AJ to fight PULEV next ? DECEMBER ? *

[Ossyrules]

Has anyone in here said that they don't think AJ will win? How many here are going for Pulev? I wouldn't say that there's much optimism at all in terms of him pulling it off, and far more evident is the perception that KP is overmatched. I think that will prove to be the case, although there is a difference between actually winning a bout and being gifted wins without stepping in the ring.

I've noticed Wlad fading for a few years. He got hit far more than usual against Pulev, failed to land anything meaningful against Jennings, and then of course was easily outboxed in a listless showing against Fury. Given that trajectory, along with his age and inactivity, I was surprised that he managed to put the much younger AJ through hell like that.

I think you're reading a bit much into the "optimistic" line. I think those giving pulev much hope are being optimistic, that's all

I agree with Vitali that wlads level was as good as I've ever seen it

[EduardosFist]

If Pulev had any kind of power, he'd have a 1% chance to win.

[crusader]

Vitali said it was his 'best fight', which could also mean in terms of effort or entertainment. Did Vitali specify that he thinks Wlad was at his peak in terms of ability? That certainly wouldn't fit the trajectory Wlad was on..

Vit also said that Wlad was better than AJ; should we believe that?

[Ossyrules]

Vitali said it was his 'best fight', which could also mean in terms of effort or entertainment. Did Vitali specify that he thinks Wlad was at his peak in terms of ability? That certainly wouldn't fit the trajectory Wlad was on..

Vit also said that Wlad was better than AJ; should we believe that?

I'm interpreting it fairly straightforward, best fight. He didn't display decline that you speak of, he looked as good as ever to me. With respect to his other opponents, Wlad could have won at 60-70%. Facing Joshua was a completely different animal that he'd know coming in to the fight he'd need to be at his best to win.

He coasted to easy wins over pulev and Jennings while not looking as good as he could.

I believe Vitali did think Wlad was better than Joshua as for a lot of the fight he was

[crusader]

Best in what respect? If someone asked me what the best fight I've seen is, I'd say Gatti-Ward I or Muriqi-Ahmed. Highly entertaining battles, though fairly short on skill.

I don't believe that Wlad was at the peak of his abilities in the AJ fight, though the old guy did put in a better offensive showing than I expected. Joshua being a horribly gassed sitting duck certainly helped with that...

[Ossyrules]

Best in what respect? If someone asked me what the best fight I've seen is, I'd say Gatti-Ward I or Muriqi-Ahmed. Highly entertaining battles, though fairly short on skill.

I don't believe that Wlad was at the peak of his abilities in the AJ fight, though the old guy did put in a better offensive showing than I expected. Joshua being a horribly gassed sitting duck certainly helped with that...

Wlad looked at his best is how I interpreted it. I don't see Vitali meaning it another way

Physically at 40 wlads not at his best, but being a consummate pro he's still in great shape. He's no aversge 40 year old. With his experience of 60+ fights he could bridge certain losses. Wlad looked as good as ever to me.

[Kalan]

Vitali said it was his 'best fight', which could also mean in terms of effort or entertainment. Did Vitali specify that he thinks Wlad was at his peak in terms of ability? That certainly wouldn't fit the trajectory Wlad was on..

Vit also said that Wlad was better than AJ; should we believe that?

In terms of stance, footwork, and smoothness on the jab and some right hands he delivered I think Wladimir was better than AJ... In terms of aggression, combination punching, power, focus, and slipping and ducking punches Joshua was better -- but that doesn't always catch your eye. Wladimir delivered a beautiful combination of left hooks on Ray Austin for instance -- in what was essentially a perfect fight. But against a high caliber opponent like: Haye, Povetkin, Chambers, Joshua, Byrd, Ibragimov, and Fury -- this was his best performance.

[Mexi-Box]

Giving a HW boxer a 1% chance is folly. Even light punching HW can knock another HW out.

Pulev ability is pretty good but he does lack power and got it all wrong against Klitschko in 2014 (a different animal).

AJ should win, but I wouldn't bet my house on it.

When has a top 10 ranked boxer ever only had a 1% chance against another top 10 ranked boxer?

