https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seBKtWZ4kYY
The faces change but the Klitschko name stays the same in the heavyweight division. Wladimir defends his heavyweight titles against an unbeaten contender in Tyson Fury. Many outside the U.K. assume it will be another day at the office for Wlad. Can Tyson Fury do what hasn’t been done in quite some time? At the very least it will be fun to watch these two giants square off.
Wladimir’s run in the last decade or so has been consistent and impressive. The names on his ledger won’t blow you away but his knockout percentage may. A few years back there was a different loud-mouth David Haye, who thought it was his turn to rule the heavies. One can only assume or hope that Fury will press the action on Saturday more than Haye did.
Tyson Fury has come a long way from punching himself in the face while climbing the ladder to stardom. He was gangly, out of shape, and didn’t look the part of an athlete beyond his size. He’s improved his body both appearance wise and stamina. Fury is focused and of late it appears very serious about his craft. Along the way Fury has shown a tremendous amount of patience. Between the numerous postponed or cancelled bouts and the endless title eliminators it hasn’t been easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVmpWTTasBk
Now just a day away for the biggest fight of his career Tyson is in a great position. A victory in this spot would be seen as major upset of course. In the process it would breathe new life to the division with a polar-opposite personality of Wlad. No disrespect to Wladimir but Fury would be more popular across the world. With a few young heavyweights still getting established it would boost the excitement level universally.
All that talk is fine but the proof will come in Fury executing a smart game plan. Switching to southpaw in spots could be an interesting twist to confuse the champion. Let’s be honest if Fury wants this victory he will have to rip it from Klitschko. It’s been a long time since a fighter has taken the fight to the champion.
If Tyson brings a downright, dirty-rotten style to smother Wlad it could force him out of a comfort zone. Fury must both force Wlad to clinch and at the same time avoid being clinched in order to land short punches on the inside. Also, petition the referee the moment he gets held. Think of the veteran maneuver he pulled on Steve Cunningham to end the fight, now times that by ten.
For Klitschko it will be business as usual for what he wants accomplished this Saturday night. As always distance will be of major importance as he measures his opponent. With one of the best and hardest jabs in the business, that alone is a nightmare to deal with. The jab and clinch last usually a good 4 to 6 rounds before “Dr. Steel Hammer” brings out the potent straight right hand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_6e1iSTJ7U
Fury will have a slight height advantage which will be fun just the sight of two large men in what may look like a tiny ring. If Fury can crack Wladimir’s chin early and often he may be able to fluster him. Fury has to make things very uncomfortable from the opening bell otherwise he will be just another statistic. If Tyson isn’t active enough there’s no way hell he gets the nod on the judge’s scorecards in Germany.
Fury will find away to close distance early but can he sustain it throughout the bout is the most important question. Fury will be a formidable foe for five or six rounds. Wlad will clinch and use his body to lean on Tyson which combined with Fury’s needed pace, will begin to drain the giant.
Klitschko will be forced out of his shell as Fury puts a hole in Wlad’s bubble-zone. But at the end of the night his jab and powerful right hands will dominate the second half. Let’s hope from a fan standpoint that Tyson can back up his words so we can at least get a tad bit of drama.
My official prediction is Wladimir Klitschko by Unanimous Decision
Side Note: James Degale goes on the road to defend his belts against former 168 pound champion Lucain Bute on Showtime this Saturday. If you missed the great fight between Francisco Vargas and Takashi Miura HBO will be replaying it on the Klitschko vs. Fury card along with a replay of HBO PPV main event Canelo vs. Cotto.
Written by Chris Carlson Owner and Host of Rope-A-Dope-Radio blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio
Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio