Povetkin: Donald First, Klitschkos in The Future

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

Povetkin's goods will be tested against Donald. If he has any.

[Randall_Hopkirk]

I serious doubt that Povetkin will make a "huge improvement" in his skills. At his age improvements tend to be few and far between. There are some serious flaws in his style like pulling straight back with his hands down. But in this current heavyweight division, who is likely to exploit it?

I thought he was younger than 27, so I agree with the unlikely hood of huge improvements, sure to be a top contender though.

[Steelhammer86]

We all should keep in mind that Povetkin had arguably the best amateur record of all time in the over 200 lb category. He lost only once as an amateur, and avenged that loss. Wlad won the Olympic gold too, but had several losses in far fewer amateur fights.

But I'm not saying Povetkin is better than Wlad, although I think he would have been a great heavyweight if he started as a pro the same age as Wlad did. However, it's good that he's fighting solid opponents and fighting frequently now, because it means he'll likely be ready for a title shot within a year or so.

[EliteSoldier]

I personally think Povetkin is a bit on the tubby side, compared to the klitschko's athletic type body.

[beez721]

I serious doubt that Povetkin will make a "huge improvement" in his skills. At his age improvements tend to be few and far between. There are some serious flaws in his style like pulling straight back with his hands down. But in this current heavyweight division, who is likely to exploit it?

pulling straight back with the hands down would be the kiss of death against either klit or even a sam peter

[Steelhammer86]

This is an interesting doubleheader: Povetkin vs. Donald and Platov vs. Akinwande. If Povetkin KOs Donald, then he will be established as a contender. Similarly with 24 year old Platov: if he KOs Akinwande this time, he will be considered a contender. Their next fights should be against fringe contenders, but I think they'll have a hard time finding anyone willing to fight them.

I would like to see Povetkin vs Rahman next - that's if he KOs Donald. If he struggles to beat him, he should try a Barrett or Minto.

[potatoes]

pulling straight back with the hands down would be the kiss of death against either klit or even a sam peter

Yes, it could be, if they study his style and try to time him as he pulls straight back. However, they don't often do that, and Povetkin's punching power tends to provide a disincentive.