It's ridiculous to write Pulev off as a no-hoper. He'd be Joshua's 2nd best win by some way compared to his 3rd best win.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Pulev won. It would be a very good, world class win for Joshua.

pulev is rubbish. in the scheme of things it's not a bad fight. he'll get crushed though.

No he's not. He was the #2 ranked HW after Klitschko beat Povetkin. Dude would be the best fighter anyone has fought not named Povetkin or Klitschko.

[Loki]

When has a top 10 ranked boxer ever only had a 1% chance against another top 10 ranked boxer?

It's ridiculous to write Pulev off as a no-hoper. He'd be Joshua's 2nd best win by some way compared to his 3rd best win.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Pulev won. It would be a very good, world class win for Joshua.

pulev is rubbish. in the scheme of things it's not a bad fight. he'll get crushed though.

No he's not. He was the #2 ranked HW after Klitschko beat Povetkin. Dude would be the best fighter anyone has fought not named Povetkin or Klitschko.

Pulev isn't rubbish, just doesn't have fire power. AJ should and will win, but if a 40 Klitschko almost beat him, he's certainly not someone to put your house on.

[Bard of Boxrec]

Best in what respect? If someone asked me what the best fight I've seen is, I'd say Gatti-Ward I or Muriqi-Ahmed. Highly entertaining battles, though fairly short on skill.

I don't believe that Wlad was at the peak of his abilities in the AJ fight, though the old guy did put in a better offensive showing than I expected. Joshua being a horribly gassed sitting duck certainly helped with that...

Wlad looked great. Referring to his 'decline' before this is irrelevant, he went to the well and pulled it out on the night. Powerful, sharp, great movement, heart, even variety!

I don't think people should deny what they're watching just to fit the orthodoxy of 'but this shouldn't be happening'. It did, and it raised his stock.

[Mexi-Box]

pulev is rubbish. in the scheme of things it's not a bad fight. he'll get crushed though.

No he's not. He was the #2 ranked HW after Klitschko beat Povetkin. Dude would be the best fighter anyone has fought not named Povetkin or Klitschko.

Pulev isn't rubbish, just doesn't have fire power. AJ should and will win, but if a 40 Klitschko almost beat him, he's certainly not someone to put your house on.

An older Klitschko coming off a loss was 1 punch away from beating AJ.

[crusader]

Best in what respect? If someone asked me what the best fight I've seen is, I'd say Gatti-Ward I or Muriqi-Ahmed. Highly entertaining battles, though fairly short on skill.

I don't believe that Wlad was at the peak of his abilities in the AJ fight, though the old guy did put in a better offensive showing than I expected. Joshua being a horribly gassed sitting duck certainly helped with that...

Wlad looked great. Referring to his 'decline' before this is irrelevant, he went to the well and pulled it out on the night. Powerful, sharp, great movement, heart, even variety!

I don't think people should deny what they're watching just to fit the orthodoxy of 'but this shouldn't be happening'. It did, and it raised his stock.

AJ was horribly gassed and a sitting duck for several rounds. He was basically a walking punching bag, and it's much easier to look good when your opponent is in that state and you can hit them pretty much freely. I don't think Wlad looked at his best when it was more of a two-way boxing match, and I wouldn't have expected him to; how many boxers suddenly reach the peak of their abilities at 41, after 20 years of pro competition and showing a trajectory of decline? It just doesn't really happen, though it's great to convince yourself of if you want to boost up the other guy.

[Badhusker]

Explain the way for Pulev's victory, please. How ?? Jab, jab, jab....against Joshua ...Clinching ? Long distance ? Trading punches ?.....No way, believe me, and I have a respect for Pulev....He ought to be happy with UD loss....

Quite simple - he could outbox him. If Joshua comes in at 255lbs with piles of muscles, he WILL get tired.

I fully expect AJ to KO Pulev, but it isn't a certainty. Forget Pulevs performance against Klitschko, that was foolish and the 2014 version of Klitschko is a lot better than AJ in 2017.

I just don't think Pulev has enough power to keep AJ honest and gunshy.

Pulev is among top ten HWs nowadays, doubtless, he is capable to beat Parker, even Wilder, but against Joshua he can not do anything. Maybe he can win two or three rounds, and that is all. Joshua's punch power is on the same level as Klitschko's, and Pulev will not be able to avoid punches 12 rounds....And Pulev himself is not a powerful puncher, and his chin is no more than average. I hope he will be paid properly, and be retired as a wealthy gentleman.

Pulev's resume since Wlad is not impressive. A split decision win vs Chisora. I put him about the same level as Dylan Whyte. Not a top 10 heavy. No way he beats Parker or Wilder, imo.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

He won like 10 rounds against Chisora. I'm going to say you didn't see it.

[crusader]

Pulev outclassed Chisora and did a way better job on him than Whyte did. The card for Chisora was truly awful and among the worst of recent years. To give some perspective, Horse was widely slated in the Brit RBR thread for having it unreasonably close, and he still ended up with Pulev winning by 3-4. I had it 118-110 and most scores I've seen were from 116-112 to 119-109.

Pulev is a solid challenger for AJ and will probably be his second best opponent. He's not elite, but I think he's on the next level after AJ, Wilder, Povetkin, and maybe Ortiz. I think he'd have a good chance of beating Parker, and, while he'll probably get stopped by AJ, the same can be said about everyone else.

[Badhusker]

He won like 10 rounds against Chisora. I'm going to say you didn't see it.

You are right, I only watched a few highlights. Other than Chisora, the guys he fought since getting blasted out by Wlad are pretty sad. Knowing Hearn, he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first, then Ortiz, then Wilder.
Wilder isn't the best boxer of the three, but a huge risk. It just makes me laugh that Joshua says he doesn't give a shit about belts, but then says he has to do his mandatories and wants to collect all the belts...so Wilder will have to wait. Like I said in another thread, belts and mandatories matter when its convenient.
Ortiz probably deserves it most. He is the one out of the three that seems willing to fight anyone. Pulev turned down a chance to fight Joshua already. Maybe we will get lucky and he will again.

[Ossyrules]

He won like 10 rounds against Chisora. I'm going to say you didn't see it.

You are right, I only watched a few highlights. Other than Chisora, the guys he fought since getting blasted out by Wlad are pretty sad. Knowing Hearn, he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first, then Ortiz, then Wilder.
Wilder isn't the best boxer of the three, but a huge risk. It just makes me laugh that Joshua says he doesn't give a poo about belts, but then says he has to do his mandatories and wants to collect all the belts...so Wilder will have to wait. Like I said in another thread, belts and mandatories matter when its convenient.
Ortiz probably deserves it most. He is the one out of the three that seems willing to fight anyone. Pulev turned down a chance to fight Joshua already. Maybe we will get lucky and he will again.

You haven't got a clue mate, take of your biased hat and open your eyes.

"Knowing Hearn he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first"

Bollocks, Hearn has brought boxing forward in England with more aggressive match making. The days of w4rren padding hattons and calzaghes unbeaten records are gone. Hearn fighters are getting chucked in proper fights. Do your homework and read up. Or don't comment on English boxing as you clearly don't follow it properly.

How about you get your boy wilder to fight a live opponent and build up his profile. Joshua's just done 90k stadium vs the best guy in the division. He won the title after 40 rounds boxing. He's ducking nobody you clueless facker. Biased as fack

[Badhusker]

He won like 10 rounds against Chisora. I'm going to say you didn't see it.

You are right, I only watched a few highlights. Other than Chisora, the guys he fought since getting blasted out by Wlad are pretty sad. Knowing Hearn, he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first, then Ortiz, then Wilder.
Wilder isn't the best boxer of the three, but a huge risk. It just makes me laugh that Joshua says he doesn't give a poo about belts, but then says he has to do his mandatories and wants to collect all the belts...so Wilder will have to wait. Like I said in another thread, belts and mandatories matter when its convenient.
Ortiz probably deserves it most. He is the one out of the three that seems willing to fight anyone. Pulev turned down a chance to fight Joshua already. Maybe we will get lucky and he will again.

You haven't got a clue mate, take of your biased hat and open your eyes.

"Knowing Hearn he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first"

Bollocks, Hearn has brought boxing forward in England with more aggressive match making. The days of w4rren padding hattons and calzaghes unbeaten records are gone. Hearn fighters are getting chucked in proper fights. Do your homework and read up. Or don't comment on English boxing as you clearly don't follow it properly.

