By Sebastian Mora: When you look back at the history of the heavyweight division, it is understandable to wonder how would Wladimir Klitschko (64-3, 53 KOs) fit against those greats. However, is it fair to discredit a hard working champion because he did not have the chance to compete in that era? Would it be fair to take credit away from the Miami Heat of 2012 for not beating the Chicago Bulls of Michael Jordan’s era? NO. So why do we take credit away from Klitschko?
Does he have a style that might be hard to like? Sure, I will give you that.. Sometimes I think to myself that he could do a little bit more while he’s boxing, but that does not mean he is not a great athlete.
When we talk about the greats of boxing history, we often praise how they were able to overcome severe losses or knockouts.
All time great Muhammad Ali is often praised for the way he handled his career after his losses, he was beaten by Frazier and found a way to make another run after that, same after the Ken Norton loss,. He found a way make another run after that upset as well.
Now, I am not comparing Wladimir Klitschko to Muhammad Ali., What I am trying to say is that we should give credit to Klitschko for being able to dominate EVEN after being knocked out. Is he as dynamic as some great heavyweights in the past? No, do I believe he would have a tough time if he was to face a Mike Tyson, or a George Foreman? Sure, I do believe that. I don’t believe is fair to take credit away from that though. He has something in common with those greats that we, as honest fans, have to admit. He has fought the best opposition available at their prime and dominate them as if they were D or C level fighters. Which heavyweight today you see clearly winning more than eight rounds against the Bryant Jennings that fought Klitschko today? I am not saying he cannot loose, but I do not see him been dominated by any other fighter not named Klitschko. I think Jennings could match up well against Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Kubrat Pulev, and all of the other top heavyweights.
Knowing all that people try to discredit him just because of his style (Which I am not a fan of) or the era he is in. I would like to see Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder get a shot at him before he is completely past his prime, those would be incredible match ups in my opinion.
Moving forward with former Olympian Sadam Ali, he showed some great things today against a decent opponent. Do I believe he is ready for the big league? No, I don’t think so. He still wastes to much energy on unnecessary movement, I also find he is too stressed for his own good sometimes, causing him to forget to cover some big holes in his defense, mainly against the ropes. I believe that he has great potential, and hope he is able to reach that potential. A good fight for him at this stage of his career would be against a Diego Chavez, I believe a boxer like Chavez would make Sadam Ali work like no opponent has made him worked until now. If you put him against a Marcos Maidana, Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Amir Khan, or Tim Bradley, I would not give him a chance of winning any of those fights. Good thing is that he still young, and seems to be a hard working athlete that wants to make it to the top.
Talk to me fight fans, what do you think of Klitschko’s future? and Sadam Ali’s performance?
If you want to read my Mayweather vs Pacquiao breakdown, here is the link; http://www.boxingnews24.com/2015/04/floyd-mayweather-vs-manny-pacquiao-breakdown/.
If you wish to contact me you can do so at sebastianmora67@yahoo.com.
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