Predictions For AJ vs Wlad

by Mr Bounce Thu Apr 27, 2017 7:28 am

Come on then - it's time to throw in your best guess for Saturday's big fight.

Being British I have to go with Joshua as I think Wlad will struggle with his power, size and his inability to impose his will as he used to when champion could have a profound effect.

Having eaten a fair few jabs and had a shaky moment, AJ poleaxes and finishes Wlad somewhere around the 7th round. Wlad realises he has not much left to prove and retires from boxing shortly after as it's a young man's game.

by Derbymanc Thu Apr 27, 2017 8:20 am

Aj if he gets him out early. Wlad by UD if it goes late or too the cards

by BoxingFan88 Thu Apr 27, 2017 8:23 am

True pickem and great fight

Agree with Derby but anything can happen to be honest

Wlad is the best active heavyweight on the planet at the moment

by EX7EY Thu Apr 27, 2017 8:45 am

I'm going to say Wlad. I've said from the beginning I think AJ is over rated, I think he has average boxing skills that are complemented by raw power. In the current Heavyweight scene that can get you pretty far but up against someone with Wlads skills and experience it's a different ball game.

So far Aj's best win is probably Dillian Whyte, who is vastly over rated IMO. I backed Chisora to beat him and I wasn't a million miles away - I think Chisora won to be honest. And let's face it, todays Chisora is not the same one that went the distance with Vit K or even the one that fought David Haye.

I think an AJ win will be better for boxing long term but I think he's coming unstuck against Wlad this weekend. I think it's got to be an early KO for AJ or he loses, probably on points but I can see Wlad knocking him out as well.

It hinges heavily on where Wlad is at in his career now and we can only guess at that.

by BoxingFan88 Thu Apr 27, 2017 8:54 am

EX7EY wrote:I'm going to say Wlad. I've said from the beginning I think AJ is over rated, I think he has average boxing skills that are complemented by raw power. In the current Heavyweight scene that can get you pretty far but up against someone with Wlads skills and experience it's a different ball game.

So far Aj's best win is probably Dillian Whyte, who is vastly over rated IMO. I backed Chisora to beat him and I wasn't a million miles away - I think Chisora won to be honest. And let's face it, todays Chisora is not the same one that went the distance with Vit K or even the one that fought David Haye.

I think an AJ win will be better for boxing long term but I think he's coming unstuck against Wlad this weekend. I think it's got to be an early KO for AJ or he loses, probably on points but I can see Wlad knocking him out as well.

It hinges heavily on where Wlad is at in his career now and we can only guess at that.

Totally agree

Its the 1 1/2 year of inactivity and the fact he is away which means he can't use his usual jab and grab tactics that has me second guessing

If Wlad hadn't been inactive, I would have no hesitation picking him

That's what makes this fight so good

by horizontalhero Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:02 am

AJ inside four. Too fast and too strong for a chinny 41 year old that can no longer pull the trigger.

by horizontalhero Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:03 am

Derbymanc wrote:Aj if he gets him out early. Wlad by UD if it goes late or too the cards

Come off the fence Derby- which is it?

by AdamT Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:04 am

I was leaning to Wlad, but Aj late stoppage.

by Guest82 Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:05 am

Joshua by stoppage. Think Wlad is done.

by Hammersmith harrier Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:15 am

AJ within 4, Wlad couldn't pull the trigger against light punching Fury so doubt he'll become willing to against a big hitter at 41 years of age.

by EX7EY Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:15 am

I think it's great that this fight has people a little bit divided. Something to discuss before an AJ fight for the first time since.....well, forever haha.

Wlads inactivity and his last showing against Fury definitely count against him. However, i rewatched the Fury fight the other night and Fury was just so awkward, completely different from anything Wlad had faced in recent years. Not saying Fury masterclass so let's not start arguing, just sayingFury was really awkward and I think that coupled with Furys size just stopped Wlad finsing a rythm. Also didn't help that Wlad really doesn't enjoy getting hit.

Maybe Wlad is done, maybe he's not. Maybe in todays era he could be a shell of the old Wlad and still be good enough to be the man, who knows?

