BoxRec

I dont see Chris pulling this one out, the question for me is can Byrd put enough heat on Wlad to get him back into his shell and make him reluctant to throw. I dont think so.

For all his new-found fragility Wlad still has good tools and stylewise I dont think Byrd matches up well against a tall, jab-jab- right-hander. Hes gonna have to be pretty dominant in rounds to win judges over in Germany and I dont see that happening.

I see a closer fight then last time with Byrd to have his moments when he steps on the gas to try and frighten Wlad but in the end a decision win for Wlad, with a few calls of 'bullshit/hometown' later on from the States.

Any other opinions ?
Anyone buying it btw?

I'll probably get the PPV, mainly though to see Andy Lee and (hopefully, not being advertised on Setanta) the Bendall vs Sylvester match.

I see it being a wide Klitchsko win, both fighters are not the same as before. Byrd couldn't handle either Klitchsko (really) and has probably gone backwards even more so than the re-grouping Klitchsko.

It will be a shame cause I think the loser has no where to go, I say its a shame cause at least you have two boxers here who are in good shape and actually look like athletes.

Lets hope Bendall doesn't get robbed!

I thinkit will be closer than the last.

Wlad has some great tools - lovely balance, jab, clean puncher. but his huge fragilities aren't likely to be exposed vs the guy he fights tonight. he's fighting ol' feather fists himself, Byrd.

like I said before, cuties aren't cute when they are towered over and well outreached. they can't run, circle, jab and run again. to land punches they ahve to stand in front of the bigger guy. and what happens standing in front? you get battered

of course both guys are different now than the 1st fight. Byrd with proven toughness, Wlad mentally fragile. so maybe it'll be closer.

i'm looking forward to it though, as at their best both men do have considerable class and skill...but byrd isn't exactly going to come at wlad like a 6' version of Dwight Muhammad Qawi (bobbing and weaving, slugging away w blurring combos)

Man Byrd fought scared in the first one!

I can see Wladimir stop Byrd in the middle rounds due to him knowing Byrd wont be able to hurt him and the fact Byrd has been on borrowed time for the last 2 years
I hope we get to see the Povetkin - Ahunanya fight

I have to go for Wlad, probably on points. Yes, he's flawed, but no way does Byrd have the punch to expose his chin. And whilst Klitshko looks mentally shot, and no longer seems to have too much confidence, surely there can't be a better fight for him to regain some of his belief than one against a guy he's already battered, and on home turf no less. Add to this the fact that Byrd seems to be going backwards of late, and I think it all adds up to a new IBF champion.

I note however, that a few writers are picking Byrd. Whilst I can understand that, the one that baffles me is Mike Katz. He fancies Byrd by 7th round KO.

states wrote:I have to go for Wlad, probably on points. Yes, he's flawed, but no way does Byrd have the punch to expose his chin. And whilst Klitshko looks mentally shot, and no longer seems to have too much confidence, surely there can't be a better fight for him to regain some of his belief than one against a guy he's already battered, and on home turf no less. Add to this the fact that Byrd seems to be going backwards of late, and I think it all adds up to a new IBF champion.

I note however, that a few writers are picking Byrd. Whilst I can understand that, the one that baffles me is Mike Katz. He fancies Byrd by 7th round KO.

Katz was on the ball, but unfortunately bumming the wrong guy. (Lennox Lewis scared of Byrd, ahahahahahhaha)

states wrote:I have to go for Wlad, probably on points. Yes, he's flawed, but no way does Byrd have the punch to expose his chin. And whilst Klitshko looks mentally shot, and no longer seems to have too much confidence, surely there can't be a better fight for him to regain some of his belief than one against a guy he's already battered, and on home turf no less. Add to this the fact that Byrd seems to be going backwards of late, and I think it all adds up to a new IBF champion.

I note however, that a few writers are picking Byrd. Whilst I can understand that, the one that baffles me is Mike Katz. He fancies Byrd by 7th round KO.

byrd has been shot for several years now...where is ike ibeabuchi when we need him?!? still in prison i guess!!

SM2006 wrote:
For all his new-found fragility

hahahahahhaha