Most people will agree that the outcomes of both Bradley-Provodnikov and Klitschko-Pianeta are very predictable. Both are mismatches between very talented boxers and ordinary opponents.
But the situations that led to these matchups are very different.
Wladimir Klitschko and his management have had several heavyweights turn down the offer of a voluntary title shot. Sauerland's fighters like Pulev and Helenius were unwilling. Povetkin has pulled out twice in the past and is always a big risk to do so again. Fury's management said "no" when sent a contract. Solis was originally chosen, but Don King pulled the plug on it. Others like Fres Oquendo are willing but not really qualified.
So Pianeta is probably the best of who is willing and available. Jennings might be a better fighter than Pianeta or about as good, but he's unknown in Europe, so that only made sense if it were on HBO.
The Bradley-Prodovnikov situation is very different. There were many better fighters than Provodnikov available and willing, but Bradley chose someone who has limited skills and athleticism who would make him look very good.
So people who bash Wladimir Klitschko for fighting Pianeta yet find Bradley-Prodovnikov acceptable are not being fair and are going by a double standard.
So even though it's just as bad of a mismatch, Klitschko-Pianeta is better than Bradley-Prodovnikov because Pianeta was probable the best option Wlad had all things considered, while Bradley had many better options than Prodovnikov to choose from.
And to make it even worse for the limited Prodovnikov, Bradley has him moving up from 140 to 147 for this fight!
02-28-2013, 10:30 AM
Why Klitschko-Pianeta is better than Bradley-Prodovnikov
