Tweet
I think we have one of the toughest calls in recent years with this bet. Does the fight go over 9.5 rounds, or under? Lets take a look at Wlad's last 5 fights
IBRAGIMOV:
Against Ibragimov the build up to the fight was centered around the fact that this was a BIG unification fight, and the winner would be universally accepted as the main Heavyweight champion, despite their being 4 at the time.
This was a great chance for Klitschko to shine. An impressive performance would, according to him, make him into a PPV attraction and a known commodity in the division.
Before the fight, Klitschko said: "I'm more than sure if you deliver a great performance fans will accept you. Performance is a great language." (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxin...ko-unity_N.htm)
And yet What did we get? Possibly one of the most boring 12 round fights I have EVER seen. Partly Ibragimov's fault, but EVERY time Klitschko stepped up the pace he did damage. He landed ONE flush right hand the entire fight and he almost knocked Ibragimov out with it.
THOMPSON:
In the Thompson fight we had more of the same. Critics were upset at his choice of opponent, but Klitschko promised excitement in the ring. The fight obviously did not deliver, and it took Klitschko 5 more rounds then promised to finish the Job.
RAHMAN:
Another opponent Klitschko was expected to blow away. The fightwriter said that "If Klitschko doesn’t win this fight in six rounds or less I will consider it a disappointing performance." (http://www.fightwriter.com/wladimir-...s-hasim-rahman)
Instead, KLitschko finished the job in 7, due almost ENTIRELY to the fact that he was unwilling to let the punches go. He watched Rahman for about 5 rounds before deciding that Rahman didn't stand a chance.
CHAGAEV:
Probably Klitschkos best performance of the bunch, Klitschko battered Chagaev into submission before the start of the 10th round. But once again, this was a caution first approach, methodically breaking down a MUCH smaller fighter.
CHAMBERS:
Chambers, I thought, fought excellently for a guy so outskilled, outgunned, and outsized. Howver, it did take a verbal BEATING from trainer Emanuel Steward to get Klitschko to go for the knockout.
He did get the KO, but I can't help but feel like KLitschko could have done this at ANY point in the fight.
PETER II:
And Now Klitschko is facing Peter. A fighter he is a 12 to 1 favorite to beat. A fighter He already beat up and nearly stopped almost 5 years ago. The only real play here is the OVER/UNDER, but it is a facinating bet IMO.
On the one hand you have a VERY rejuvinated PETER. I've seen pictures of him in camp and he looked ALREADY to be in tremendous shape, and this was weeks ago. Obvoiusly, this is Peters last chance to make something more of his career, and I expect him to try and make the most of it. If Peter goes out guns blazing, He'll get knocked out within 6. On top of this, Emanuel Steward has probably been BEGGING Wlad for months to go for the Knockout.
But on the other hand, you have everything I wrote above. Wlad has had AMPLE reasons to go for the KO in fights that He CLEARLY should have been going for the KO in. And yet, more often then not, He'll wait and wait and wait and wait until there is ZERO risk before going for the KO. With PETER, there will ALWAYS be a risk going for the KO because not only can Peter CRACK, but he had Klitschko down 3 seperate times in their first fight.
So its a tough bet.
I think the over is the safer bet, because up to this point Klitschko has never taken a risk and has played it risk free 100% of the time.
And even tho Peter is rejuvinated, and seems to be Hungry, that performance agaisnt Vitali was telling. He made not attempt to get past the jab like he did against Wlad, and just waited till the fight was stopped.
I think Peter takes his hacks and tries with his heart in the first 4 rounds, gets hurt once or twice, and then gives up mentally. The fight will end late by corner stoppage, or perhaps it'll get to the cards.
Either way, I love the OVER 9.5 round bets.
Don't believe all the things Emanuel and Wlad are saying, about going for the KO and that the fight will be under 6 rounds.
I expect a good, entertaining scrap tho.
IBRAGIMOV:
Against Ibragimov the build up to the fight was centered around the fact that this was a BIG unification fight, and the winner would be universally accepted as the main Heavyweight champion, despite their being 4 at the time.
This was a great chance for Klitschko to shine. An impressive performance would, according to him, make him into a PPV attraction and a known commodity in the division.
Before the fight, Klitschko said: "I'm more than sure if you deliver a great performance fans will accept you. Performance is a great language." (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxin...ko-unity_N.htm)
And yet What did we get? Possibly one of the most boring 12 round fights I have EVER seen. Partly Ibragimov's fault, but EVERY time Klitschko stepped up the pace he did damage. He landed ONE flush right hand the entire fight and he almost knocked Ibragimov out with it.
THOMPSON:
In the Thompson fight we had more of the same. Critics were upset at his choice of opponent, but Klitschko promised excitement in the ring. The fight obviously did not deliver, and it took Klitschko 5 more rounds then promised to finish the Job.
RAHMAN:
Another opponent Klitschko was expected to blow away. The fightwriter said that "If Klitschko doesn’t win this fight in six rounds or less I will consider it a disappointing performance." (http://www.fightwriter.com/wladimir-...s-hasim-rahman)
Instead, KLitschko finished the job in 7, due almost ENTIRELY to the fact that he was unwilling to let the punches go. He watched Rahman for about 5 rounds before deciding that Rahman didn't stand a chance.
CHAGAEV:
Probably Klitschkos best performance of the bunch, Klitschko battered Chagaev into submission before the start of the 10th round. But once again, this was a caution first approach, methodically breaking down a MUCH smaller fighter.
CHAMBERS:
Chambers, I thought, fought excellently for a guy so outskilled, outgunned, and outsized. Howver, it did take a verbal BEATING from trainer Emanuel Steward to get Klitschko to go for the knockout.
He did get the KO, but I can't help but feel like KLitschko could have done this at ANY point in the fight.
PETER II:
And Now Klitschko is facing Peter. A fighter he is a 12 to 1 favorite to beat. A fighter He already beat up and nearly stopped almost 5 years ago. The only real play here is the OVER/UNDER, but it is a facinating bet IMO.
On the one hand you have a VERY rejuvinated PETER. I've seen pictures of him in camp and he looked ALREADY to be in tremendous shape, and this was weeks ago. Obvoiusly, this is Peters last chance to make something more of his career, and I expect him to try and make the most of it. If Peter goes out guns blazing, He'll get knocked out within 6. On top of this, Emanuel Steward has probably been BEGGING Wlad for months to go for the Knockout.
But on the other hand, you have everything I wrote above. Wlad has had AMPLE reasons to go for the KO in fights that He CLEARLY should have been going for the KO in. And yet, more often then not, He'll wait and wait and wait and wait until there is ZERO risk before going for the KO. With PETER, there will ALWAYS be a risk going for the KO because not only can Peter CRACK, but he had Klitschko down 3 seperate times in their first fight.
So its a tough bet.
I think the over is the safer bet, because up to this point Klitschko has never taken a risk and has played it risk free 100% of the time.
And even tho Peter is rejuvinated, and seems to be Hungry, that performance agaisnt Vitali was telling. He made not attempt to get past the jab like he did against Wlad, and just waited till the fight was stopped.
I think Peter takes his hacks and tries with his heart in the first 4 rounds, gets hurt once or twice, and then gives up mentally. The fight will end late by corner stoppage, or perhaps it'll get to the cards.
Either way, I love the OVER 9.5 round bets.
Don't believe all the things Emanuel and Wlad are saying, about going for the KO and that the fight will be under 6 rounds.
I expect a good, entertaining scrap tho.
Comment