Is Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) ready for Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs)?

"Any fight is the right fight. I’ve never shied away from any fight, any opponent. I started boxing in 2008; in 2009, ’10, ‘11 I was in the World Championships, and in 2012 I was representing Great Britain competing to be the best in the world in the Olympics. It doesn’t matter who I fight. I just enjoy what I do and I just embrace every opportunity," says Joshua during the final presscon on Thursday.

Joshua, 27, will face battle-tested former heavyweight king W. Klitschko on Saturday night at the Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London and can be seen live on Showtime (4:15 PM EST/1:15 PM PST) and on HBO (delayed telecast 11 PM EST). The expected crowd of over 90,000 trooped at the venue to witness who will take over the boxing pride. The young hungry lion or the returning former head of the pride?

“I don’t underestimate any opponent. Through my mistakes, I have learned and made myself right.”

Joshua showed confidence during the final presser on Thursday. He hasn't tasted defeat in pro-ranks, but he was sure that even a loss from Klitschko will not end his career.

"I don't think so, because it won’t be the end of my career."

With the above Joshua being said, I think he has the right mindset taking on Klitschko on Saturday night. He knows clearly that taking alone this fight is a big boost for his career. A competitive loss could only mean a rise in his stock and a possible rubber match. A flat-out KO loss could only mean... ah okay.. I told you, he's still young and inexperience. But I don't think it will be a walk in the park for the, accept it or not, aging Klitschko.

Size

If you look at them physically, both men have the same number. Per Boxrec.com, Klitschko and Joshua has the same height at 6 feet, 6 inches tall, and reach almost similar at 81 inches and 82 inches respectively.

So, I think, Joshua being the younger man would be stronger than Klitschko especially as the fight goes on to a distance, and it would really be competitive in the early rounds. Now, for me, it looks like it boils down to experience and the right game plan.

Experience

“Can you imagine my next opponent is going to fight a guy whose age is exactly the number of how long he has been in boxing – 27 years? Can you imagine that? It’s a pretty amazing task. Is it a degradation that I’m actually a challenger and underdog in this fight after 27 years in the sport? I don’t think so. I think it’s great," says Klitschko.

Well, without a doubt Klitschko got a huge edge in experience. He has seen it all dominating the division for decades. But of course at 41 years of age, how much Klitschko left in the tank? Does he still have what it takes to pull the trigger? Based on his previous fight against Fury it showed as a hint.

If Klitschko fights the way he fought Fury last time, I think he will lose. He should let his right hand go more often because the younger Joshua may have more of that sort in the ring.

Although Joshua may just have 18 fights on his sleeves and none of them push him to the limit because those opponents were not able to match him physically.

But let me tell you one thing. I can not see so much of Klitschko's tricks. His edge most of his fight is his size, jab, and power on his right hand.

Prediction

With Joshua on the other side of the ring, it is safe to remove that size advantage. Wlad got power on his right hand but at times, he's so gun-shy to fire more of them. So it's really a good competitive fight as long as the older got his tank till the later rounds.

I'm inclined to give Joshua a unanimous win. That's when Klitschko employed his hit-hug combination on Saturday night. But if both men provided more punching room, this fight is over after 6 rounds.

Tyson Fury is the new heavyweight champion of the world! He won on points against Wladimir Klitschko in their heavyweight clash in Germany on Saturday night.

The official score: 115-112, 115-112 and 166-111 all for Fury.

It was really a dull performance of the former champion. Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) just landed a total of 52 punches in 12 rounds to Tyson's 86. He just landed four body shots versus Fury's 20.

Klitschko the obvious power puncher simply didn't let his hands go landing only 18 power shots to Fury's 48.

The classic Klitschko really showed tonight but it's just that Tyson Fury (25-0, 18 KOs) had a different approach tonight compared to Klitschko's previous challengers. Fury just did a little more than what Klitschko is doing to win points in every round.

Klitschko really got the dose of his own medicine tonight. Fury was able to capitalize his reach and height advantage, which was Klitschko's advantage against former smaller challengers.

Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury's combined weight was 493 pounds during the weigh-in.

On fight night, they could weigh more than 500 pounds for their heavyweight championship clash at the Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Saturday night.

The stats

There were times Klitschko's fight had been with challengers heavier than him. But most of the time, the 6’6” reigning heavyweight champ from Ukraine, had the height and reach advantage on those challengers. Then Klitschko (64-3, 53 KOs) would capitalize on those advantages and win.

Klitschko uses his 81" reach as a jab that earned him the “Dr. Steel Hammer” moniker to keep an opponent at bay and also busting the opponent's nose at the same time. He also uses his height to lean on shorter opponents during clinched -- if an opponent manages to close the gap.

Against Tyson Fury, Klitschko doesn’t have the above advantages.  Fury (24-0, 18 KOs) has the three inches height advantages at 6’9” over Klitschko at 6’6”. But the champion has the obvious ring experience having 67 total bouts to Fury’s 24. On the flip side, Fury is the younger fighter at 27 years old, while Klitschko is 12 years senior at 39.

The fight

In the early rounds, I think Klitschko will start slow as usual. Although if Fury forces the action early, the tempo might be changed, I expect Klitschko to clinch a little bit more if the younger Fury engages early and choose to fight from inside.

The battle of jabs

In the third, Fury will use his legs effectively and throw more jabs to counter Klitschko’s heavy jabs.

But the champion adjusts in the fourth round, blasting Fury with his signature one-two combo as Fury launches his attacks.

In the middle rounds, Fury continues to land some jabs from outside. He will use angles with his footwork, but also take harder shots from the champion, who steps up the gas and shifts to a higher gear.

In the seventh, it is obvious that Klitschko's ring experience and power took over. He’s landing the harder shots that showed its damaging effect on the challenger.

In the ninth, Klitchsko’s power finally ends the challenger's bid for the world heavyweight championship. The champion lands a textbook one-two combo spot on the button that sends Fury hard to the canvass. Klitschko TKO9.

The likely new date for the Klitschk0-Fury heavyweight fight will be on November 28. The official confirmation is expected next week.

It was reported on Friday, and later Klitschko confirmed from his Instagram post that he was forced to pull out the scheduled October title defense due to a 'minor injury.

Klitschko, 39, suffered an injury to his left calf while training on Thursday.

The postponement was not new to Fury, 27, who had three other scheduled fights in the past that were delayed. But this fight is very important for the UK fighter because a win would eventually put his name on the pound-for-pound list.

Following an entertaining press conference earlier, there's a report circulating around social media that Klitschko has pulled out from the scheduled October 24 fight against Tyson Fury due to 'calf injury.

This report has been circulating for a short while on social media but there's no official confirmation yet.

Update: Klitschko posted on his Instagram and confirmed that he will not be able to fight on October 24 due to an injury. The fight will be postponed to a date to be determined later.

Klitschko said that he suffered a 'minor injury' during Thursday's training sessions.

Well, as expected, Wladimir Klitschko retains heavyweight crown. He won via scores of 118-109, 116-111 and 116-111 at the historic Madison Square Garden, New York on Saturday night.

Klitschko (64-3, 53 KO's) used his long left arm in a form of a jab to put Bryant Jennings where he wanted. His left jab not only serves as a potent offensive weapon but also serves as defensive arsenal to hold Jennings. And again, the piston-like left jab of Klitschko leads him to victory.

Many believed that Klitscko would wipe out Jennings. Basically, a prediction based on Wlad's impressive performance against Kubrat Pulev. Because of that Jennings, proved something on Saturday night. He's a tough neophyte.

But being tough is not enough. Jennings (19-1, 10 KO's) I think, did not explore all the possibilities to win. I mean, going until the final bell is not the same as finding a way to win.

While Klitschko, did not come out the way most of boxing fans expected. I expected him to use more of his right hand and to use his left hand, not just a jab, but as a check hook. But I didn't see any of those. His right hands were almost holstered the entire night.

