Why is Wladimir Klitschko reluctant to fight Kubrat Pulev?

[GhostBlade]

When all is said and done, no one is going to be like, "But Wlad didn't fight Pulev..." I think Wlad is thinking about his legacy at this point. He doesn't have fights to waste more than he already has. He has to go for the top guys at this point only.

[crold1]

Wladimir was eager to fight the limited Alexander Leapai.

But Kubrat Pulev is much better, and will give Wladimir a tough fight. Pulev has earned his title shot more than many others like Mormeck and Wach.

I've been seeing a side to Wladimir that is different lately. He thought giving Pulev 25% of the purse bid was too much, and got it lowered to 20%. But he's rich, so why do that?

Maybe Pulev as mandatory doesn't have to, or isn't willing to, sign one of the options deals we've heard about for precious Klitschko foes? Pulev is a legit threat. If he doesn't want to sign for an auto-rematch that's an even bigger risk.

I don't know. Just guessing.

[Weebler I]

Wladimir was eager to fight the limited Alexander Leapai.

But Kubrat Pulev is much better, and will give Wladimir a tough fight. Pulev has earned his title shot more than many others like Mormeck and Wach.

I've been seeing a side to Wladimir that is different lately. He thought giving Pulev 25% of the purse bid was too much, and got it lowered to 20%. But he's rich, so why do that?

It's like Fury says, these guys are strictly business. Minimum risk for maximum return. The money isn't just about Wlad, it's about his promoter and manager too.

[Jewish-Reptile]

That comment was very ignorant of you

Read the article in context,it was a comparison meant on overal legacies when looking back when all is said and done at careers end.

It wasnt a pop at Bulgaria more so Pulev not as widely acknowledged as the fans as Wilder.the casual fans might I add,I want to see te Pulev fight more than any other at this point.not only can Pulev take a punch he is huge and won't be wrestled or bullied.

I'm a huge fan of both Wlad and Kubrat.just fight him already,and stop messing him around with money,he is no.1 challenger for nearly a full year,if not longer.

[Jewish-Reptile]

In the instances you mention the major difference is that the WBC belt was unavailable. It is not any more.

As for the pursesplit, my guess is that K2 will do anything to piss off Sauerland. How they got the IBF to approve it I dont know.

I just don't understand on what grounds they have managed to have the purses altered ?

I guess Sauerland wouldn't sign a bs deal,with multiple clauses and Boente tries to have the purses altered so Sauerland earn less than the offer before purses now.brinkmanship.

I don't even want to see Wladimir lose,I genuinely really like both fighters here.I just wanna see a great fight,but I would like to see Pulev paid his worth,especially with all the feet dragging which has gone on,the guy has been say on his mandatory status way too long,this will happen to Chisora Fury winner too if Wlad doesn't have to face the winner until late April next year,no doubt with optionals,unifications and other mandatories the fight will take even longer to come to fruition.

We saw how bad long lay offs effected Chisora career.Fury hardly kept himself in shape whilst out of camp also.

[Jewish-Reptile]

It's like Fury says, these guys are strictly business. Minimum risk for maximum return. The money isn't just about Wlad, it's about his promoter and manager too.

Fury would know this right ? Because he has been in negotiatins with them before yet says he has never been offered a fight as he would take it without question ?

Something smells here.

[KO'er]

Pulev, from what we've seen, is much much better than the likes of Mormeck, Maori cab driver and Pianeta. I hope Pulev can give him problems.

[Weltschmerz]

I think you can blame Bernd Boente more for this going slow, Freedom.

[Daddy T]

I think it's because he'd rather the unification fight v stiverne. But imo Pulev deserves his shot he's waited long enough. Wlad should handle him easily enough anyway Pulev lacks power.

Anyway I think it works out better this way wlad v Pulev
Wilder v Stiverne

Winners face off for an undisputed champ.

[Weltschmerz]

In all honesty Stiverne is a more dangerous fight than Pulev. Stiverne has serious power, something Wladimir isn't too comfortable with.