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Heavyweight Euro prospects
(from http://p069.ezboard.com/fboxingunive...picID=13.topic)
The new quarterly Eastern Euro heavyweight prospects list is out, and change is in the air as many younger talented prospects are gaining experience. Due to the depth of the field, I will be extending the list to a full 20 prospects.
The rankings are a mix of professional accomplishments to date, and potential to become a contender based on what each fighter has shown in the ring. A strong and successful amateur background is also taken into consideration.
This means a highly accomplished amateur who just turned professional can rate over another prospect that has more fights, but has failed to impress as much as an amateur or professional.
The rules of the prospect list are simple. If a fighter has been a champion, is a currently world belt holder or is 35 years of age or older, I no longer consider him a prospect. This means fighters like Wladimir Kltischko, Valuev, and the NEW WBO Champion Sergi Lyakhovich are exempt as they have graduated from the prospect list. With each passing month, its beginning to look like the Euro prospects are going to have to beat each to advance up the rankings, and fight each other for World title belts. Fighters who are 35 and older like Maskev who is in position to fight Rahman for the WBC title are also exempt.
The list of Eastern Euro fighters can extend into parts of Asia if the country was ethnic Eastern European or in the old Soviet Block. I also included fighters born in Eastern Europe that are now based elsewhere.
Here are my updated current rankings: Let the debate begin.
1. Sultan Ibragimov. 19-0. 16 KO’s. 31 years old
Amateur background and scouting report: Ibragimov is an accomplished amateur who took silver at Heavyweight in the 2000 Olympic games, losing in the finals on points to the legendary Felix Savon. However Ibragimov badly cut Savon and rocked him in the fourth round. Had this been a professional fight, Savon would be in serious trouble.
As a professional, Irbagimov has a rare style. He’s a pressure fighter / swarmer who throws lots hard of punches from a South Paw stance. Ibragimov has good hand speed, a top body attack, and can put together combinations. He can also counter. Sultan’s work rate and power are good,. His chin has passed a test when Lance Whitaker landed a few hard chin checking right hands. I’ve had Sultan Ibragimov ranked as the #1 Euro prospect for years. He has moved into the top ten ratings. The question remains, which champion will give him a title shot? Ibragimov is certainly good enough to be one of the four major world champions.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=113634
2. Ruslan Chagaev. 20-0-1. 16 KO’s. 27 years old
Amateur Background and scouting report: Chagaev was an outstanding amateur, wining the World Amateur super heavyweight title twice. Chagaev was 2-1 over a more prime version of Felix Savon. Chagaev’s final amateur record was 82-3 with no stoppage losses.
As a professional, Chagaev’s powerful punches have produced some sensational knockouts. The lone draw was an unfortunate technical decision, as Rob Calloway was on his way out when it happened. Chageav avenged the dubious draw, and turned it into an exclamation point knockout win. While Chagaev might have the best power and chin on the list, he is far from a slick boxer. Movement and angles can give him fits. Chagaev has short arms. He needs to get up close to win. Recently Chagaev took a close 12 round decision from fellow undefeated prospect Virichs. While the win was impressive on paper, it really did not enhance his reputation. Chagaev is ranked in the top ten right now. He is one of those types of fighters that will likely need a Ko to defeat the best in the world. Can Chagaev become a champion? Right now it looks to be 50/50. Chagaev is a young fighter.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=024358