To make my recap precise, let me describe in the words I read on twitter: Klitschko did not attempt to finish Jennings. Jennings did not attempt to win.

The year 2014 is full of same-card-different-opponent bullshit match-ups. Two top fighters in the same division that suppose to fight each other, instead fight separate opponents in the same card. One example is the Danny Garcia-Rod Salka scrap. Boxing media criticized and rant about the match-up that ended as expected. Garcia blew Salka out in two rounds.

But 2015 promise something that we boxing fans should be happy about. Here are some interesting and relevant fights that await us in 2015.

Brandon Rios vs Mike Alvarado III

This is war! The first two encounter is a classic battle that I rate as the same level Gatti-Ward. Both men took each other's "O" in brutal fashion. On January 24 at 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado Rios and Alvarado will do it again for the third time. The first two fights were about protecting their undefeated records. This time is about getting back to the winning side of the game. Both men are in a "must-win" situation. Although Rios (32-2-1, 23 KO's) won against Chaves in his last fight, but he's unhappy about his DQ victory. He is looking for a solid victory over Alvarado this time. Alvarado (34-3, 23 KO's) is win less in his last two fights and could not afford to lose also this time. I expect another war come 24th January.

Sergey Kovalev vs Jean Pascal

The light heavyweight division is not as deep as the welterweight with talent. But what I like is that the top contenders were more than willing to face fellow top contenders. That of course except Adonis Stevenson. He avoided Kovalev. He is recognize by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board as the light heavyweight champion. Stevenson even jump over the fence of another network just to avoid Kovalev who is now TBRB's number one contender. I salute, Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KO's) and Hopkins though. "The Alien" despite his golden age has always desire to fight the best in his division. The same goes to Kovalev who wants only significant fights. As the result, Hopkins-Kovalev met up in the ring. Kovalev won. Now, the best available opponent for Kovalev by far is Jean Pascal (29-2-1, 17 KO's) who just is also considered one of the top 5 in this division. As a fight fan, we only want the best fighting the best.

Gennady Golovkin vs Martin Murray

Although this is not the fight I wanted for Gennady Golovkin (31-0, 28 KO's) because I wanted him fight the best out there in the middleweight division. I wanted a fight between Golovkin and Cotto who is now the division king after stopping the lineal champion Sergio Martinez. But Martin Murray (29-1-1, 12 KO's) is another solid contender who ranks among the top five. So, this is another exciting fight to watch out in February 21, 2015 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Bryant Jennings

After a fan-friendly fight against Kobrat Pulev,  Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 54 KO's) wants a fight in the States. And on April 25, 2015 in Brooklyn, New York, most probably at the Barclays Center for a yet to signed opponent. But Klitschko's team is in deep negotiation with undefeated contender Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KO's) that we will see result in a couple of days.

Miguel Cotto vs Saul Alvarez

Although this fight is not sealed yet, as Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO's) said in various reports that "all is negotiations, and there is nothing definite at this point”, but this fight is basically what team Alvarez is pushing. Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KO's) needs a top marquee opponent in his quest to seize Cinco de Mayo fight date from Floyd Mayweather Jr., claiming that this date belongs to the Mexicans. Well, if there's no Floyd-Pac on May and if Cotto-Alvarez pushes through then my PPV money will be on Cotto-Alvarez.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Manny Pacquiao

I'm hesitant to include this possible but still unclear match-up that we, as fans have been talking about for years now. But as a fan what can I do. This is what I hope for. This is what I want to see. So, I'm still hopeful it will happen in 2015. And both Mayweather (47-0, 26 KO's) and Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KO's) camp are at least open and not lock in to fight any other opponent at this point. There seemed to be serious on going negotiations. But I'm still in doubt that this fight will happen, not until both showed up for a press conference announcing that they will officially fight each other.

