Post Fight Presser Video: Teddy Atlas says Povetkin will continue ducking Wlad

The fighter he used to be may have been putting out better performances, but considering what the ultimate goal is(being the best). It wouldn't have been enough. So, he tore it all down and is attempting to rebuild himself into a different more complete fighter. Obviously this can result in a regression. A regression that Povetkin may theoretically never even break out of. However, it potentially increases Povetkin's upside and ultimate product. He's gambling so he can be at his best. You have a lot more faith in your man than we do. I appreciate that. But come on mate, smell the coffee. Povetkin and his team have no intention of fighting either Klit, unless it's in the manner of a cashout, which is the same as sacrificing yourself. Everything Povetkin's done in the last few years has smacked of threat avoidance. Chagaev was the first risky opponent Povetkin has had since Chambers back in early 08. That's not a fighter who's trying to be the best he can be, it's a fighter looking for easy paydays. All this rebuilding and improvement stuff is just a load of fancy bollocks to justify taking on soft touches. If he really wants to prove me, and countless others, wrong then he should ditch all this Holyfield, Rahman nonsense and take on a real challenger like Helenius, Arreola, Dimitrenko or rematch Chambers. Then he might start to regain a bit of the respect he's lost.

The fighter he used to be may have been putting out better performances, but considering what the ultimate goal is(being the best). It wouldn't have been enough. So, he tore it all down and is attempting to rebuild himself into a different more complete fighter. Obviously this can result in a regression. A regression that Povetkin may theoretically never even break out of. However, it potentially increases Povetkin's upside and ultimate product. He's gambling so he can be at his best. Nope. What he's doing (well, his promoters are doing, since I doubt Povetkin has much say on the matter) is pick up a paper belt so that they can mil it for a few fights, that is all.

No he isn't. If anything, he's regressing. The fighter he used to be may have been putting out better performances, but considering what the ultimate goal is(being the best). It wouldn't have been enough. So, he tore it all down and is attempting to rebuild himself into a different more complete fighter. Obviously this can result in a regression. A regression that Povetkin may theoretically never even break out of. However, it potentially increases Povetkin's upside and ultimate product. He's gambling so he can be at his best.

What part of the Povetkin fight told you he's ready to fight Wladimir? Nothing right? Great, so this thread is stupid. He's not ducking Wlad, he's working and progressing towards being good enough to fight Wlad. There's a difference dipsh*t. No he isn't. If anything, he's regressing.

Never said 31 is old. There is no reason why someone cannot box until say 36+ and still compete at a top level. More likely to get away with it at the heavier weights. Povetkin would lose to the K brothers all day every day. He will never get to the stage where he could beat them, ever. And I respect that opinion, however I don't think that means he shouldn't at least try to improve himself to his highest level and give himself his best chance at fighting a Klitschko. There's not much to gain in getting Ko'd by Wladimir, and imo he can work on his craft better without the brutal KO. If Povetkin was running around talking about he's the real HW champion, or saying he's better than the Klitschkos.. Then I'd understand the demand for this fight, but as it is I don't see it.

You learn by taking on good opponents, not bums like Taurus Sykes, Javier Mora, Teke Oruh and Nicolai Firtha. It's the common consensus that Povetkin actually regressed skill-wise and confidence-wise during those years in the wilderness; his performance against Chags only solidifies that. I wouldn't condemn Povetkin for taking on Evander had he beaten a string of decent opponents prior to that (well, not much). But this isn't a new trend. And I'm getting sick of people sticking up for this guy's blatant avoidance of tough opposition in the name of tune ups and improvements. The thing is Povetkin will never be ready for a Klitschko. He simply doesn't possess anything close to the skill or ability to trouble either brother, and he's already 31 years old. This isn't a young kid or a work in progress anymore. It's a grown man. Atlas might be able to tweak the odd thing here and there, but Povetkin is more or less as close to the finished product as he'll ever be, which is an average fighter with average power, average ability, average speed, average chin, and a slightly better than average workrate who needs to have his opponent standing right in front of him to get off any decent combos. If he doesn't want to fight Wlad then he shouldn't masquerade at being a heavyweight champion. Until then he has a weight of expectation to challenge the best. Povetkin critics were giving him the same exact sh*t before he won a "championship." It has nothing to do with his belt. The criticism was already there. For some reason, it's not okay to exist in the HW division without sacrificing yourself to the Klitschkos. The belt is meaningless, and everyone knows this. Imo it doesn't create any greater onus on Povetkin to fight a Klitschko. Will Povetkin ever be able to beat a Klitschko? The answer for Povetkin is the same as everyone else. Unlikely. Does that mean he should just jump in and get it over with? No. He's got a team, and they seem to believe he can improve. Imo, and I understand general consensus is he's undergone a regression to some degree in his recent performances. There is plenty of room to improve. From footwork, to when he throws his punches, to setting up shots.. Is he going to transform into a Klitschko killer in 18 months? No, but I think he can bring himself to a much higher level of performance.

