The only two Russian HW champions, if not to count Valuev, who was awarded the championship quite controversially, and Povetkin, who is the best of all four, but has never won a major belt (yet?).
Both were decent boxers with solid punching power. Maskaev obviously had a longer career with better opposition. KOed Rahman twice, was outboxing Tua before got iced. Sometimes was too wild, despite having so-so chin, what caused some KO losses. Ibragimov became the champ by outboxing Briggs, who had never been an ingenious boxer, defended against shot Holyfield. Went life-and-death against Ray Austin prior to it. Survived against Wlad.
I guess, if Maskaev remained rational, he would outbox Ibragimov. If there were a lot of exchanges, Ibragimov would be more likely to win, by a KO.
Who would you pick, how and why?
Heavyweights: Oleg Maskaev vs Sultan Ibragimov
Re: Heavyweights: Oleg Maskaev vs Sultan Ibragimov
Prime,focused Maskaev would won by close decision in hard fight for him.Sultan could a punch but he wasn't banger.
Not prime Oleg would get TKO in 4-6 rounds .
Not prime Oleg would get TKO in 4-6 rounds .
