CompuBox Analysis: Klitschko vs. Ibragimov

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By CompuBox - Ever since Lennox Lewis retired as undisputed heavyweight champion in 2003, the division has suffered through a thorough reshuffling of the deck. Since "The Lion's" departure, 16 different men have laid claim to some version of the four "major" belts. While the heavyweight shuffle has produced a split verdict on who is the "real" champion, the opinion-makers were unanimous as to the solution for the division's protracted malaise – the crowning of another undisputed champion.

The first step toward that exalted goal will take place February 23 at Madison Square Garden when IBF king Wladimir Klitschko fights the WBO's standard bearer Sultan Ibragimov. Klitschko, regarded by virtually every expert as the best of the four titlists, is a 4-to-1 favorite to become a double-belt holder – and if one counts the IBO strap Klitschko holds, which few do, he would actually hold three belts.

This contest features not only a clash of styles but a confrontation between the today's super-size behemoths in the 6-6 1/2, 243-pound Klitschko and the 6-2, 219-pound Ibragimov, whose frame is more typical of big men of the 1970s and 1980s. At first glance, one would think that Klitschko would have the size and skill set to overpower Ibragimov, and while "Dr. Steelhammer" may ultimate prove that to be correct there are elements that might cause some observers to rethink their position. [details]

[Jim Jeffries]

With the orthodox jab being so difficult to land on southpaws, and the jab being such a huge part of Wlad's offence, I wonder if Sultan has a better chance than most give him credit for of maybe outpointing Wlad.

[MELLY-MEL...]

With the orthodox jab being so difficult to land on southpaws, and the jab being such a huge part of Wlad's offence, I wonder if Sultan has a better chance than most give him credit for of maybe outpointing Wlad.

I think he has as good a chance as anyone, but i still think it will not be enough!

[Jim Jeffries]

I think he has as good a chance as anyone, but i still think it will not be enough!

I thought Sultan looked pretty good in the Briggs fight, even though it was boring as hell and he wasn't that active. He's pretty quick for a heavy and has decent pop. No way I can bring myself to bet against Wlad against anyone in the top 10 of the division right now though.

[niceguy45]

wlad is all size and is overrated he is lucky he wasn't around the 70's and early 80's...he is taking advantage of the weak HW division

[WLAD OWNS]

With the orthodox jab being so difficult to land on southpaws, and the jab being such a huge part of Wlad's offence, I wonder if Sultan has a better chance than most give him credit for of maybe outpointing Wlad.

Wlad didn't have any trouble landing his jab on the slick southpaw pure boxer Chris Byrd...With that being said, Sultan hits a lot harder than Bryd and he throws a very quick straight left...Wlad will be a little more cautious with Sultan than he was with Byrd.

Wlad may have some trouble in the early rounds, but he will figure out Ibragimov, beat him up and eventually KO/TKO him.

[isbj]

This is the first time I can recall Wlad fighting someone who might have better boxing skills than him. Byrd had skills but was way past the prime of his career, and in my opinion was never the same since Ibeabuchi demolished him. This time around I think Wlad's only advantage is his size and power.

[j]

this compubox analysis is pretty interesting. it was nice to read some cold solid stats - if they are atleast somewhat accurate.

i have seen ibragimov fight a number of times. and he does have a fairly cautious, calculating style with little offensive output comparitively.

however, i could see ibragi getting a bit more active and physical at times to try to add some variety to his game. we should not forget that sultan defintely knows how important this fight is.

wladimir, on the other hand, has been waiting for this fight all of his career. i have to assume that klitschko is in top shape - i mean he is coming in at 238! he hasn't weighed this light since he punished chris byrd back in 2000. i don't see wladimir being nervous. i think all the jitters and bugs have been worked out of his (somewhat new and improved)game. i would look for wladimir to wear sultan down methodically. but i still see this as being a bit more of a fight than what some may originally think.

after all, there is a lot at steak here. three belts and the undeniable recognition as the undisputed champion. every heavyweight boxers dream. can't *****n' wait!!!!


klitschko by tko 4 or 7th/8th round stoppage. hopefully wlad wins. we need to have everybody recognize him as the standard bearer so that this heavyweight mess can be cleaned up. all that is left is the promoters who would rather protect their fighters rather than make great fights, dammit! thank f#ck klitschko promotes/manages himself mostly - so he doesn't answer to anyone.

[damian5000]

Hate to go against compubox, but IMO, Ibragimov is getting KO'd in the mid rounds. Klitschko winning by UD is at +450, so great money there if people really think that's going to be the result.

[j]

wlad is all size and is overrated he is lucky he wasn't around the 70's and early 80's...he is taking advantage of the weak HW division

if WK fought in the 1970's and 1980's, he would do just as well. usually, it is the circumstances that determine how you develope. contemplate on that if you need to.

now vitali, he would be a beast, just like he is now/ or was. i mean a motherf#cking beast! that guy has a fighters instinct. who do you think got wladimir into boxing and martial arts? obviously, wladimir took more to boxing earlier, and vitali to martial arts earlier.

This is the first time I can recall Wlad fighting someone who might have better boxing skills than him. Byrd had skills but was way past the prime of his career, and in my opinion was never the same since Ibeabuchi demolished him. This time around I think Wlad's only advantage is his size and power.

i wouldn't say sultan is more skilled. actually, wladimir being as big as he is, can actually be a huge problem in boxing. let me explain.....

as wladimir ages, all of that weight and mass he is moving around will get to be more and more laborous. although for his size, he has excellent stamina, he is going to have to work harder and harder to keep the same level of fitness. that, or learn to become even more efficient than he is right now.

and wladimir's height is not just a problem for his opponents. he has to lower himself a bit just to crack a straight right - which can leave him open for a counter if he isn't carefull. i know this firsthand as i am around 5'8" or so and boxed a fellow whom i trained a little bit that is 6'3". that is the biggest physical difference i have ever dealt with so far. not to mention he had 80+ lbs on me. in case you are wondering what happened, we just decided to call it a draw to save face.

and then there is the matter of joint problems that larger people usually face because of the weight and stress put onto their joints. especially for athletes.

wladimir is extremely skilled. and when you consider his speed and movement for his size......