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Wladimir Klitschko vs. Kubrat Pulev
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Critics of Heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko usually bring up the fact that his competition through the years has been less-than-stellar, and the fact that from 2003-2005, a stiff breeze would have sent him flailing helplessly to the mat like a baby giraffe.
Either way, he’s been a dominant force in the division for years. But his opponent, Kubrat Pulev, has faced boxers that make Klitschko look like he’s been running the goddamn gauntlet.
Pulev’s last opponent boasted an Ali-like record of 20-22. Solid stuff.
Someday, Klitschko might run into a monster who puts him flat on his back. Saturday will not be that day. Pulev will be jabbed into submission while the rest of us (except Dan Rafael, who will marvel real creepy-like at Klitschko’s bulging biceps) doze off quietly.
Prediction: Klitschko
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
I like Wladimir Klitschko. More than likely, he will wear down and knockout Kubrat Pulev.
Klitschko is too big, too strong and far more experienced. He will use his long left hand and drop right hands and chopping left hooks, wearing down Pulev as he has done to numerous opponents over the last several years.
Pulev doesn’t have the power to get the respect of Klitschko and keep him at bay.
Prediction: Klitschko
Gabriel Polanco, Staff Writer
Wladimir Klitschko takes on undefeated Kubrat Pulev in what seems to be just a regular, run of the mill title defense against another mandatory opponent.
The fight in my opinion won’t be an easy one for Klitschko, as he just signed a three fight deal with HBO and is rumored to be looking to come stateside in the near future for his fights. One can assume he would need to change his punch and grab style to a more entertaining one to please the blood-hungry American audiences.
If he were to open himself up, Pulev seems like the right opponent on paper to do so, with only 60 percent of his fights won by knockout. Yet, don’t be too deceived, Pulev has knocked out his last four out of five opponents coming into this bout.
He has confidence and I expect him to come after the only two-inch taller Klitschko. I will nevertheless not call for the upset, as there is no way I see Klitschko losing anytime soon. Klitschko by late round knockout.
Prediction: Klitschko
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
Treading through the thick pungent haze of last week’s predictions, this week looks to be a good opportunity for redemption. Kubrat Pulev is largely unknown to American fight fans; well except for the miniscule group of Tony Thompson fans.
The pundits who have some knowledge of the Bulgarian Pulev say that this is the most legitimate challenge Wladimir Klitschko has faced in a while. Everything about Pulev is a mystery to the American fanbase, though he has a solid resume. A 20-0 record, a couple of lesser accomplished heavyweight straps (European and IBF international titles), and a win over fringe contender Tony Thompson are great; but aren’t too convincing when it comes to facing “Dr. Steelhammer”.
Klitshcko has pretty much replicated his own version of “the bum of the month club”–a two year stint of title defenses against lesser opposition during the legendary reign of Joe Louis–and lately these mandatory challengers have seemed to be ill equipped for what Wlad brings to the table. I thought Povetkin had a real shot, but that didn’t work out at all.
Pulev has a great jab and is mobile (whatever that means for a heavy not named Ali), but like most of Klitschko’s challengers, he gives up height and reach to the undisputed champ. Pulev also lacks as a puncher.
Pulev declared to have taken full advantage in the postponing of this fight due to Klitschko’s shoulder injury and says he is better prepared now than he was for the original September date.
We shall see. I don’t see the Bulgarian challenger posing much of threat considering what the newly-inked three fight deal between Klitschko and HBO has in store for us fans. That deal rumors an eliminator between Bermane Stiverne and Deontay Wilder, with the winner getting a shot at Klitschko. Selfishly, I hope Pulev doesn’t derail that deal because I find that to be more intriguing than Pulev vs. the winner of Stiverne vs. Wilder.
That said, I’m taking Klitschko by KO–well as long as the shoulder injury is healed 100 percent.
Prediction: Klitschko
Alex Burogs, Editor-in-Chief
I’m guessing it’ll be a clean sweep on the picks this week and with good reason. Wladimir Klitschko’s jab is a lethal weapon; one that Kubrat Pulev has never seen.
Pulev is undefeated, but hasn’t faced stiff competition in his career. Against Tony Thompson, Pulev looked decent, but to defeat a guy that is coming up on 17 title defenses, you have to be more than decent.
Since he doesn’t possess advantages in hand speed, boxing ability, reach or knockout power, nothing suggests to me that Pulev can pull a rabit out of his hat and score a big victory.
Prediction: Klitschko
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