He obviously thinks he still has something left, otherwise I don't see why he travels to Wembley to take on the supposed most destructive heavyweight since Mike Tyson.

He was eager to get the Fury rematch and he's cleasrly stayed in training so I have a sneaky feeling there is an 'upset' on the cards.

by horizontalhero Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:42 am

EX7EY wrote:I think it's great that this fight has people a little bit divided. Something to discuss before an AJ fight for the first time since.....well, forever haha.

Wlads inactivity and his last showing against Fury definitely count against him. However, i rewatched the Fury fight the other night and Fury was just so awkward, completely different from anything Wlad had faced in recent years. Not saying Fury masterclass so let's not start arguing, just sayingFury was really awkward and I think that coupled with Furys size just stopped Wlad finsing a rythm. Also didn't help that Wlad really doesn't enjoy getting hit.

Maybe Wlad is done, maybe he's not. Maybe in todays era he could be a shell of the old Wlad and still be good enough to be the man, who knows?

He obviously thinks he still has something left, otherwise I don't see why he travels to Wembley to take on the supposed most destructive heavyweight since Mike Tyson.

He was eager to get the Fury rematch and he's cleasrly stayed in training so I have a sneaky feeling there is an 'upset' on the cards.

Agree that Fury was awkward, but it's not like there weren't tapes available of him for Wlad's camp to watch, and he had 12 rounds to try and alter his strategy- but neither him or his corner seemed to be able to come up with a plan B. You can't teach old dogs new tricks, and so AJ knows what to expect- jab, grab , hold, occasional right hand, all done rather tentatively.

by BoxingFan88 Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:19 am

Wlad couldn't land the jab so he didn't throw the right hand, Peter Fury said that was the game plan, don't let him get set

He needs to be set to throw, if you watch Wlad you can see that construct

However I don't think AJ has the ability to do that

by Scottrf Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:25 am

BoxingFan88 wrote:Wlad couldn't land the jab so he didn't throw the right hand, Peter Fury said that was the game plan, don't let him get set

He needs to be set to throw, if you watch Wlad you can see that construct

However I don't think AJ has the ability to do that

He knows that though and has been practicing staying out of his line so he can't get set up.

AJ for me.

by horizontalhero Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:37 am

BoxingFan88 wrote:Wlad couldn't land the jab so he didn't throw the right hand, Peter Fury said that was the game plan, don't let him get set

He needs to be set to throw, if you watch Wlad you can see that construct

However I don't think AJ has the ability to do that

But couldn't land the jab because he wasn't throwing it-If AJ put him under pressure, I think it will have the same effect. Size, power and pressure will intimidate him just as awkward movement and switch hitting confused him.

by **ShahenshahG** Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:29 pm

I think it's an EKO either way or a Wlad win by decision. No real feel for this one.

by Fernando Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:32 pm

Joshua between 6th & 8th round

Just feels like Wlad has come over for one final payday before setting off into retirement tbh.

by kingraf Thu Apr 27, 2017 1:37 pm

Difficult one to call this. I hope AJ wins because if he does boxing has a new face who is going to make a bazillion dollars.

I'm surprised no one has yet qualified their prediction by saying it assumes no one tears their achilles during the fight

by hogey Thu Apr 27, 2017 4:36 pm

Joshua to win inside 3 rounds, Wlad was finished 2 years ago and he is only gonna get worse can see this being very one sided.

by 3fingers Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:05 pm

This one is intriguing. People are writing Wladimir off due to the Fury performance, when it would be more sensible to write him off due to age.

Wladimir is an extremely intelligent boxer, who stifles an opponents rhythm by use of the jab and very underrated foot work.

He normally lands the jab due to his size; his levers are typically longer than his opponents, therefore he doesn't need to move his feet, too much, to get into range.

Against Fury he was the much shorter man, which somewhat nullified his advantages what compounded the matter, however, was Tyson Fury mobility. He is ungainly but he doesn't half shift around the ring at quite a pace.