How about you get your boy wilder to fight a live opponent and build up his profile. Joshua's just done 90k stadium vs the best guy in the division. He won the title after 40 rounds boxing. He's ducking nobody you clueless facker. Biased as fack

Calm down dipshit. Sorry if I hit a nerve by telling the truth. Aside from Wlad (former elite boxer) Who would you say was Joshua's most impressive win? Breazeale? Mansour beat the piss out of him before having to quit due to almost biting his tongue in half. He could have fought Ortiz instead. Pulev is the easiest opponent out of Ortiz and Wilder, imo, and that is who he will pick. It has nothing to do with mandatories.

[Ossyrules]

You are right, I only watched a few highlights. Other than Chisora, the guys he fought since getting blasted out by Wlad are pretty sad. Knowing Hearn, he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first, then Ortiz, then Wilder.
Wilder isn't the best boxer of the three, but a huge risk. It just makes me laugh that Joshua says he doesn't give a poo about belts, but then says he has to do his mandatories and wants to collect all the belts...so Wilder will have to wait. Like I said in another thread, belts and mandatories matter when its convenient.
Ortiz probably deserves it most. He is the one out of the three that seems willing to fight anyone. Pulev turned down a chance to fight Joshua already. Maybe we will get lucky and he will again.

You haven't got a clue mate, take of your biased hat and open your eyes.

"Knowing Hearn he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first"

Bollocks, Hearn has brought boxing forward in England with more aggressive match making. The days of w4rren padding hattons and calzaghes unbeaten records are gone. Hearn fighters are getting chucked in proper fights. Do your homework and read up. Or don't comment on English boxing as you clearly don't follow it properly.

How about you get your boy wilder to fight a live opponent and build up his profile. Joshua's just done 90k stadium vs the best guy in the division. He won the title after 40 rounds boxing. He's ducking nobody you clueless facker. Biased as fack

Calm down dipshit. Sorry if I hit a nerve by telling the truth. Aside from Wlad (former elite boxer) Who would you say was Joshua's most impressive win? Breazeale? Mansour beat the piss out of him before having to quit due to almost biting his tongue in half. He could have fought Ortiz instead. Pulev is the easiest opponent out of Ortiz and Wilder, imo, and that is who he will pick. It has nothing to do with mandatories.

You've hit no nerve, you're just a casual who obviously just follows boxing on twitter or something. You don't understand the sport. Do your homework and learn

[Badhusker]

You haven't got a clue mate, take of your biased hat and open your eyes.

"Knowing Hearn he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first"

Bollocks, Hearn has brought boxing forward in England with more aggressive match making. The days of w4rren padding hattons and calzaghes unbeaten records are gone. Hearn fighters are getting chucked in proper fights. Do your homework and read up. Or don't comment on English boxing as you clearly don't follow it properly.

How about you get your boy wilder to fight a live opponent and build up his profile. Joshua's just done 90k stadium vs the best guy in the division. He won the title after 40 rounds boxing. He's ducking nobody you clueless facker. Biased as fack

Calm down dipshit. Sorry if I hit a nerve by telling the truth. Aside from Wlad (former elite boxer) Who would you say was Joshua's most impressive win? Breazeale? Mansour beat the piss out of him before having to quit due to almost biting his tongue in half. He could have fought Ortiz instead. Pulev is the easiest opponent out of Ortiz and Wilder, imo, and that is who he will pick. It has nothing to do with mandatories.

You've hit no nerve, you're just a casual who obviously just follows boxing on twitter or something. You don't understand the sport. Do your homework and learn

Pulev's last five opponents makes Wilder's last five look like murderer's row, so I don't think he has done anything more to deserve a fight with Joshua. I admit Wilder's over-all resume is crap for the amount of fights he has had, but also think Joshua fans don't want to see him fight Wilder, because there is a 50/50 chance he will KO Joshua. Then people like you will have to pick a new hero to rule the division for the next 10 years.

[Loki]

He won like 10 rounds against Chisora. I'm going to say you didn't see it.

That verdict was awful. SD was beyond sh1t.