3. Luan Krasniqi. 28-2-1. 14 KO’s. 34 years old.
Amateur background and Scouting report : Like Chagaev and Ibragimov, Krasniqui has solid amateur credentials. He won Bronze in the 1996 Olympics, and was one of 6 men in 112 fights to defeat a 19 year old version of Wladmir Klitschko on points ( 1995 ). As a professional, Krasniqui has solid all around ability. Krasniqui’s style is that of a boxer. There is not doubt Krasniqui is a top boxer with a heck of an uppercut. However, his power is just average. Krasniqi nearly won the WBO title vs Lamon Brewster, but his chin and stamina have let him down. Krasniqui appears to lack the grit of a true fighter, and may have some stamina related issues in hard 12 round fights. I’m giving Krasniqui the #3 spot due to his experience and lack of experience of several younger talented prospects. Krasniqui is 34 years of age. It appears he will not graduate from a prospect to a world champion. His prime looks to have 1-2 more years left.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=015083
4. Alexander Dimitrenko 21-0. 12 KO’s. 23 years old
Amateur background and scouting report. Dimitrenko won the world jr championships at super heavyweight. He was instantly offered a contract and compared to the Klitschko brothers due to his Ukrainian background and similar size. Dimitrenko is a true super heavyweight who stands 6’7” tall, and owns an impressive 83” reach.
As a professional Dimitrenko has disappointed a tad. He is not a big puncher, but he remains a very big athletic man with decent movement skills. Dimitrenko looks to have some issues with pressure oriented fighters. Although Dimtirenko was knocked down in a recent fight, it was a hard punch, and Dimitrenko took it well and recovered from it instantly. It is possible that Dimitrenko could evolve into a Henry Akinwande type of heavyweight. At age 23, he still in the improvement phase. Universum is taking their time with him so thy must believe he has plenty of untapped potential.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=079357
5. Alexander Povetkin. 6-0. 5 KO’s. 26 years old.
Amateur background and Scouting Report: Povetkin’s amateur credentials are as good as they get. He was the winner of 13 of the last 14 tournaments which include the super heavyweight champion in the World Amateur and Olympics. His style is best described as a forward moving boxer – puncher. Povetkin has fast hands, rare ability to counter and a high guard slip and duck type of defense. His power is good enough to be classified as a puncher. Povetkin has been moved at a rapid pace as a professional. He really opened his eyes with his sensational 2nd round KO over Richard ****o. While Povetkin still needs to work on things, such as a jab and clinching for the future, I am most impressed with his intangibles. The man is a winner. Povetkin is a real righter who is not afraid to get hit if that is what it takes for him to out score or out slug the his opponents. I rate him high based on his track record, and potential. If things go according to plan, Povektin can be ready to move into the top ten as early as 2008.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=318081
6. Denis Boystov. 13-0. 13 KO’s! 20 years old.
Amateur background and scouting report. Boystov was an absolute terror in the amateurs. He won the world jr championships at heavyweight with all KO’s. In fact, some were AB’s, which means the fighter abandonded the match out of fear of injury.
As a professional Boystov has excited boxing fans around the world with a sting of sensational knockouts. Boystov is the closest thing to Mike Tyson since….. Mike Tyson. He has extremely fast hands, and power in both mits. Boystov has a jab, a quick one two and a killer hook to the body or the head. He has quick feet, and lots of confidence. The 20 year old Boystov rates extremely high on potential. He has the eye of the tiger. It is unlikely that Boystov can move up in the ranks anytime soon do to his young age, and relatively easy match making. Boystov still has a lot to learn. His best tests for now shall remain in the gym. Look for Denis to step up his competition sometime in 2007.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=267630
7. Timor Ibragimov. 21-0-1 13 Ko’s. 31 years old.
Amateur background and scouting report: Timor was a sound amateur fighter, in the light heavyweight division. Since turning professional, Timor has added muscle weight in proportion to his body. Timor is your classic stand up boxer. But to call him typical is most unfair. Timor has a good speed, movement skills, and stamina. In a day and age when most heavies struggle to go 12, Timor has already done so without being gassed. Timor’s power has increased has his career has progressed. He will never be a dynamic puncher, but he has reached the point where his power is respected. Timor remains an under the radar type of fighter. That could change in June. Timor has a chance to catapult into the boxing’s top ten His next scheduled match is vs the undefeated and highly ranked Calvin Brock. A win here would push Timor into the top Euro rankings, and assure him a top 15 boxing ranking.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=142207
8. Vladimir Virchis. 20-1. 17 KO’s. 32 years old.
Amateur background and scouting report. Information of Virchis amateur background is sketchy. Vitaly Klitschko defeated Virchis as an amateur and called him a devastating puncher.