For a thinking fighter, landing the jab can be about timing the opponents movements, predicting where the head will be before you let the shot go and, better still, if you can, gauge the opponents weight distribution so it makes it hard to defend using the feet, or, will make them more off balance if the you use a trunk defense. Wladimir couldn't get the jab off, and everything comes from his jab. Fury used awkwardness, mobility, unpredictability, flints and head movement (trunk defenses) to nullify the jab.

Joshua, is not really mobile, he doesn't move his head, he doesnt throw throw feints, and hes not awkward or unpredictable.

That's why no one should gauge Wlads performance against Fury to call this fight.

I don't know who will win. All I know own is this is a HUGE step up for Joshua.

I can call it either way:

Stoppage 2'3'4 for Joshua
Stoppage 6,7,8 for Wlad.

If it goes to points I wouldn't predict a landslide one way or the other. It will be close.

by hazharrison Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:09 pm

AJ on points. 116-112. Put your mortgage on that one. Wlad will feel hard done to. Rematch in October.

by 3fingers Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:19 pm

Neither do I think AJ winning is better for boxing. AJ is young and, if he loses, will come again to become champion.

I'd much rather follow a story of the boxer who rebuilds to dominate the division, than the current drivel about this recking ball 'World Champion', the most fearsome fighter since Mike Tyson.

...who, in actual fact, has never faced anyone of any note.

by catchweight Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:57 pm

Not sure how to call this one but Joshua seems a pretty unattractive price at 4/9. I wouldnt go near him on those odds.

2/1 on Klitschko is the more tempting.

A Klitschko win would be depressing for boxing.

by **owen10ozzy** Thu Apr 27, 2017 6:00 pm

My prediction....ill be left feeling hugely underwhelmed if I pay the £20 charge for this! Fiver increase yet the under card is absolute garbage!! Hearn loves the whole "as many names on a card as possible" but this is taking the piss.

As for the fight itself...my last prediction was horrific (Haye to absolutely splatter Bellew)...so with no confidence at all im going for the upset knockout and saying Wlad in 4 rounds...would love to see AJ win though and everything points to it being his time so hope im completely wrong

by huw Fri Apr 28, 2017 4:23 am

3fingers wrote:Neither do I think AJ winning is better for boxing. AJ is young and, if he loses, will come again to become champion.

I'd much rather follow a story of the boxer who rebuilds to dominate the division, than the current drivel about this recking ball 'World Champion', the most fearsome fighter since Mike Tyson.

...who, in actual fact, has never faced anyone of any note.

He's actually 27. As a heavy that is probably around 8 years max left so probably 16 fights. If he loses and looks vulnerable then he will probably get another shot. If he loses but in a close decision he would have to rely on a rematch with Wlad or else he could be avoided, the lack of heavies is the only thing that would make it harder.

On this note, all champions should have to fight twice per year minimum.

by TRUSSMAN66 Fri Apr 28, 2017 4:43 am

Complete mismatch.....Won't be watching it...

Two rounds at the most....Watched Sanders the other night and Wlad was completely inept against a sharp straight puncher he couldn't maul in a straight line.

Never beaten anyone really since..That believed anyway.

Wlad was a one dimensional fighter reigning in the worst time in Heavy history.

Add in he is 41 and threw 17 punches a round against the unproven Fury.

It doesn't promise much.....But the eternal optimists have every right to believe.

Miracles happen....But not here in my humble opinion.

Hope you enjoy the evening though.. thumbsup

by Rodney Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:05 am

TRUSSMAN66 wrote:Complete mismatch.....Won't be watching it...

Two rounds at the most....Watched Sanders the other night and Wlad was completely inept against a sharp straight puncher he couldn't maul in a straight line.

Never beaten anyone really since..That believed anyway.

Wlad was a one dimensional fighter reigning in the worst time in Heavy history.

Add in he is 41 and threw 17 punches a round against the unproven Fury.

It doesn't promise much.....But the eternal optimists have every right to believe.

Miracles happen....But not here in my humble opinion.

Hope you enjoy the evening though..

Rodney runs to the bookies and puts the lot on Wlad.

