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When Nicolay Valuev steps between the ropes – well, actually, when he steps over the ropes and into the ring – he may have the size – all seven feet and 324 pounds of it – but does he truly have what matters?
With a majority decision this past weekend over John Ruiz, Valuev gained the WBA heavyweight title, but the prize may end up being fool’s gold if the “Beast from the East” takes the path of least resistance in title defenses.
But despite his towering looks and a body that could fight for post position with Shaquille O’Neal, Valuev has yet to display much beyond the crude skill that a schoolyard bully uses to hold his smaller brethren at bay.
Valuev’s main weapon is a jab, jutted out from such a high angle as to force vigilance upon his opponents, who may otherwise yearn to lower their hands. He extends it, keeping it out for a prolonged period, as if to hold his foe’s head at a far enough distance that they can wail away without touching him, while simultaneously presenting himself enough room to throw the occasional, highly telegraphed right cross. [details]
With a majority decision this past weekend over John Ruiz, Valuev gained the WBA heavyweight title, but the prize may end up being fool’s gold if the “Beast from the East” takes the path of least resistance in title defenses.
But despite his towering looks and a body that could fight for post position with Shaquille O’Neal, Valuev has yet to display much beyond the crude skill that a schoolyard bully uses to hold his smaller brethren at bay.
Valuev’s main weapon is a jab, jutted out from such a high angle as to force vigilance upon his opponents, who may otherwise yearn to lower their hands. He extends it, keeping it out for a prolonged period, as if to hold his foe’s head at a far enough distance that they can wail away without touching him, while simultaneously presenting himself enough room to throw the occasional, highly telegraphed right cross. [details]
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