with what Klitschko said.

[Bard of Boxrec]

Hard to come to an educated conclusion when AJ has yet to face more than a couple decent fighters. I agree that this fight will most likely end in AJ's favor, but we haven't seen enough of him against good opposition to claim educated conclusions on much of anything.

I understand your point of view, but I have seen enough of him. With some fighters I don't need to see them in with the top of their division to know what they are capable of doing. For example, I knew what Floyd was capable of the very first time I saw him. He ended up exceeding my expectations, but I knew I was witnessing a future dominate champion before he ever fought for a title.

agreed. I called kovalev the best light heavyweight in the world before he had fought anyone. Joshua the best heavy for a couple years.

+1

Definitely have no problem with the record scrutinisers doing the old 'but we don't know yet' thing. These people are the ones who will keep the early KO odds for Joshua decent.

[montrealsuper]

Both Klitschkos were so great they never allowed anyone else to even look remotely good - the sign of greatness is to make all your competition appear weak and that's what they did -

[montrealsuper]

Klitschko is saying Joshua will be great someday but he's not there yet - the only way to truly become great is to learn by beating the best - if Joshua can beat Klitschko now he will prove a lot - If he loses he will have been touched by greatness and will surely learn a lot for his future - Consider Leonard vs Duran 1 - it just seems Klitschko KNOWS he can handle what Joshua has - saying he can totally read everything Joshua does is a pretty bold but polite statement and if it was translated into trash talk jargon it would say: "YOU AINT GOT SHIT / I GONNA GIVE YOU A LESSON BOY"

[Bard of Boxrec]

Both Klitschkos were so great they never allowed anyone else to even look remotely good - the sign of greatness is to make all your competition appear weak and that's what they did -

No, in most cases the opponents were objectively bad. Wlad's best win is either Alexander Povetkin or Haye. Povetkin, he had to grapple and foul and hold on for his life to get through it. There were enough disqualifications for two Wlads in that fight.

Haye, they both sucked and were both terrified to commit. Haye sucked more.

As well as those Wlad beat up a long line of fat blobs and never was's, got stopped violently 3 times by sub par foes, and almost stopped by another sub par foe. The end

Wlad should have the soles of his boots sponsored for this one

[montrealsuper]

Both Klitschkos were so great they never allowed anyone else to even look remotely good - the sign of greatness is to make all your competition appear weak and that's what they did -

No, in most cases the opponents were objectively bad.

Both Klitschkos kleaned out the division of the best and worst of their challengers - like all great hwts do -

[Bard of Boxrec]

it just seems Klitschko KNOWS he can handle what Joshua has - saying he can totally read everything Joshua does is a pretty bold but polite statement and if it was translated into trash talk jargon it would say: "YOU AINT GOT poo / I GONNA GIVE YOU A LESSON BOY"

Amazing that Wlad would think that given his history of totally falling apart when faced with adversity. I guess he's just deluded.

[Enlightened-One]

it just seems Klitschko KNOWS he can handle what Joshua has - saying he can totally read everything Joshua does is a pretty bold but polite statement and if it was translated into trash talk jargon it would say: "YOU AINT GOT poo / I GONNA GIVE YOU A LESSON BOY"

Amazing that Wlad would think that given his history of totally falling apart when faced with adversity. I guess he's just deluded.

How many times did Wladimir Klitschko fall apart from the second bout onwards that Emanuel Steward & his understudy started training him (since October 2004)?

“Amazing” that you sincerely believe that fighters cannot improve over time, when being trained by the right people.

[Horse]

Wlad's going to smash Joshua's snot box in.

[montrealsuper]

Wlad destroyed the best for ten years - ten years of destruction of barely losing a few rounds over a DECADE - that is GREATNESS - his challengers trained their whole lives for their shot at this titles and they all tried to "dog" WK but they all got slaughtered - THAT IS GREATNESS

[Kalan]

Wladimir Klitschko is one of the greatest Heavyweight Champions no doubt.. His discipline and work ethic are legendary.. But his ass is getting creamed

[Bard of Boxrec]

Wlad destroyed the best for ten years - ten years of destruction of barely losing a few rounds over a DECADE - that is GREATNESS - his challengers trained their whole lives for their shot at this titles and they all tried to "dog" WK but they all got slaughtered - THAT IS GREATNESS

Wow. You really have a hard-on for Wlad.

[Bard of Boxrec]

Wlad's going to smash Joshua's snot box in.

You're picking wlad just because you don't like Joshua. No, you're picking wlad because Joshua is 'unproven'.
Back in your horse box, snot.