Meanwhile here's what Bob Raissman of NY Daily News regarding mega-fight negotiations:

Those doing the business of boxing are consumed with winning the negotiation, screwing the other guy at all costs. The battle to negotiate a mega fight is bloodier than what happens inside the ring. --  BOB RAISSMAN, NY Daily news

Undefeated heavyweight contender Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KO's) could be next for the unified champion Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 54 KO's) as the possible match-up is "in works" for spring next year, per Dan Rafael's blog on ESPN.com.

Although, Jennings and Klitschko are keen on fighting the winner of Bermane Stiverne and unbeaten American KO artist Deontay Wilder, but that fight could only happen only in May or June next year. Stiverne-Wilder is slated on January 17.

I could have fought this month but my mind is set on fighting for the WBC world title," Jennings said. "I worked my way to the top of the WBC rankings and now it's time for me to make my mark in history. Stiverne or Wilder, I don't care who it is. I'll be ready to fight either one of them. My promoters, Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard, and I are all on the same page. We want that WBC title.

On the other hand, Klitschko wanted to collect the missing piece of hardware. He owns the major alphabet belts: WBO, WBA, IBF, WBA plus The Ring and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board world heavyweight title. The missing piece's Stiverne's WBC strap.

The 38 year old Klitschko who handed Kubrat Pulev his first loss in a spectacular performance last Saturday in Germany wanted to fight back in the US. So, I think Jennings is the ideal guy, while Stiverne and Wilder are engaged with each other.

So we have this scenario:

• Stiverne vs. Wilder on January 17.


• Klitschko vs. Jennings in March or April

Winners could face each other in August or September.

My prediction is that: The mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev would go as far as Round 10. Before the defending champion, Wladimir Kltischko knocks him out.

But man! I thought it's all over in Round 1. The crowd at the O2 World Arena, Altona, in Hamburg, Germany were roaring, as the fight seemed to end as early as Round 1.

[caption id="attachment_4528" align="alignright" width="300"] Frank Augstein[/caption]

Klitschko (63-3, 53 KO's) dropped Pulev twice in Round 1 with vicious left hooks. But the former undefeated Pulev (20-1, 11 KO's) immediately back on his feet.

He even stood on one leg to show he was fine. But then again, the 38 year old Klitschko landed another left hook that sent Pulev down again. This time, I'm thinking -- this could be it.

Pulev hurt but was able to get up and survived the rocky first round.

In the second, Klitschko started the hit-hug combination. But referee Tony Weeks' quick to separate them.

I thought that during clinches Pulev can maneuver his way to score and land significant punches.

But I'm wrong.

He contented to land rabbit punches. And to the side of Klitschko's body. It has no significant effect.

In the third, it seemed the 33 year old Pulev recovered. He was able to land some good jabs.

What I noticed is that: Pulev never had a solid defense that would at least deter the rangy left hook of Klitschko.

He don't have even the head movement to slip incoming punches. While Klitschko was precise with his punches.

Then, a big Klitschko right hand landed on Pulev. I don't understand how Pulev took that. He remained standing to his credit.

But another left hook dropped Pulev again. He still survived the round. I'm thinking this could be over in Round 4.

Well, in Round 4 Pulev was a little brave and scored some right hands. But Klitschko resorted to his holding again. I'm surprised Pulev survived another round.

The end of Pulev came in Round 5. Klitschko landed again his most effective arsenal of the night -- the left hook -- sent Pulev flat on his back.

There's no way Pulev can survive this time. Tony Weeks halted the contest 2:11 in Round 5.

With the win, Klitschko retains four heavyweight world titles including The Ring and TBRB titles. This is also his 21 straight victories, including 17 title defenses.

The reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52 KO) and undefeated challenger Kubrat Pulev (20-0, 11 KO) almost have identical weight. Both fighters hit the scale on Friday in Das Wiegen in Hamburg, Germany. The duo are scheduled to face each other on Saturday night at the O2 World Arena, Altona, in Hamburg for the anticipated heavyweight clash.

Klitschko weighed in at 246 lbs. and Pulev came in one pound heavier than the Ukrainian champion at 247 lbs.

