BoxRec

The fight that was briefly discussed in 2015.

Wlad and Wilder both had the same manager in Shelly Finkel. If I recall, Wlad and his German management in Bernd Boente were entertaining the idea of unifying against Wilder. WBC were on board, too. But Finkel said he prefers to revisit this fight a little later, since he wants to build Wilder up more.

Wlad will soon be ordered by the WBO to make a mandatory against Tyson Fury. I think, if Finkel and Wilder would've agreed to do a unification, governing bodies would've prioritized it over mandatory.

But let's pretend that Wlad-Wilder happens. How do you expect it to go? Wlad was getting up there in age, but Wilder is no Fury and stylistically is a better fight for Wlad. Wilder was fresher, though. And he can always end the fight with one punch. Wlad could've been overly cautious, realizing the danger.

What are your thoughts?

I think Wlad would've picked apart Wilder pretty comfortably. Wilder obviously is always dangerous with that right hand, but I think Wlad would be able to shut down your 1 weapon if 1 weapon is all you're coming with. Wlad was pretty versatile, and had a much better all around game, and he certainly had the power to put Wilder's lights out as well.

I gotta favor Wlad.