BoxRec

12 rounds. Who wins and why?

This fight was scheduled for real in 2001 or 2002, in South Africa. Allegedly Valuev's team pulled out a month or two before the bout.

My guess is that Valuev would have been in a lot of trouble against Sanders. Nicolai's defense wasn't the best. He could be hit, especially by tall, quick, talented guys. Nobody could hurt him, but he could be tagged. Not good for this fight.

Sanders could really bang, in addition to possessing lightning quick hand speed and a southpaw's positional advantage. I'm thinking he could have hurt and KO'd Valuev early.

But another possibility is that Valuev weather's Corrie's early round blitzkrieg, possibly arising from a knockdown or two in the process. If Nicolai could survive until the fourth or fifth, he'd probably take control, given that Sanders tended to be winded by mid-fight. If this happened, I could picture Valuev winning by stoppage sometime after the ninth.

Fascinating fight. Though, I've read that they were scheduled to meet in 2003. But then Sanders got an offer to fight Wladimir and that's the fight that he chose.

Also, if I recall they used to spar each other. And Valuev said that even in sparrings Sanders had a rare power.

Now, speaking about the fight... I think, you pretty much described the most realistic scenarios for this fight.

Perhaps, many forget that. But Sanders, when he was in shape, wasn't just a concussive puncher. He was also a pretty skilled operator. Capable of putting together some nice combos.

It's not hard to imagine Sanders timing Valuev and finding home for his left hand early and often. Two questions, really. 1. How many left hands could Valuev take? 2. Would Sanders stamina hold up?

Valuev had a stone head. But Barrett, Ruiz and Haye were able to move him. So could Sanders. However, I trust Sanders' stamina less than I trust Valuev's head.

Not saying I'm ready to pick Valuev here. But it's possible that he could eventually pull it off.