Wlad is a consummate professional, and I think it's time we came around

[dans]

I've been critical of Wlad, like most. He's failed to thrill. While some say he's been KOing everyone, and that should be exciting enough, just listen to Emmanuel Steward in his fights. He pleads with Wlad to be more aggressive and press the issue. Sometimes he does, and sometimes he just takes the easy way out.

But what can't be ignored is the sheer dominance and professionalism that he has displayed consistantly over the last couple years. As an American, I'm always appauled at the conditioning of our so called "heavyweight contenders", yet for Wlad and his brother Vitali, this is never an issue.

Wlad always comes in the ring in excellent shape and seems to have excellent endurance now too.

I think it's time Americans get on board and recognize Wlad as a great champion and yes, a Hall of Famer, regardless of how many doughnuts our American heavyweights have been eating.

[boxingking500]

agree.............................................

[The Hammer]

Good thread.

[j.one]

If he'd fight Toney & Haye i'd be more supportive of him .

[boxingking500]

If he'd fight Toney & Haye i'd be more supportive of him .

if haye ever steps up and fights wlad

[Clyde Barrow]

He dominates and stops everyone he faces. Nothing much to complain about. He's a big man who simply can't work 3 minutes of a round, so he destroys guys piece by piece. Nothing wrong with what Wlad does.

[Ben_London]

Agreed, he is a great fighter.

[Wukillabeez78]

I've been critical of Wlad, like most. He's failed to thrill. While some say he's been KOing everyone, and that should be exciting enough, just listen to Emmanuel Steward in his fights. He pleads with Wlad to be more aggressive and press the issue. Sometimes he does, and sometimes he just takes the easy way out.

But what can't be ignored is the sheer dominance and professionalism that he has displayed consistantly over the last couple years. As an American, I'm always appauled at the conditioning of our so called "heavyweight contenders", yet for Wlad and his brother Vitali, this is never an issue.

Wlad always comes in the ring in excellent shape and seems to have excellent endurance now too.

I think it's time Americans get on board and recognize Wlad as a great champion and yes, a Hall of Famer, regardless of how many doughnuts our American heavyweights have been eating.

It's not about coming around. The Klitschko bros get respect but unfortunately (through no fault of their own) they are fighting in what has been the weakest heavyweight era ever. I would have loved to have seen them vs prime examples of heavyweights from other eras. The best fighter either one has faced was a not prime but certainly not shot Lennox Lewis that Vitali fought. Even though Lewis won due to the cut I came away respecting Vitali for his great effort because he might have won had he not gotten injured.

The only negative I can think of about the Klitschko's is that they can be too cautious sometimes when fighting. They have the ability to KO most of these chumps brutally and much quicker than they do. Like in the first three rounds instead of simply winning a lopsided decision (like in Vitali's last fight) or a late round KO (like in Wladimir's last fight). Wladimir became a bit cautious after being knocked around a couple of times and I think Vitali has became cautious due to his older age, inactivity and injuries. I still think they should throw caution to the wind and KO these bums in as impressive fashion as they can. This would make people anticipate their fights more and lead to more respect from the general public.

So any respect the Klitschko's don't get is mainly attributable to the weak challengers (again, not their fault) available not because they're not American or anything like that. Look at other overseas sensations. Pacquiao is being lauded as a hero by many and he's foreign but he's been defeating better opposition who are known to the American public compared to the losers the Klitschkos have to face.

[gqjohnb]

I agree its about time we gave this guy some credit

[gqjohnb]

If he'd fight Toney & Haye i'd be more supportive of him .

I'd also like to see the Haye fight atleast before he hangs them up.