Wladimir Klitschko appreciation thread

[keith_head]

Amazing guy.

[The Big Dunn]

I hope he retires. He fought bravely and tried to win. Was classy and respectful in defeat.

[Damn Wicked]

Among the best heavyweights of all time. Dominated the division for over a decade. The classiest fighter I can think of. A very intelligent, dignified and respectful man. Exceptional speed and mobility for such a big heavyweight. Way more ballsy and courageous than people give him credit for. Mentally very focused, disciplined and so much tougher than people believed him to be. Athletically gifted, with all the essential mental attributes that make a great fighter.

[Pretty Boy32]

A legend of the highest order, cemented his legacy on a global scale last night and will become a household name with casuals and fanatics alike. A gentlemen and an ambassador for the sport, dominated for over a decade and can now retire after an amazing career.

One of my top 5 favourite boxers ever

[c-man]

Great performance and as always a gentleman. Glad that if he retires, he can leave with his head held high and if he decides there is another fight in him, then good luck to him.

[The Time]

Yeah man, he really earned my respect tonight. He almost won, he almost knocked Anthony Joshua out.

Much respect to him. He fought a great fight. I was expecting the jab, grab, leaning on and holding stuff. But he fought a hell of an exciting fight. Showed courage, heart and left it all out there. Much respect to Wladimir Klitschko, he earned it!

[Elroy The Great]

he was a gentleman from day one. i truly hope that was his last fight. hes a 1st ballot, ATG hofer. dont muck up your legacy, wlad.

[rocky_balboa23]

he went out like a champ. Appreciated that much Wlad. he doesnt need to but he did.

[SN!PER]

I've only seen a few heavyweights fight at championship level in their 40s.

George Foreman
Vitali Klitschko
Wladimir Klitschko

So many people doubted Wlad, but he hurt AJ badly and forced him into a brutal fight. Faced with the possibility of losing on the cards, AJ had no choice but to shift to a high-risk offensive style in the final rounds.

AJ prevailed, but Wladimir exposed his weaknesses. Even in defeat he's proven that age can't stop us from pursuing our dreams.

[LaidOut]

I've been critical of Wlad since forever, although i've watched all of his fights. He's always had everything to be a devastating champ except the 'killer instinct' and crumbling after being hit by a few good punches. His 'keep opponents at bay' style did wonders for him during his reign, even if it was boring for many of us fans. But can't deny that he used a technique that kept him from receiving punches in bunches. For this fight, his downfall was still his lack of killer instinct in the 6th round, and of course his struggle to deal with a few landed punches (5th round KD, where he wasn't really popped hard, he just freaked out and started ducking low and seemed to want to get down to a knee). 11th round is what it is, he got caught with a nice uppercut, but then couldn't seem to clinch AJ to slow the momentum and get to the end of the round. He threw nothing back at AJ, which prompted the ref to stop the fight when he did.

I was highly impressed with his desire to continue after the 5th round KD (not expected at all with Wlad), and then was a bit disappointed with the ending only because Wlad certainly had opportunities to win the fight (even on decision, depending on how it would have played out in the 12th). We didn't get to see if AJ would have been on Empty again after unloading his bombs in the 11th.

Strange as it is to say it, I would like to see a rematch. Glad would certainly work on his left hook technique, and is now mentally prepared for hard punches coming his way, so maybe next time he won't be so gun-shy and start out stronger. On the other hand, AJ will now pounce on Wlad from the first 1st round, knowing that he does well when doing so (but also now being weary of his 'emptying the tank too soon' problem). Regardless, it would be another exciting HW boxing match (not used to saying that). Give us a Christmas treat, guys!!