(from http://p069.ezboard.com/fboxingunive...picID=13.topic)
The new quarterly Eastern Euro heavyweight prospects list is out, and change is in the air as many younger talented prospects are gaining experience. Due to the depth of the field, I will be extending the list to a full 20 prospects.
The rankings are a mix of professional accomplishments to date, and potential to become a contender based on what each fighter has shown in the ring. A strong and successful amateur background is also taken into consideration.
This means a highly accomplished amateur who just turned professional can rate over another prospect that has more fights, but has failed to impress as much as an amateur or professional.
The rules of the prospect list are simple. If a fighter has been a champion, is a currently world belt holder or is 35 years of age or older, I no longer consider him a prospect. This means fighters like Wladimir Kltischko, Valuev, and the NEW WBO Champion Sergi Lyakhovich are exempt as they have graduated from the prospect list. With each passing month, its beginning to look like the Euro prospects are going to have to beat each to advance up the rankings, and fight each other for World title belts. Fighters who are 35 and older like Maskev who is in position to fight Rahman for the WBC title are also exempt.
The list of Eastern Euro fighters can extend into parts of Asia if the country was ethnic Eastern European or in the old Soviet Block. I also included fighters born in Eastern Europe that are now based elsewhere.
Here are my updated current rankings: Let the debate begin.
1. Sultan Ibragimov. 19-0. 16 KO’s. 31 years old
Amateur background and scouting report: Ibragimov is an accomplished amateur who took silver at Heavyweight in the 2000 Olympic games, losing in the finals on points to the legendary Felix Savon. However Ibragimov badly cut Savon and rocked him in the fourth round. Had this been a professional fight, Savon would be in serious trouble.
As a professional, Irbagimov has a rare style. He’s a pressure fighter / swarmer who throws lots hard of punches from a South Paw stance. Ibragimov has good hand speed, a top body attack, and can put together combinations. He can also counter. Sultan’s work rate and power are good,. His chin has passed a test when Lance Whitaker landed a few hard chin checking right hands. I’ve had Sultan Ibragimov ranked as the #1 Euro prospect for years. He has moved into the top ten ratings. The question remains, which champion will give him a title shot? Ibragimov is certainly good enough to be one of the four major world champions.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=113634
2. Ruslan Chagaev. 20-0-1. 16 KO’s. 27 years old
Amateur Background and scouting report: Chagaev was an outstanding amateur, wining the World Amateur super heavyweight title twice. Chagaev was 2-1 over a more prime version of Felix Savon. Chagaev’s final amateur record was 82-3 with no stoppage losses.
As a professional, Chagaev’s powerful punches have produced some sensational knockouts. The lone draw was an unfortunate technical decision, as Rob Calloway was on his way out when it happened. Chageav avenged the dubious draw, and turned it into an exclamation point knockout win. While Chagaev might have the best power and chin on the list, he is far from a slick boxer. Movement and angles can give him fits. Chagaev has short arms. He needs to get up close to win. Recently Chagaev took a close 12 round decision from fellow undefeated prospect Virichs. While the win was impressive on paper, it really did not enhance his reputation. Chagaev is ranked in the top ten right now. He is one of those types of fighters that will likely need a Ko to defeat the best in the world. Can Chagaev become a champion? Right now it looks to be 50/50. Chagaev is a young fighter.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=024358
3. Luan Krasniqi. 28-2-1. 14 KO’s. 34 years old.
Amateur background and Scouting report : Like Chagaev and Ibragimov, Krasniqui has solid amateur credentials. He won Bronze in the 1996 Olympics, and was one of 6 men in 112 fights to defeat a 19 year old version of Wladmir Klitschko on points ( 1995 ). As a professional, Krasniqui has solid all around ability. Krasniqui’s style is that of a boxer. There is not doubt Krasniqui is a top boxer with a heck of an uppercut. However, his power is just average. Krasniqi nearly won the WBO title vs Lamon Brewster, but his chin and stamina have let him down. Krasniqui appears to lack the grit of a true fighter, and may have some stamina related issues in hard 12 round fights. I’m giving Krasniqui the #3 spot due to his experience and lack of experience of several younger talented prospects. Krasniqui is 34 years of age. It appears he will not graduate from a prospect to a world champion. His prime looks to have 1-2 more years left.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=015083
4. Alexander Dimitrenko 21-0. 12 KO’s. 23 years old
Amateur background and scouting report. Dimitrenko won the world jr championships at super heavyweight. He was instantly offered a contract and compared to the Klitschko brothers due to his Ukrainian background and similar size. Dimitrenko is a true super heavyweight who stands 6’7” tall, and owns an impressive 83” reach.