Heard this certainty before from you Truss, Hatton v Pacquaio anyone

Cheers

by Rodney Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:14 am

Joshua could in fact spark him early but my overall thoughts is Wlad is too good for him, Joshua's footwork is poor simply due to the fact he has them planted to the canvas constantly as he looks to unload bomb after bomb - Klitschko has seen this a million times before, Joshua runs out of ideas and Klitschko steals the fight late.

Cheers

by Guest Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:39 am

Sometimes the fight itself doesn't need predictions to make it interesting. The fight should test both of them in different ways - for Joshua it is going to be his chin and his defence (head movement?) - for Klitschko it is going to be his accuracy, stamina and strength (having spent so much time out of the ring and not getting any younger). Joshua has youth and power but lacks experience. Klitschko has experience but could be ring rusty and slower.

by Derbymanc Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:40 am

horizontalhero wrote:
Derbymanc wrote:Aj if he gets him out early. Wlad by UD if it goes late or too the cards

Come off the fence Derby- which is it?

I missed this :-) i'm going Wlad on points, just think he'll be too big a test fr AJ at thi point in time

by TRUSSMAN66 Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:42 am

How can Wlad win on points?

He threw 17 punches a round against Fury and this fight is in the UK.

by EX7EY Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:43 am

This is what a lot of it comes down to for me, I just don't think AJ is that good a boxer. Not saying he's talentless, don't get me wrong. He's decent with devastating power, in my humble opinion. I think at world level it's not enough. The good news for AJ is the division is fairly weak, so the attributes he does posses are adequate. But I just think if WK has something left anywhere near his best then AJ may come unstuck.

The division is a bit open to interpretation right now isn't it. Fury was regarded as a real useless bum by nearly everybody yet he became the undefeated, unified heavyweight champion of the world. So IMo it's so hard to tell how good any of the top heavies actually are at the moment.

As Rodney has alluded to above, what is AJ's plan B? Does he even have a plan B? If he spends the first 4 rounds unloading and Wlad is still in there then what does he do? Can he go 12 rounds if necessary? i don't think he can. i think if it goes past 8 and AJ's spent a lot of energy trying to blast Wlad out then he could be in serious trouble. He's not outboxing Wlad in my opinion, unless Wlad doesnt throw punches again which i just dont see being the case.

Looking forward to finding out how it unfolds.

by Derbymanc Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:50 am

Cause Fury had him bamboozled Truss, I think Joshua is too green for the very wily old veteran and Wlad will frustrate him. Joshua starts off throwing bombs trying to get him out of there winning the early rounds until he starts to slow and Wlad takes over from about round 4/5 and wins everyone after that.

by Scottrf Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:52 am

EX7EY wrote: If he spends the first 4 rounds unloading and Wlad is still in there then what does he do?

Complain to the referee that they switched brothers.

by mobilemaster8 Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:54 am

Anyone see Wlad on the pads yesterday along with his camp prior? Seems to be working on a hell of a lot of movement on this one with very quick combos.

Think he may be looking to box around sharpish for a few rounds and drag it late.

Be an interesting fight if Wlad has it in him still.

Going off his last fight and his lay off, he hasnt got anything and should be battered into oblivion.

Hope im wrong, he is a legend.....could this be his last hurrah?

Both very confident.

by EX7EY Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:55 am

Scottrf wrote:
EX7EY wrote: If he spends the first 4 rounds unloading and Wlad is still in there then what does he do?

Complain to the referee that they switched brothers.

lol

by catchweight Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:59 am

Joshua just hasnt fought enough (any) decent opposition to be able make him such a surefire favourite in my book. Simple as that really. Fury and Klitschko are way above the standard he has been fighting at. Time to find out if Joshua is the real deal.

by TRUSSMAN66 Fri Apr 28, 2017 6:10 am

catchweight wrote:Joshua just hasnt fought enough (any) decent opposition to be able make him such a surefire favourite in my book. Simple as that really. Fury and Klitschko are way above the standard he has been fighting at. Time to find out if Joshua is the real deal.

41 and 18 months out..........Lost to Fury in his last fight.........Was to stiff or scared to engage....

Joshua is a Bruno clone.....and there are no fighters on Wlad's record as good as Frank......