No that's not a good step. However every other thing he's done prior to that was part of learning. I don't think fighting Evander means everything Povetkin has ever done is officially undermined. You learn by taking on good opponents, not bums like Taurus Sykes, Javier Mora, Teke Oruh and Nicolai Firtha. It's the common consensus that Povetkin actually regressed skill-wise and confidence-wise during those years in the wilderness; his performance against Chags only solidifies that. I wouldn't condemn Povetkin for taking on Evander had he beaten a string of decent opponents prior to that (well, not much). But this isn't a new trend. And I'm getting sick of people sticking up for this guy's blatant avoidance of tough opposition in the name of tune ups and improvements. With Atlas as his trainer, Povetkin just earned a victory that's more valuable than any of Haye's victories. And better than most HW victories not including the Klits. He's aware that he needs improvement in order to beat a Klitschko. Everyone's attitude that Heavyweights should just sacrifice themselves to the Klitschko's b/c they are the best heavyweights is nonsense. You shouldn't find someone until you are sure you are ready to beat them. The thing is Povetkin will never be ready for a Klitschko. He simply doesn't possess anything close to the skill or ability to trouble either brother, and he's already 31 years old. This isn't a young kid or a work in progress anymore. It's a grown man. Atlas might be able to tweak the odd thing here and there, but Povetkin is more or less as close to the finished product as he'll ever be, which is an average fighter with average power, average ability, average speed, average chin, and a slightly better than average workrate who needs to have his opponent standing right in front of him to get off any decent combos. If he doesn't want to fight Wlad then he shouldn't masquerade at being a heavyweight champion. Until then he has a weight of expectation to challenge the best.

The guy is 31, when will he be ready? When is he going to be ready? 41? First, the boxing landscape is changing and fighters are learning to have careers that extend into their later years. 31 is not old. Second, do you honestly think Povetkin is ready to beat Klitschko? If not, why the hell should he fight him then? He's a big boy with raw talent and tools that can be improved. It doesn't make sense to push him into the deep end if he cannot win.

No that's not a good step. However every other thing he's done prior to that was part of learning. I don't think fighting Evander means everything Povetkin has ever done is officially undermined. With Atlas as his trainer, Povetkin just earned a victory that's more valuable than any of Haye's victories. And better than most HW victories not including the Klits. He's aware that he needs improvement in order to beat a Klitschko. Everyone's attitude that Heavyweights should just sacrifice themselves to the Klitschko's b/c they are the best heavyweights is nonsense. You shouldn't find someone until you are sure you are ready to beat them. Another part of Kiltschko dominance is likely that they get to beat all their competition before they've had a chance to develop to the point that they can actually beat a Klit. I for one am glad Povetkin isn't rushing in. Had Povetkin done what a lot of ppl on NSB are asking of him. He'd have fought Klitschko, have a knockout loss on his record and be worse off from the physical damage.

So fighting Evander is a step towards progressing towards a Klitschko fight is it? Or is it just an easy defence against a washed up old man? No that's not a good step. However every other thing he's done prior to that was part of learning. I don't think fighting Evander means everything Povetkin has ever done is officially undermined. With Atlas as his trainer, Povetkin just earned a victory that's more valuable than any of Haye's victories. And better than most HW victories not including the Klits. He's aware that he needs improvement in order to beat a Klitschko. Everyone's attitude that Heavyweights should just sacrifice themselves to the Klitschko's b/c they are the best heavyweights is nonsense. You shouldn't find someone until you are sure you are ready to beat them.

It's not ducking when you say your not good enough to fight someone yet, this thread is just asinine.

What part of the Povetkin fight told you he's ready to fight Wladimir? Nothing right? Great, so this thread is stupid. He's not ducking Wlad, he's working and progressing towards being good enough to fight Wlad. There's a difference dipsh*t. So fighting Evander is a step towards progressing towards a Klitschko fight is it? Or is it just an easy defence against a washed up old man?

What part of the Povetkin fight told you he's ready to fight Wladimir? Nothing right? Great, so this thread is stupid. He's not ducking Wlad, he's working and progressing towards being good enough to fight Wlad. There's a difference dipsh*t.

Any reactions from Povetkin himself? What does he think about that mess? He doesn't look very happy with all the criticisms at the press conf.

I agree to a point. They should allow Povetkin enjoy his win. Still needs more improvement before fighting one of the brothers. What Helenius is doing is improvement. What Povetkin is doing, and has been doing for the last two years, is dawdling. If they fought now it would only result in KO win for Wlad. This is always going to be the case. Povetkin V Adamek I would like to see. I think Adamek beats him. Agreed on both counts. It would be a good HW fight between two similarly sized and skilled men.

How can he be HW champ of the world? Chagaev was WBA HW Champ, Chagaev lost to Wlad, Wlad didnt become WBA HW Champ. Chagaev stripped and belt given to Haye-Valuev winner. Haye defends it twice more against 2 bums Haye puts WBA HW belt on the line ( the same belt that's Wlads since he owned Chagaev). Wladamir owns Haye and "wins" the WBA belt, for the second time. but nope WBA HW Belt goes to Povetkin - Chagaev for some magical reason, Povetkin will keep it until he loses to Wlad, and the belt will go to someone else not named Wlad. What a joke

lol what a joke. atlas has not improved povetkin at all from what i've seen

Teddy cant turn a computer on? Show him how to operate the green box Larry.

Teddy cant turn a computer on?

Probably smart, his defence or balance isnt good enough to compete with wlad and not convinced he would have enough power to hurt wlad... on another note am i the only 1 who thinks its mad ignorant for someone to not know how to turn a computer on??? especially as teddy atlas is only 50 or something its not like hes 90