[samdance]

He won like 10 rounds against Chisora. I'm going to say you didn't see it.

You are right, I only watched a few highlights. Other than Chisora, the guys he fought since getting blasted out by Wlad are pretty sad. Knowing Hearn, he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first, then Ortiz, then Wilder.
Wilder isn't the best boxer of the three, but a huge risk. It just makes me laugh that Joshua says he doesn't give a poo about belts, but then says he has to do his mandatories and wants to collect all the belts...so Wilder will have to wait. Like I said in another thread, belts and mandatories matter when its convenient.
Ortiz probably deserves it most. He is the one out of the three that seems willing to fight anyone. Pulev turned down a chance to fight Joshua already. Maybe we will get lucky and he will again.

You haven't got a clue mate, take of your biased hat and open your eyes.

"Knowing Hearn he will convince Joshua to take the least risk first"

Bollocks, Hearn has brought boxing forward in England with more aggressive match making. The days of w4rren padding hattons and calzaghes unbeaten records are gone. Hearn fighters are getting chucked in proper fights. Do your homework and read up. Or don't comment on English boxing as you clearly don't follow it properly.

How about you get your boy wilder to fight a live opponent and build up his profile. Joshua's just done 90k stadium vs the best guy in the division. He won the title after 40 rounds boxing. He's ducking nobody you clueless facker. Biased as fack

I think this is slightly harsh, I agree that Hearn is definitely making better matchups these days.
But of course there is thinking putting AJ in with pulev before Ortiz and Wilder, he would be silly not to, he is a business man.
Wilder probably carries the most risk so by putting AJ in with him first could potentially lose all the money that he would have made in the first two less risky fights.

[Ossyrules]

Calm down dipshit. Sorry if I hit a nerve by telling the truth. Aside from Wlad (former elite boxer) Who would you say was Joshua's most impressive win? Breazeale? Mansour beat the piss out of him before having to quit due to almost biting his tongue in half. He could have fought Ortiz instead. Pulev is the easiest opponent out of Ortiz and Wilder, imo, and that is who he will pick. It has nothing to do with mandatories.

You've hit no nerve, you're just a casual who obviously just follows boxing on twitter or something. You don't understand the sport. Do your homework and learn

Pulev's last five opponents makes Wilder's last five look like murderer's row, so I don't think he has done anything more to deserve a fight with Joshua. I admit Wilder's over-all resume is crap for the amount of fights he has had, but also think Joshua fans don't want to see him fight Wilder, because there is a 50/50 chance he will KO Joshua. Then people like you will have to pick a new hero to rule the division for the next 10 years.

Ok

- pulev last 5 vs wilder last 5. You say it makes Wilders look like murderers row. Huge exaggeration. Wilders last 5 is ordinary, pulevs is too. I have no problem if you think Wilders are tougher, but to suggest there is a massive gulf in class is way off. Notice you picked last 5, as if you picked last 6, it includes klitschko

- can't comment on all Joshua fans not wanting wilder? I don't see that type of feeling tbh, but it's not a fight I want Joshua to avoid, for sure.

- you say it's a 50/50. Is it? Look at there history and common opponent. Joshua consistently dominates opponents. Wilder practically stinks it out, looking bad, then the big punch solves his problems. I don't see it as 50/50 as Joshua actually boxes to create openings for his big punches. Wilder doesn't. That gives Joshua the advantage. Additionally a guy who punches as wide as wilder will get beat to the punch by a straight puncher, Joshua punches fairly straight. Wilder could knock out Joshua if the punch lands so I'd not rule him out completely. But Joshua has to be the favourite.

- Joshua no hero of mine and I'm not a fan boy. But I'm realistic. He's the best guy at the heavyweight right now.

Take your emotion out of it badhusker and analyse it objectively

[Badhusker]

You've hit no nerve, you're just a casual who obviously just follows boxing on twitter or something. You don't understand the sport. Do your homework and learn

Pulev's last five opponents makes Wilder's last five look like murderer's row, so I don't think he has done anything more to deserve a fight with Joshua. I admit Wilder's over-all resume is crap for the amount of fights he has had, but also think Joshua fans don't want to see him fight Wilder, because there is a 50/50 chance he will KO Joshua. Then people like you will have to pick a new hero to rule the division for the next 10 years.