[montrealsuper]

Picking WK based on his confidence which is loud and clear regarding Joshua - sounds like he knows KNOWS the flaws to exploit learned in their sparring -I like Joshua but not how he's been carefully protected - protections kills fighters learning curves - ask Gerry Cooney -

[Bard of Boxrec]

it just seems Klitschko KNOWS he can handle what Joshua has - saying he can totally read everything Joshua does is a pretty bold but polite statement and if it was translated into trash talk jargon it would say: "YOU AINT GOT poo / I GONNA GIVE YOU A LESSON BOY"

Amazing that Wlad would think that given his history of totally falling apart when faced with adversity. I guess he's just deluded.

How many times did Wladimir Klitschko fall apart from the second bout onwards that Emanuel Steward & his understudy started training him (since October 2004)?

“Amazing” that you sincerely believe that fighters cannot improve over time, when being trained by the right people.

The only time since 'The Great Improvement Of Wlad' that Klit actually faced an opponent who was capable of putting it on him (Povetkin) he turned into a dancing octopus.

Watching Wlad getting brutalised in this one will be wonderful. I just wish it was the 'prime', 'rehabilitated' version of Wlad that gets destroyed, so people can finally understand that the latter-day Wlad looks all controlled and measured in with his long line of stiffs but really hasn't faced anyone to make him work or think, and that when the going gets tough it really is the SAME OL' WLAD.

[Enlightened-One]

Amazing that Wlad would think that given his history of totally falling apart when faced with adversity. I guess he's just deluded.

How many times did Wladimir Klitschko fall apart from the second bout onwards that Emanuel Steward & his understudy started training him (since October 2004)?

“Amazing” that you sincerely believe that fighters cannot improve over time, when being trained by the right people.

The only time since 'The Great Improvement Of Wlad' that Klit actually faced an opponent who was capable of putting it on him (Povetkin) he turned into a dancing octopus.

Watching Wlad getting brutalised in this one will be wonderful. I just wish it was the 'prime', 'rehabilitated' version of Wlad that gets destroyed, so people can finally understand that the latter-day Wlad looks all controlled and measured in with his long line of stiffs but really hasn't faced anyone to make him work or think, and that when the going gets tough it really is the SAME OL' WLAD.

If Wladimir gets stopped early by AJ, it’ll be due to the fact that he is far removed from his prime. It has been several years since he’s operated at his seemingly optimal levels.

You won’t be able to say “I told you so” about the outcome of this fight, since it is normal for fighters in their forties to suffer a dramatic and immediate dip in form.

If Wladimir loses against Joshua, that won’t render his legacy irrelevant, because he would have been defeated by an opponent almost fourteen years his junior.

[Gnome]

Amazing that Wlad would think that given his history of totally falling apart when faced with adversity. I guess he's just deluded.

How many times did Wladimir Klitschko fall apart from the second bout onwards that Emanuel Steward & his understudy started training him (since October 2004)?

“Amazing” that you sincerely believe that fighters cannot improve over time, when being trained by the right people.

The only time since 'The Great Improvement Of Wlad' that Klit actually faced an opponent who was capable of putting it on him (Povetkin) he turned into a dancing octopus.

Watching Wlad getting brutalised in this one will be wonderful. I just wish it was the 'prime', 'rehabilitated' version of Wlad that gets destroyed, so people can finally understand that the latter-day Wlad looks all controlled and measured in with his long line of stiffs but really hasn't faced anyone to make him work or think, and that when the going gets tough it really is the SAME OL' WLAD.

You've got a major hate-on for Wlad.

[Kalan]

Yup... Anybody who says "Watching Wlad getting brutalised in this one will be wonderful. I just wish it was the 'prime', 'rehabilitated' version of Wlad that gets destroyed" is as objective as Margarito about Shane Mosley.

[lazboy]

Prediction with a few secenarios:

The first 3 rounds will depend on each fighters mentality.
I assume Joshua has a great deal of respect for Wlad, A) They sparred together B) Wlad was such a dominent heavyweight and C) Wlad is clearly older and more experienced, respect is natural for the older colleague with such achievements.

Given the respect, I believe Joshua willl try to box him, being cautious. Wlad is a traditional boxer and will be happy to trade jabs, be happy to do this all night. I really think the first 3 will be a battle of the jabs. Who has the better jab? Joshua's is faster, but even though his reach is longer I feel it's shorter. Wlad can really extend on his jab. So....maybe Wlad gets some success out jabbing Joshua.

Now what's going to happen if Joshua gives away the first few rounds? Well Joshua can become frustrated and reckless but this may work to his advantage if he's moving in on Wlad, keeping the pressure on, making hs legs work. I can't call it but I'm suspicious that Wlad legs are almost shot. He can't keep the range and react as quick off them.

So what could happen?

A)Joshua gets out jabbed early on. Then either has a plan b or gets frustrated which both involved moving in on Wlad and it's combos and good night for Wlad.

Or....B) Joshua becomes reckless, gets clipped trying to rush in, starts winging his punches, fatigues, gets clipped again and looses on points while Wlad is content picking him off from the distance.

I'll be betting A although I could change closer to the event. If none of that happens and I'm completely wrong I'll just delete this post