Comments Thread For: Vlasov: I Know Smith Is The Bigger Puncher, I Am The Better Boxer

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

You have to give Maxim Vlasov for knowing his place in possibly the biggest fight of his career. The former cruiserweight title challenger from Samara, Russia understands his role as the boxer in his upcoming fight with heavy-handed contender Joe Smith Jr. The two collide on Feb. 13th, live on ESPN from MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, with the vacant WBO light heavyweight title at stake.
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[Citizen Koba]

I agree with Maxim... he is the better boxer, although to give Smith his due he seems to be improving almost fight on fight and also Maxim is reaching the tail end of his career... gonna be a close one I think. Probably just gonna give Smith the edge with the benefit of the home judges to nudge the many close rounds I see coming.

[ShoulderRoll]

Smith has beaten much better boxers than Vlasov so I don't think this matters.

[Tatabanya]

I agree with Maxim... he is the better boxer, although to give Smith his due he seems to be improving almost fight on fight and also Maxim is reaching the tail end of his career... gonna be a close one I think. Probably just gonna give Smith the edge with the benefit of the home judges to nudge the many close rounds I see coming.

Yes, I'm also inclined to picking a close decision for Smith, unless Vlasov gets caught by a bomb... But he's experienced and smart enough to avoid that, I believe.

[Oldskoolg]

Would love to see Smith win this and finally get a title

[Citizen Koba]

Would love to see Smith win this and finally get a title

Hard not to root for Smith, got that great everyman regular... uhh.. 'Joe' story going on.

Also given that he buurst on the scene looking as basic as **** against Fonrara then Hopkins a few years back he's developed hugely and is now a very competent fighter, guess that's what regular fights against quality opposition does for you, even if you lose a couple.

Really looking forward to this one, I expect Joe to edge it out but it's in no way the foregone conclusion that I've seen some make it. Vlasovs a good fighter, touch off the very top level but never gave anyone an easy fight and he's one or two Ls that coulda gone the other way

[Chrismart]

I'm quite looking forward to this one

[dan_cov]

I think Vlasov scores an upset here.
I really don't see Smith winning outside of a bs decision.

I think his crudeness can work to his favour but I really don't see what advantages he has apart from a slight power advantage.

I think Smith does his best work against savvy, patient boxers that need time to think and set up traps.

[4truth]

Definitely true but if Maxim Vlasov doesn't have a near perfect performance, as mentioned already, it won't matter.

[Oldskoolg]

Hard not to root for Smith, got that great everyman regular... uhh.. 'Joe' story going on.

Also given that he buurst on the scene looking as basic as **** against Fonrara then Hopkins a few years back he's developed hugely and is now a very competent fighter, guess that's what regular fights against quality opposition does for you, even if you lose a couple.

Really looking forward to this one, I expect Joe to edge it out but it's in no way the foregone conclusion that I've seen some make it. Vlasovs a good fighter, touch off the very top level but never gave anyone an easy fight and he's one or two Ls that coulda gone the other way

This is definitely Joe’s chance and you’re right, he does have the “Everyman” aspect going for him. Blue collar working class construction foreman type
Who punches a ton.