Ok

- pulev last 5 vs wilder last 5. You say it makes Wilders look like murderers row. Huge exaggeration. Wilders last 5 is ordinary, pulevs is too. I have no problem if you think Wilders are tougher, but to suggest there is a massive gulf in class is way off. Notice you picked last 5, as if you picked last 6, it includes klitschko

- can't comment on all Joshua fans not wanting wilder? I don't see that type of feeling tbh, but it's not a fight I want Joshua to avoid, for sure.

- you say it's a 50/50. Is it? Look at there history and common opponent. Joshua consistently dominates opponents. Wilder practically stinks it out, looking bad, then the big punch solves his problems. I don't see it as 50/50 as Joshua actually boxes to create openings for his big punches. Wilder doesn't. That gives Joshua the advantage. Additionally a guy who punches as wide as wilder will get beat to the punch by a straight puncher, Joshua punches fairly straight. Wilder could knock out Joshua if the punch lands so I'd not rule him out completely. But Joshua has to be the favourite.

- Joshua no hero of mine and I'm not a fan boy. But I'm realistic. He's the best guy at the heavyweight right now.

Take your emotion out of it badhusker and analyse it objectively

There is no emotion involved. I like many want to see both of these guys tested. Ortiz included. Pulev turned down Joshua last year, so I would hate it if he got the shot considering his last 5 opponents. If you want to include Wlad, fine. I was nice to him by not doing it. Getting blasted out in 5 rounds isn't exactly what I would call a solid addition to my resume. I hope Joshua fights Ortiz or Wilder, and not Pulev. I know he will fight Pulev, then probably Ortiz, then Wilder...in that order. Maybe we will get lucky and Wilder will fight Ortiz in the meantime...

[Ossyrules]

Pulev's last five opponents makes Wilder's last five look like murderer's row, so I don't think he has done anything more to deserve a fight with Joshua. I admit Wilder's over-all resume is crap for the amount of fights he has had, but also think Joshua fans don't want to see him fight Wilder, because there is a 50/50 chance he will KO Joshua. Then people like you will have to pick a new hero to rule the division for the next 10 years.

Ok

- pulev last 5 vs wilder last 5. You say it makes Wilders look like murderers row. Huge exaggeration. Wilders last 5 is ordinary, pulevs is too. I have no problem if you think Wilders are tougher, but to suggest there is a massive gulf in class is way off. Notice you picked last 5, as if you picked last 6, it includes klitschko

- can't comment on all Joshua fans not wanting wilder? I don't see that type of feeling tbh, but it's not a fight I want Joshua to avoid, for sure.

- you say it's a 50/50. Is it? Look at there history and common opponent. Joshua consistently dominates opponents. Wilder practically stinks it out, looking bad, then the big punch solves his problems. I don't see it as 50/50 as Joshua actually boxes to create openings for his big punches. Wilder doesn't. That gives Joshua the advantage. Additionally a guy who punches as wide as wilder will get beat to the punch by a straight puncher, Joshua punches fairly straight. Wilder could knock out Joshua if the punch lands so I'd not rule him out completely. But Joshua has to be the favourite.

- Joshua no hero of mine and I'm not a fan boy. But I'm realistic. He's the best guy at the heavyweight right now.

Take your emotion out of it badhusker and analyse it objectively

There is no emotion involved. I like many want to see both of these guys tested. Ortiz included. Pulev turned down Joshua last year, so I would hate it if he got the shot considering his last 5 opponents. If you want to include Wlad, fine. I was nice to him by not doing it. Getting blasted out in 5 rounds isn't exactly what I would call a solid addition to my resume. I hope Joshua fights Ortiz or Wilder, and not Pulev. I know he will fight Pulev, then probably Ortiz, then Wilder...in that order. Maybe we will get lucky and Wilder will fight Ortiz in the meantime...

It's clear you have your motives vs Joshua. Joshua won't be lucky if wilder fights Ortiz in the meantime... wilder has been at the top longer than Joshua, not fighting Ortiz or any other top guys... never seen you commit against wilder like this though