Can anyone make a case for Ibragimov?

[kayjay]

Is the first HW unification fight in years also going to be the most predictable fight since Wlad fought Byrd the second time? What could Sultan possibly do to make this interesting?

I'm afraid this one could be too short to even enjoy.

Tell me otherwise.

[RHETOЯIC]

Five rounds.

[kayjay]

Five rounds.

four uneventful ones then a knockout?

[RHETOЯIC]

four uneventful ones then a knockout?

He gets butchered in rounds four and five after getting hit with something big.
Similar to Chrith/Wlad II.

[RHETOЯIC]

How do you see it playing out?

[BmoreBrawler]

I hope its 1 round.

[Derranged_]

I think everyone's writing Ibragimov altogether when in fact, he'll be arguably most competitive opponent for Klitschko since Sam Peter. Ibragimov's style has evolved significantly since he fought Austin in the IBF eliminator and is probably is better suited for him. Another thing he has going for him is that he's more confident a fighter and has a swagger to his quick punch and run style...

However, I don't think he'll win but I don't see him getting totally blown out like Klitschko 4 previous opponents. My prediction is that Sultan may win a few rounds before Stewart gets on Wlad's case to start throwing the right hand more often and ends it in the 7th round...

[BrooklynBomber]

Runners don't do well against Wlad, that's all I have to say.

[kayjay]

Runners don't do well against Wlad, that's all I have to say.

No, it makes him relaxed. He only gets vulnerable under pressure. He doesn't mind a moving target, because even a moving target is still a target. And you don't want to be a target for this guy.

Edit: also, he has proven that he can get outstanding leverage on a punch while moving forward. Ray Austin will tell you, as will several others.

[Feint]

I like Ibragimov and while nothing is impossible, the odds are not good for him...

But I guess if he works on his conditioning and his jab somehow finds it's mark, perhaps a miracle could happen and he out points Wlad. But again, very unlikely.