[caption id="attachment_4493" align="alignright" width="300"] Photos: BOXFOTOGRAF.DE / Team Sauerland[/caption]

Both men look ready to go for battle.

On another note, although Klitschko held the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO belts, it was reported that Pulev decided to pay only the IBF sanction fees. And if he won the fight he is not illegible to win all of them. Hence, the WBO, WBA and IBO will be vacant if he won.

Per Dan Rafael's Blog on ESPN.com

"Pulev, however, will only be competing for the IBF belt, for which he is the mandatory challenger, according to Klitschko manager Bernd Boente and the WBO."

According also to the report, Pulev is earning career-high $1,450,026 and will save substantial amount by  paying only the IBF sanction fees.

Here's my Wladimir Klitschko vs Kubrat Pulev preview and prediction. This fight will happen on Saturday night at the O2 World Arena, Altona, in Hamburg, Germany. Klitschko will defend his heavyweight crown against undefeated Kubrat Pulev of Bulgaria.

The 38 years old Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52 KO) of Kiev, Ukraine defended the heavyweight crown seven times since unifying four alphabet belts in 2011.

Here's a quick look at a timeline when Wladimir Klitschko collected four alphabet belts.

• 2006 - Won the IBF and IBO world heavyweight title by stopping Chris Byrd in Round 7.
• 2008 - Added the WBO world heavyweight title by a unanimous decision victory over Sultan Ibragimov.
• 2011 - Added the WBA super world heavyweight title by a unanimous decision victory over David Haye.

The 6' 6" giant from Ukraine, and the younger of the Klitschko brothers  also crowned the heavyweight champion by the Transnational Boxing Ranking Board after defeating number one contender, Alexander Povetkin in 2013.

The Klitschko brothers have been ruling the heavyweight division. The older Klitschko, Vitali, retired in December to pursue a political career and elected Mayor in Kiev.

On Saturday, Wladimir Klitschko aka Dr. Steelhammer will once again try to defend all four titles. He will defend it against 33 years old Kubrat Pulev.

Kubrat Pulev (20-0, 11 KO) of Sofia, Bulgaria is a former Olympian. And Pulev looks like has the physical match -- stands at six feet and four and half inches -- against Klitschko.

Wlad has been dominating smaller opponents maximizing his height and reach advantage. I think Pulev, although two and half inches shorter, don't have so much physical disadvantage. At 33, Pulev also is the younger man but of course has less experience and only has a total of 20 fights. Yet, Pulev has a solid amateur career that spans for 10 years from 1999 to 2009 and won the Bulgarian National Championships. Pulev then turns professional in September 2009.

My prediction

Although Pulev don't have that much of physical disadvantage against Klitschko, but I think what will bother Pulev is Klitschko's heavy jab. Klitschko possesses one of the greatest long-range jab in the Heavyweight division. Not just a jab. It’s a heavy and stinging jab.

I think in the early rounds Klitschko will establish the sting of his jabs against the more active Pulev. Tony Thompson, a southpaw, gave Pulev some trouble with his right jab to the head and body in the early rounds.

However, Pulev has a quick lead straight right hand that may go through the defense of Klitschko. But he should do it with a jab that will set his right hands; otherwise it will not be effective against an orthodox Klitschko. He might be beaten by the left jab from Klitschko if he throws the lead right.

Klitschko for sure will try to maximize the two and half height advantage against Pulev. He'll fight tall. This is because he can't do the same tactics he did against a smaller opponents like Povetkin. He's hit-hug and bully style might not be effective, Pulev has the physical size and power during the clinch and close range fighting.

However, I think Klitschko's punching power, which is being set up by his vaunted jab, will carry him towards the victory.

Wladimir Klitschko TKO 10 Kubrat Pulev

[caption id="attachment_2434" align="alignnone" width="690"] Photo credit: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images[/caption]

Saturday night is full of action-packed fights that ended with brutal knockouts. I am talking about Showtime's triple-header as the co-featured bout between Argentina wrecking machine Lucas Matthysse (35-3, 33 KO's) and resident of California John Molina (27-4, 22 KO's) turned into a bloody slug-fest. A fight that I almost missed as I slept late, catching late night fights (Kuwait time) in the UK and Germany.

