Just watched Sultan Ibragimov/Lance Whitaker

[oldgringo]

and I was impressed by Ibragimov. He really is a lot like Jirov only I think he's a more dynamic puncher with a bit better power. The fact that he's a southpaw is a plus for him, and the fact that he's a very good body puncher will take him places. His defense seems to be his offense, but it's fairly effective, especially against guys who aren't big punchers. He took a few good right hands from Whitaker and took them well enough, although one of them seemed to shake him up and back him off a bit.

He is wide with some of his punches though, and he is entirely hittable. He doesn't have very good footwork and but manages to get in and out well enough. His workrate is a plus for guys who aren't top level fighters but he could wear himself out against a tough fighter with good defense and handspeed.

It sucks that he's 30 because he could be an entertaining guy to watch should he continue to succeed. I'd love to see him fight Toney...Toney/Jirov II anyone?

[oldgringo]

Oh yeah, anyone know what he's planning to do next?

[AintGottaClue]

a heavyweight jirov eh? hope he doesnt fight wlad or lamon, he might end up like the jirov we have now

[oldgringo]

a heavyweight jirov eh? hope he doesnt fight wlad or lamon, he might end up like the jirov we have now

Well yeah Wlad would be a bad fight for him, except this guy is like Jirov only naturally set for heavyweight fighting (whereas Jirov should have remained at cruiser). His tenacity and aggressiveness could be bad for Wlad, and this guy managed to land punches in bunches against a 6'8 heavyweight so he could definitely reach Wlads chin. Sultan also leads with punches well, especially the right hand.

A Brewster fight would be a real slugfest.

[vB Martin]

His tenacity and aggressiveness could be bad for Wlad, and this guy managed to land punches in bunches against a 6'8 heavyweight so he could definitely reach Wlads chin.

I don't know that this is a valid comparison. While the size is similar, the skillset isn't. He would likely not get inside Wlad as easily and often, though if he did it might spell trouble for Little Klit.

[oldgringo]

I don't know that this is a valid comparison. While the size is similar, the skillset isn't. He would likely not get inside Wlad as easily and often, though if he did it might spell trouble for Little Klit.

True...I was drawing the comparison based on size alone. Lance landed a couple of right hands flush on Sultan that Sultan simply punched through. One resulted in a KD.

A big thing Lance doesn't have that Wlad does possess is the stiff jab. Lance flicks his out and finds range with his...Wlad uses it as more of a weapon.

[PBDS]

....Ibragimov is an interesting fighter to say the least. He is tenacious and seems to have alot of confidence. I would like to see him step in with a legitimate top ten guy and see how he does.

[!!Captain]

....Ibragimov is an interesting fighter to say the least. He is tenacious and seems to have alot of confidence. I would like to see him step in with a legitimate top ten guy and see how he does.

I don't think it's a question of him stepping up. It's more of a question of who from the top 10 is willing to fight him? Fighting him now presents all kinds of risks and no gain. I see Ruiz taking this fight, maybe Brock or Peter. Watch, nobody else will want to fight him. Story of anyone who is rising thru the ranks.

[AintGottaClue]

i never said this guy wouldnt beat wlad, but peopel say he is like jirov, but jirov was a natural cruiser while toney was a natural middle and now jirov is brain dead, and if this guy has no def and is gonna take a billion clean power punchs from lamon or wlad or hell maybe even toney's sharp counter punchs, he just well might be like jirov, brain dead

[TheFairPole]

I think he is less like Jirov and more like an in shape Cory Sanders. He also likes to sit on the ropes and counter like Sanders. The guy has exciting potential but he could use a little work on his defense. His slipping and countering is a good defense right now but he just wants to be reckless in there. It sure makes for exciting fights though.