Younger, fresher, better chin, punches straight..............I think because you guys dislike Hearn you are clutching at straws...Don't let the heart rule the head.

by mobilemaster8 Fri Apr 28, 2017 6:12 am

TRUSSMAN66 wrote:
catchweight wrote:Joshua just hasnt fought enough (any) decent opposition to be able make him such a surefire favourite in my book. Simple as that really. Fury and Klitschko are way above the standard he has been fighting at. Time to find out if Joshua is the real deal.

41 and 18 months out..........Lost to Fury in his last fight.........Was to stiff or scared to engage....

Joshua is a Bruno clone.....and there are no fighters on Wlad's record as good as Frank......

Younger, fresher, better chin, punches straight..............I think because you guys dislike Hearn you are clutching at straws...Don't let the heart rule the head.

David Haye? Alexander Povetkin?

by EX7EY Fri Apr 28, 2017 6:23 am

Just for the record Truss, I dont actually dislike Hearn. He's done a decent job of brining boxing to the forefront in the UK again in some regards. I just don't like the way he's used his exclusivity with Sky.

Too many fake grudge matches, too many unworthy PPV events amongst a few other things. But I don't dislike the guy, he's been good for the UK boxing scene I've got to give him that.

by hogey Fri Apr 28, 2017 7:24 am

TRUSSMAN66 wrote:
catchweight wrote:Joshua just hasnt fought enough (any) decent opposition to be able make him such a surefire favourite in my book. Simple as that really. Fury and Klitschko are way above the standard he has been fighting at. Time to find out if Joshua is the real deal.

41 and 18 months out..........Lost to Fury in his last fight.........Was to stiff or scared to engage....

Joshua is a Bruno clone.....and there are no fighters on Wlad's record as good as Frank......

Younger, fresher, better chin, punches straight..............I think because you guys dislike Hearn you are clutching at straws...Don't let the heart rule the head.

Truss has it about right i reckon, Wlad has never beaten anyone as good as Joshua and its probably his hardest fight since Corrie Sanders 14 years ago. Add to that he is 41, couldn't let his hands go against a pretty modest opponent in his last fight and he has been out of the ring for nearly 20 months nothing suggests to me that we are gonna see an upset.

by AdamT Fri Apr 28, 2017 7:50 am

According to Truss, all a fighter needs to do is study the Sanders fight lol.

How many years ago was that and does Wlad use the same tactics now?

He gives Wlad no chance, yet writes articles saying Khan beats Canelo?

Truss I believe you, when you say you won't be watching. It's quite obvious you don't really watch boxing, unless it's probably 80's related.

by BoxingFan88 Fri Apr 28, 2017 7:52 am

Wlad isn't even remotely similar to the one that fought Sanders

by Hammersmith harrier Fri Apr 28, 2017 7:53 am

I don't understand that post at all Adam.

Sanders did beat Wlad by punching and it's also true that he's not fought anyone of that ilk since so makes you look a little bit silly.

by AdamT Fri Apr 28, 2017 7:58 am

He isn't the same fighter now. His style of fighting is completely different.

Sanders style was basic. I'm sure if he had the blueprint, someone would of knocked out Wlad by now.

by Rodney Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:00 am

Sanders was a lefty I don't see any comparison with Joshua - silly talk.

Cheers

by Hammersmith harrier Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:04 am

AdamT wrote:He isn't the same fighter now. His style of fighting is completely different.

Sanders style was basic. I'm sure if he had the blueprint, someone would of knocked out Wlad by now.

Completely different how?

by AdamT Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:07 am

Doesn't attack as aggressively

Fights passively off the jab. Never commits, until he needs to.
Has better defence.

More experienced.

Jab and grab tactics.

Did I mention he is hard to hit now?

by AdamT Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:08 am

Haz accuses me of being an alias.

He was right about Truss having a couple o accounts, however I'm not one.

Pretty easy to figure out the other now.

by Hammersmith harrier Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:13 am

I'm guessing Truss and I are one and the same then Adam?

Wlad had moved away from being an aggressive boxer long before the Sanders fight, after he gassed against Purrity he settled down and I don't see much difference in how he fights now.

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