By Radio Rahim
Former two division world champion Paulie Malignaggi, who works as an expert analyst for Showtime, expects Tyson Fury (25-0, 18KOs) to send Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53KOs) into retirement on July 9th at the Manchester Arena.
Last November in Germany, Fury pulled off what many felt was impossible when he boxed his way to a twelve round unanimous decision over Klitschko to capture the IBO/WBO/IBF/WBA heavyweight world titles. Coming into that contest, Klitschko had been unbeaten for over a decade.
Earlier this year, Fury was stripped of the IBF belt for his failure to make a mandatory defense, but his other three titles will be at stake in the fight.
Klitschko, 40-years-old, admits his career is at stake in the contest. He appears to be embarrassed by his performance in the first meeting and wants to redeem himself to boxing public. He barely threw any punches and seemed confused during most of the fight as Fury was on his toes and used odd angles at all times. Klitschko was unable to utilize his fearsome jab which downed many of his opponents in the past.
Malignaggi does not see that happening. He feels Fury's style is the reason for Klitschko's inability to let his hands go in their fight.
"I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Fury wins again. I think he's got the antidote to disrupt Klitschko's rhythm. Klitschko's fundamental style that he has, he's a little unorthodox and he kind of throws that off a little bit - plus you add into the factor of the age," Malignaggi told BoxingScene.com.
"Klitschko has had a great career. He's been a terrific champion. He'd match up well with any of the old champions. But I think his time may have passed. We'll see."