As a professional Dimitrenko has disappointed a tad. He is not a big puncher, but he remains a very big athletic man with decent movement skills. Dimitrenko looks to have some issues with pressure oriented fighters. Although Dimtirenko was knocked down in a recent fight, it was a hard punch, and Dimitrenko took it well and recovered from it instantly. It is possible that Dimitrenko could evolve into a Henry Akinwande type of heavyweight. At age 23, he still in the improvement phase. Universum is taking their time with him so thy must believe he has plenty of untapped potential.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=079357
5. Alexander Povetkin. 6-0. 5 KO’s. 26 years old.
Amateur background and Scouting Report: Povetkin’s amateur credentials are as good as they get. He was the winner of 13 of the last 14 tournaments which include the super heavyweight champion in the World Amateur and Olympics. His style is best described as a forward moving boxer – puncher. Povetkin has fast hands, rare ability to counter and a high guard slip and duck type of defense. His power is good enough to be classified as a puncher. Povetkin has been moved at a rapid pace as a professional. He really opened his eyes with his sensational 2nd round KO over Richard ****o. While Povetkin still needs to work on things, such as a jab and clinching for the future, I am most impressed with his intangibles. The man is a winner. Povetkin is a real righter who is not afraid to get hit if that is what it takes for him to out score or out slug the his opponents. I rate him high based on his track record, and potential. If things go according to plan, Povektin can be ready to move into the top ten as early as 2008.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=318081
6. Denis Boystov. 13-0. 13 KO’s! 20 years old.
Amateur background and scouting report. Boystov was an absolute terror in the amateurs. He won the world jr championships at heavyweight with all KO’s. In fact, some were AB’s, which means the fighter abandonded the match out of fear of injury.
As a professional Boystov has excited boxing fans around the world with a sting of sensational knockouts. Boystov is the closest thing to Mike Tyson since….. Mike Tyson. He has extremely fast hands, and power in both mits. Boystov has a jab, a quick one two and a killer hook to the body or the head. He has quick feet, and lots of confidence. The 20 year old Boystov rates extremely high on potential. He has the eye of the tiger. It is unlikely that Boystov can move up in the ranks anytime soon do to his young age, and relatively easy match making. Boystov still has a lot to learn. His best tests for now shall remain in the gym. Look for Denis to step up his competition sometime in 2007.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=267630
7. Timor Ibragimov. 21-0-1 13 Ko’s. 31 years old.
Amateur background and scouting report: Timor was a sound amateur fighter, in the light heavyweight division. Since turning professional, Timor has added muscle weight in proportion to his body. Timor is your classic stand up boxer. But to call him typical is most unfair. Timor has a good speed, movement skills, and stamina. In a day and age when most heavies struggle to go 12, Timor has already done so without being gassed. Timor’s power has increased has his career has progressed. He will never be a dynamic puncher, but he has reached the point where his power is respected. Timor remains an under the radar type of fighter. That could change in June. Timor has a chance to catapult into the boxing’s top ten His next scheduled match is vs the undefeated and highly ranked Calvin Brock. A win here would push Timor into the top Euro rankings, and assure him a top 15 boxing ranking.
www.boxrec.com/boxer_disp..._id=142207
8. Vladimir Virchis. 20-1. 17 KO’s. 32 years old.
Amateur background and scouting report. Information of Virchis amateur background is sketchy. Vitaly Klitschko defeated Virchis as an amateur and called him a devastating puncher.
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