However, I saw how Matthysse stops the gallant Molina in round 11. The fight already started when I tuned into my favorite live streaming site. Matthysse has been down twice -- in rounds two and five, and cut over his left eye in third round from accidental head butt. However, Matthysse returned the favor to Molina, sending him (Molina) down too, in rounds eight and 10, and then again for good.

The featured fight of the evening, the hard-hitting Keith Thurman (23-0, 21 KO's) retired the extremely game Julio Diaz won (40-10-1, 29 KO's) on his stool after the third round. Upon the advice of the Diaz corner, referee Jack Reiss stops the fight and the fight commentator told that Diaz suffered rib injury. I'm glad the fight has been short or else, I'll be late again for work, which has been the case every Sunday. However, I wanted to see more action from this fight and the crowd at Stub Hub shares my sentiment. They want more from Thurman.

In a short video interview from Showtime right after the fight Thurman said that he was disappointed.

"I was disappointed that they were disappointed, you know, but like what I said, people don't understand the power that I produce. You have to step in the ring and you know that's a judgement call on their behalf. I know I landed the body shot." stated Thurman.

He further told that he was surprised why Diaz didn't go down from the body shot.

"And you know obviously it just had a delayed reaction he probably felt it when he sit down when he was breathing and the corner made a judgement call."

He said also that he will put on more pounds and enjoy life a little bit more. Thurman has a dangerous plan in the welterweight division. I like to see him fight the hard hitters in the hottest division, the likes of Shawn Porter, Ruslan Provodnikov, Brandon Rios and even Mike Alvarado.

With the win, Thurman remains on SPB's "Top Ten Pound-for-pound Undefeated Boxers List".

Meanwhile, in an earlier fight at Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (another Lucas wins) Lucas Browne stops Eric Martel Bahoeli in round five. I struggled to finish this fight because. I wanted to sleep early for the triple header in the morning. However, the KO enabled me to finish the fight. Otherwise, if it ended a little bit longer, I might fall from my seat. Not that the fight is boring… it is actually good. Browne is fighting with adversity and won. Browne cut on the left eyelid in a 3rd round accidental head clash, and again, mid-way through the fourth round.

Well, not a bad decision to watch this fight but it cost me to missed Omar Figueroa vs. Jerry Belmontes. I read that Figueroa was disappointed about the fight but happy to get the win. I think he's not disappointed with the fight because he won. He might be disappointed with his performance.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Alex Leapai is the fight that I willfully missed. Apart from it's too late night here in Kuwait to watch that fight, come on! You know and I know what will be the outcome of this fight from the beginning. The question is that: what round Leapai will kiss the canvas goodnight. Well, the clip from Fight Saga.com in the fifth round confirmed our prediction. Klitschko knocked out Leapai in round five. He successfully defended his ABCDEFG title strap for the 16th time from a very limited challenger who landed only ten punches?

Money, as always, can change firm decisions.

Lennox Lewis is willing to come out from retirement to fight Wladimir Klitschko, but demands $100m purse according to a report posted on The Independent.

I said at the time that it will take $50m to get me out of my pyjamas but now I have to consider the value of my legacy of having retired as undisputed champion. That will cost them $100m.'

Well, for me, having the right price, then why not? And as a boxing fan; I love to see Lewis fights Wladimir Klitschko. I'm bored watching Wladimir fought challengers that can't match his size and height advantage. Wladimir's fight with Povetkin last week evolved in an old boxing cliché; "big man can whip good little man".

Alexander Povetkin will die trying but can't overcome the bigger man, simply because Klitschko maximized his size advantage and fought wisely.

Lewis obviously can match Wladimir size and height advantage.

Well, it's still early to preview this fight. It's not even sure if any promoter could guarantee such big amount.

Do you think a promoter can afford to risk a guaranteed $100m for Lewis at this point?