Who will reign supreme as the baddest man on the planet after this Saturday’s heavyweight title unification bout between Wladimir Klitschko and Sultan Ibragimov? 
To me, this is a somewhat easy prediction to make. Based on what I have seen from the two fighters, especially in terms of their competition, this looks like a "blowout-in-the-making" in favor of Klitschko. Why do I feel this confident about Wladimir’s chances?
I’ll keep it short and sweet.
The Five Reasons Why Klitschko Will Beat Ibragimov
1. He’s taller. This very basic physical advantage generally works wonders for Klitschko against any fighter. It will be advantageous again this Saturday, as he will use his 4" height advantage to keep Ibragimov at bay and on the end of his punches.
2. He hits harder. They do not call him Dr. Steelhammer for nothing. Ibragimov has 17 knockouts in 21 fights, but I am not that convinced about his power, especially after watching him not even come close to stopping the shopworn Evander Holyfield.
3. He’s faced far better competition. The defeated include: Chris Byrd (twice), Jameel McCline, Corrie Sanders, Samuel Peter, and Lamon Brewster. Ibragimov’s best wins are against Zuri Lawrence, Lance Whitaker, a past-prime Shannon Briggs, and the ancient Evander Holyfield. Even worse, he was held to a draw and knocked down by Ray Austin (whom Klitschko cold-cocked in one round). Need I say more?
4. He has a better trainer. Although the up-and-coming Jeff Mayweather mans Sultan’s corner, he is still not at the level of the venerable Emmanuel Steward (Klitschko’s trainer). This will be Mayweather’s toughest assignment to-date.
5. He’s confident. After surviving the test of Samuel Peter a few years ago, Wladimir appears to be fighting with more confidence and relaxation than at any point of his career. When a 6’6" man with excellent boxing skills and frightening power is confident, it does not bode well for any heavyweight. Unfortunately for Ibragimov, he is next.
Klitschko’s chin and stamina are always "X" factors in his fights. However, in recent bouts, these flaws have become less evident. This Saturday, Sultan Ibragimov will not last the distance.
Klitschko Will KO Ibragimov Inside of Eight Rounds.
PLEASE, you need to understand that Klitchko will lay down… and I predict very early… Most likely from Left hand of Ibragimov, then the Dr. GlassJaw… will stumble back, Ibragimov will chase and finish the job… Then Klitchkos will whine and cry and explain.
The reason Klitchko will laydown is very simple “it’s not the size of the dog, it’s the size of the heart” Klitchko is an intelectual and has no business being in a RING.
You have seen this with Cory Sanders. But mostly Klitchko will loose because of an “Inferority Complex” he as a UKRAINIAN has, especially when it comes to RUSSIANs. Russians are good at fighting, Ukrainians are good at praying, and waiting, and surrendering and forgiving. It’s like American Cowboys and the mentality “Manifest Destiny” and American Indians “The Civilized Nation.”
Boris, I have to respectfully disagree with you here.
One, Sultan does not hit as hard as Sanders did and Wladimir is better now than he was then. Those are the hard facts.
I can’t get into these socio-psychological factors that you speak of. These notions will be rendered moot.
When it happens, do come back and comment. 🙂
none of them beats lennox lewis!!! lennox please come back!!!….anyway, wladimir knocks him out inside of 5 rounds!!! klitschko unlike taylor listens to emmanuel stewart and i doubt he will be “unprepared” to fight a southpaw!!! stewart is too smart 4 that!
Dotz, LL is not coming back, unless you are referring to the rapper. smile
And yes, I predict the KO (by Wladimir) will come by around round 8 or 9, but I could see it being earlier.
I do agree that this version of Klitschko, being groomed under Emmanuel’s tutelage, is going be hard to beat by any of the current crop of heavies.
Now back to Lennox, I always wondered if he would have defeated Ike Ibeabuchi if the latter hadn’t have been locked up?
Gee, too bad the Russian ‘Barney Rubble’ Lost, LOL
Sultan was no match for Klychko. Vlad’s left jab won the fight. He didn’t even have to raise his right. Very technical, but there was no challenge from Sultan. Sorry Russia, but not this time.
Yes, I saw Wlad winning at least 10 rounds, maybe even 11. That being said, it was not overly impressive…luckily for me, I got a lot of sleep the night before.
The ropes is what saved Ibragimov in the 9th. Both respected each other’s hooks, so thats why I found the fight boring. I think Klychko took Ibragimov to school, in that fight.
Hey Boris! What happened with your puggy fighter?
Yes, I give Klitschko a C+ though. He passed the test, but didn’t really shine. I was shock at how cautious he was – it’s not like Ibragimov’s return fire should be that feared. And yes, Boris is in hiding I think. His socio-historical analysis did not bear fruit. 🙂