Klitschko vs. Chagaev: How good is Wladimir Klitschko? Can Ruslan Chagaev beat Him?

boxingBy Shaun Murphy – I was very interested in Wladimir Klitschko from the start. After all, when I was growing up a Ukrainian heavyweight champion was as likely as Take That reforming. Being a realist, I didn’t believe in miracles…

My intension, in this article, is to give you an unbiased opinion on Wladimir Klitschko, and hopefully I’ll be forgiven if I go over the top. I’ve decided to list Klitschko’s best qualities, entwined with how they’ve manifested in fights. My goal, if I can, is to help you understand what a special talent Wladimir Klitschko really is.

Wladimir’s Jab – I believe facing Wladimir’s jab is much like climbing Mount Everest. I’m told, when a man sees the world’s biggest mountain up close it doesn’t seem too big.. However, as the climber begins to tackle this beast in the heavens the summit seems to get further away with each step. After a while, the climber realizes that docile looking rock could in fact kill him. Of course, some brave men conquer the mountain but for the most part the mass won’t even try.

The Ukrainian’s jab, is indeed, very special, and is possibly the best of its kind in history. The younger Klitschko is very tall, at six-foot-six, and uses his range to his full advantage. For Example, against Hasim Rahman, Klitschko used his jab as a range finder, but also as a way to set up powerful combinations. Incidentally, against Tony Thompson, Wladimir used his jab as a power punch to prevent Thompson from getting near him. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is: when Klitschko throws the jab they need to avoid it…

Wladimir’s Right

I’m a big fan of philosophy, and one thing that’s been said again, again and again is this. You can deal with anything if you’re present in the moment; unfortunately, I fundamentally disagree. Sorry Buddha, Plato, Nietzsche and Jesus Christ — you never experienced Wladimir’s Klitschko’s over-hand right to test your theories. Klitschko’s right cross is the kind of weapon you only read about in story books. In the Bible, if David would of possessed Wladimir’s right hand: a weapon would never have been needed…

Emmanuel Steward, before he was Wladimir’s coach, said the Ukrainian’s right cross was the hardest in history. The first time I became aware of Wladimir’s power was against, the unheralded, Derrick Jefferson. The Ukrainian powerhouse poleaxed Jefferson in the 2nd round; I knew then, he’d eventually become the undisputed world heavyweight champion. Another attribute of Klitschko’s money punch is accuracy. Fighting the hot-prospect Calvin Brock, Wladimir landed the right hand with surgical precision on the side of the jaw and Brock fell face-forwards onto the canvas. Could Ali, Larry Holmes, Rocky Marciano etc. take his power? – I don’t think so! I agree with Emmanuel Steward, Wladimir Klitschko has the hardest right cross of all time…

Wladimir’s Left Hook and Everything Else

As I explained, fighting the Ukrainian is like climbing a mountain. Frustratingly, for his opponents, if a man can manage the herculean task of getting inside Wladimir’s left-and-right hand his ordeal isn’t over. Oh, no, Klitschko’s left hook is harder than a big bag of hard things. Also, the Ukrainian hero can throw this devastating weapon very effectively of his jab. Intimidatingly, the younger Klitschko is also very strong and athletic. At this time, there isn’t one man who can compete with the Ukrainian’s raw physical abilities. And in history, maybe no-one who ever could have done.

Under the tutelage of hall-of-fame trainer Emmanuel Steward, Klitschko’s footwork has vastly improved. Steward, in his brilliance, has managed to ‘’Americanize’’ his charge’s movement, and Wladimir has developed into a superb boxer–puncher. Against Tony Thompson, this improvement became apparent through Klitschko’s educated fleet-footed boxing. Thompson was bombarded from long range, and cruelly punished when he tried to mount an offence. In the 2nd rd, Klitschko caught Thompson on the ropes and knocked him out with the left hook. In Wladimir’s last fight, Hasim Rahman, the former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion was defeated using similar tactics. All in all, if you’re fighting Wladimir you’d better avoid that left hook.

Klitschko’s Defense, toughness and Glass Chin?

One of my traits that has got me into trouble is I’m very independent minded; in fact, I say what I think on every subject known to man. I’m aware of the effects of my next opinion, but what the hell. I don’t think Wladimir Klitschko has a glass jaw; however, I’m not claiming Klitschko has an iron chin either. Formally lacking stamina, Wladimir’s stoppage loses have been the result of an accumulation of punches when exhausted [of course, against Corrie Sanders was the exception!] Unfortunately, for his opponents, Wladimir has improved, and has learned to conserve his energy and has tightened his defence. Emmanuel Steward has shown the Ukrainian an excellent block for the left hook, and I believe his vulnerable days are behind him.

Again, this may sound like I generally am a Wladimir Klitschko ‘’nuthugger,’’ but I’m going to say it. In adversity, no-one in heavyweight history has shown the courage and self-belief of Klitschko. For instance, Wladimir was vilified, after Lamon Brewster stopped him through exhaustion. Even though Wladimir had taken Brewster’s devastating left-hook flush, and had bravely risen from every knockdown. The younger Klitschko was slandered as a glass chinned, no-heart fighter and tossed callously onto the boxing scrapheap. With incredible self-belief, Wladimir climbed his way out of the boxing darkness and created light through a seriatim of impressive performances. First beating Samuel Peter; then defensive genius Chris Byrd; and even ex-champions like Hasim Rahman; Dr. Steel Hammer has ascended to his elated position the hard way. Nevertheless, Klitschko’s next defense is against the ‘’The White Tyson.’’ A man, who I believe, poses more of a threat than the scheduled David Haye…

Ruslan Chagaev–Dr. Steel hammer my predictions

Make no mistake, Ruslan Chagaev is a really tough fighter and has the tools for an upset. Compact and very powerful, ‘’The White Tyson’’ has a rock-hard jaw, excellent amateur pedigree and he’s highly motivated to bring attention to his beloved Uzbekistan. Although he isn’t quick, Chagaev has an excellent blocking style defense and underrated footwork. I remember seeing the Uzbekistani pulverize Sherman ‘’the tank’’ William in the 8th rd in 2005, and being impressed with his ruthless, well-schooled brawling tactics. The Asian tough guy is the WBA Heavyweight Champion, and the Ring magazine has agreed this fight is for their prestigious belt. Without a doubt, this is the most important fight to happen in the Heavyweight Division since Lennox Lewis—Vitally Klitschko in 2003.

For the fight, in Germany, on the 20th of June, I predict a very exciting bout and a chance for Wladimir to silence his fans in a hard contest. Ruslan, almost certainly, will enter the squared circle hungry, and he’ll be determined to use this opportunity as a chance to earn the heavyweight division’s number one spot. Against Valuev, ‘’The White Tyson’’ proved he knows how to neutralize height but Wladimir has more mobility and variety than the huge Russian. There’s a chance Chagaev could catch his Ukrainian opponent, but Klitschko is very intelligent. I think he will fight from long range to negate Ruslan’s power, and the Uzbekistani’s consistent pressure will create a highly excitable fight. The question is can Ruslan Chagaev Climb a Mountain? – I don’t think he will! Thus, I believe, The Uzbekistanian will have his moments, but Wladimir will win around the 11th round. The younger Klitschko may not be as famous as the past champions, but he is as good. Eventually, when he retires, people will appreciate him, but sadly he’s being largely ignored because of the fragmentation of the heavyweight title itself.