Ruslan Chagaev vs Sultan Ibragimov (2007)

[EdwardRevolver1993]

This fight was scheduled to take place in October 2007, in Moscow. And it was built as a "first unification bout between boxers from the former Soviet Union" at the time.

Unfortunately, Chagaev had to withdraw due to medical issues. Evander Holyfield stepped in as a replacement.

But who would've won this WBA/WBO unification, if Chagaev wouldn't have withdrawn?

Two southpaws. Both decorated amateurs. Both could box and punch. Both were also considered small heavyweights at the time, who were coming off title-winning efforts against bigger foes - Chagaev famously outpointed Giant Valuev, Ibragimov outboxed Shannon Briggs.

Your take on who would've won Chagaev-Ibragimov (or Ibragimov-Chagaev, if you wish)?

[EdwardRevolver1993]

Personally, I would've taken Ibragimov on points. I feel he was more mobile on his feet and, at the same time, he was a little busier. Chagaev was mostly throwing one-two's. Ibragimov was bursting with combinations and had a better variety in terms of punch selection.

On his part, Chagaev had a tighter defense. Ibragimov was more opened to a shots and was, at times, boxing with his hands held low.

So, Chagaev would've probably landed cleaner single shots. Ibragimov would've won more rounds with activity.

I'm leaning towards Ibragimov on pts.

[Joson]

Too tough to call, IMO. These guys are very, very closely matched. I understand what OP's talking about when he leans slightly toward Sultan because of (possibly) superior mobility.

BTW, I was sitting about five rows from the ring when Sultan KO'd Javier Mora in 2007. He used blazing hand-speed and two-fisted combination punching to turn Mora into a human punching bag just seconds after the opening bell. I counted roughly two dozen unanswered shots to Mora's head.

[EdwardRevolver1993]

Too tough to call, IMO. These guys are very, very closely matched. I understand what OP's talking about when he leans slightly toward Sultan because of (possibly) superior mobility.

BTW, I was sitting about five rows from the ring when Sultan KO'd Javier Mora in 2007. He used blazing hand-speed and two-fisted combination punching to turn Mora into a human punching bag just seconds after the opening bell. I counted roughly two dozen unanswered shots to Mora's head.

That's cool to hear that you were there! That was MSG record for the fastest stoppage that occured in the arena, if I recall? I also remember Javier Mora was brought in as a late replacement. Sultan was scheduled to fight someone else, I guess.

[DrDuke]

They were quite similar in many aspects, from anthropometric stuff till technique. Both were southpaws, agile and skilled performers of the Soviet school. It would be close for sure. I slightly favor Chagaev.

[Joson]

I apologize for straying off-topic, but how do you guys rate Sultan's punching power? I was always under the impression it was well above average, that he was a heavy banger.

In other words, I figured he could put almost anyone on queer street with one well placed shot to the jaw, and finish them off with a follow-up combo.

But in retrospect, I'm questioning if - just maybe - I overrated his power. I'm not sure.

As for Chagaev, I judge his power as average to somewhat above average. Definitely lower than Sultan's.

(admin: feel free to delete this post if need be)

[EdwardRevolver1993]

I apologize for straying off-topic, but how do you guys rate Sultan's punching power? I was always under the impression it was well above average, that he was a heavy banger.

In other words, I figured he could put almost anyone on queer street with one well placed shot to the jaw, and finish them off with a follow-up combo.

But in retrospect, I'm questioning if - just maybe - I overrated his power. I'm not sure.

As for Chagaev, I judge his power as average to somewhat above average. Definitely lower than Sultan's.

(admin: feel free to delete this post if need be)

It's a good question, actually. If I recall, Sultan was able to drop and hurt pretty big guys like Ray Austin and Lance Whitaker. I think, his power was, in many ways, coming from his speed (which was impressive for a heavyweight).

As of Chagaev - I think, he could crack pretty good too. If I recall, he managed to wobble Povetkin couple of times. Scored a one-shot KO of Francesco Pianeta in the 1st round (Pianeta was taking punches from Wlad for 6 rounds and went the distance with Fury) and almost had Lucas Browne out.

[scorpio83]

Hard to pick between those two southpaw heavyweights. If I have to choose, I choose Chagaev to outwork Ibragimov to take a decision with better skills and punching power.