Can anyone dethrone King Klitschko?

By Clarkey - 08/30/2015 - Comments

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By Luke Clarke: Wladimir Klitschko (64-3, 53 KOs) has proved himself to be named amongst the greatest heavyweights of all time. As one of the longest reigning heavyweight world champions in history (second only to Joe Louis), his legacy will surely be cemented in the boxing hall of fame. This era will be remembered as the Klitschko era.

Although not everyone likes Wladimir’s boxing style, few can deny it has been effective over the last 10 years, and nobody has come close to beating him since winning the world title in 2006.

But at the age of 39, and with perhaps his best years behind him, is there a heavyweight out there who can challenge King Klitschko?

Well, he may be 39, but there has been no evidence as of yet to show any decline from Wladimir Klitschko. With his demolition of Kubrat Pulev, and totally out-boxing Bryant Jennings and Alexander Povetkin (who have all been quality unbeaten fighters). The question lingers…. who is left for Wlad to fight? Will he show his age in the next couple of fights? Can anyone dethrone King Klitschko?

The Contenders

Deontay Wilder

The hard hitting WBC World Champion Deontay Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) is one of the first names that spring to mind when talking about challengers for Klitschko. He’s young, fast, tall and throws one hell of a punch. With an unbelievable KO percentage of 97%, it’s hard to argue that he would definitely have the power to get Wlad out of there, should he land a big hit. However, can Deontay out-box the boxer? Could he knock Wlad out? Can Deontay take a hit on the chin from the heavy handed Klitschko?

I think that this would be a fight that Wladimir would win. Although Deontay has immense power, and is slightly taller, I think Wladimir would just be too good. I think Wlads strength and weight (being almost 12 pounds heavier than Deontay in their previous fights) would be the difference. I think he would control Deontay around the ring, doing as he pleases, and maybe finish him off late on. The only chance id give Deontay is if he got one of his big shots off, but otherwise I just can’t make a case for him. He was rocked by a poor opponent in Eric Molina in his last fight, so what would Wladimir Klitschko do to him?

VERDICT: Klitschko to win by KO

Anthony Joshua

Another big puncher, Anthony Joshua (13-0, 13KOs) is another fighter some people are saying would beat the champ. I mean, let’s look at all his previous fights, all wins by knockout, all within 3 rounds. What more can you ask of a fighter? He won a gold medal for his country in the 2012 London Olympic Games and was granted an MBE. Could this be the man to stop Big Wlad?

I hear people calling for this fight and I just think… no. Joshua has yet to prove himself against an opponent that hits back. I mean I feel sorry for the guy really, all of his opponents have been human punch bags. That’s not to say he’s fought poor opponents, with the likes of Matt Skelton and Michael Sprott who have fought at a good level, although now past their best. The same goes for Kevin Johnson. The former world title challenger was obliterated by Joshua in the second round, who before the fight had never been KO’d despite fighting some of the biggest punchers in the division. I think this fight would be years too early for Joshua and I’m sure he would agree. Wlad would be too clever, too wise and just toy with him. Joshua would be a sitting duck, he is very static and doesn’t move too well. Up to yet he has gotten away with it, as nobody has hit him….but Wlad would! Maybe if Joshua can win a couple of domestic belts, beat the likes of Dillian Whyte and Gary Cornish in his upcoming fights (and maybe challenge Erkan Teper for the European Belt), then maybe he might give Wlad a fight. But until he proves otherwise, I just can’t see how he could ever stand a chance against Wlad at this current time.

VERDICT: Klitschko to win by KO

Tyson Fury

…..and last but not least, Klitschko’s next opponent, Tyson Fury (24-0, 18 KOs). The comical Tyson Fury is definitely one of the more exciting heavyweights, in and out of the boxing ring. From his hilarious trash talking to his exciting ‘put me down and I’ll put you down’ attitude in the ring, the guy is just pure entertainment. I mean, the guy even managed to uppercut himself in the face! (I recommend you have a look on YouTube if you haven’t seen that one!). But there is one thing people tend to overlook about Tyson Fury, and that is; underneath all of the humorous camaraderie he puts on, there is a brutal, skillful boxer. Will Tyson’s skills be something Wladimir will overlook like so many others have?

If there’s one person who won’t overlook the quality of Tyson Fury, It’s Wladimir Klitschko. But will that be enough to beat Tyson? I’m not sure. I think Tyson Fury is a seriously underrated fighter. He can box, he has power and moves well for someone who stands at a whopping 6ft 9. He has come on a lot in his last few fights, and the last couple, he has fought almost completely southpaw through both fights. He switches so naturally you would think he was left handed! I don’t think Wladimir will be able to bully him around as he does most other fighters, as fury has a big size and weight advantage. I think we could be in for a great spectacle, a real dog fight and I really do think this fight could go either way. However, I can’t see Tyson getting a points decision in Germany, even if he did manage to out box Klitschko, so he has to go for the KO. But, I do think Tyson Fury is the only opponent out there at the current time, that can give the champ real problems.

VERDICT: Who wins this one is anyone’s guess. My heart says Fury KO, my head says Klitschko KO.

Other notable fighters

Lucas Browne (23-0, 20 KOs)

Dillian Whyte (15-0, 12 KOs)

Erkan Teper (15-0, 10 KOs)



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