February 23, 2008
OUTCOME: Klitschko by Decision
ANDY'S PICK: Klitschko by Decision THE BET:
4 Units on Fight Going The Distance at +250
3 Units on Fight Not Going Past Seventh Round at +130 (required hedge)
THE PAYOUT:
7 Units
Its hard to believe that this weekend's fight will be the first time two belt-holding heavyweights have fought each other in eight years. In some ways its even harder to believe that the two individuals in the ring will both be Russian. Clearly, with the two remaining belts held by Russians as well, the days of American domination in the heavyweight division is over for good. And with that milestone, we unfortunately have to contend with a new wave of boring European style boxing matches amongst the big men of the sport. I expect this weekend's event to be no different although Klitschko could raise some eyebrows if he's able to take Ibragimov out early with a devastating knockout.
While Vladimir has been able to dispatch of his last few opponents with surprising ease, I expect him to have some difficulty with the crafty and rugged Ibragimov. While Ibragimov's resume, highlighted by a hard fought decision win over 45 year old Evander Holyfield, pales in comparison to Klitschko's, Sultan is one of those pesky fighters who finds a way to win. He excels in no one category but is a very well rounded fighter with a sturdy chin and decent speed and power. If Ibragimov is able to get inside the vaunted Klitschko jab, which I expect him to have modest success with, he will be able to attain the upper hand on the inside. However, during the frequent interludes when he is unable to get close to Klitcschko he will be eating jabs and occasional right hands for lunch. Despite being smacked around for most of the fight, I expect the smaller Russian to frustrate Klitschko just enough to perhaps survive the full twelve rounds and even win a handful of them. Once again Klitschko's jab will be the big weapon in this fight and I expect him to use it incessantly to avoid dangerous infighting.
My bet for this one is 4 units on The Fight Going The Distance at +250. The reasoning for this is that you're paying only +10 for the luxury of hedging against an Ibragimov decision win (Klitschko is +260 to win by decision). While I expect Ibragimov to stand tough against the knockout, his one trip to the canvas against journeyman Ray Austin suggests that he is certainly not invincible. Considering that 40 of Klitschko's 44 knockouts and 7 of his last 7 have come within 7 rounds it seems like a fair assessment that if Vladimir is going to score the KO it will be in under 8. As a side note, Klitschko himself was knocked out in the 5th and 2nd rounds in his two KO losses. So as an insurance bet I would put 3 units on the Fight Not Going Past The Seventh Round at +130. Good luck!
Um...like the style of your writing.*_*
Posted by: Taobao buy | January 05, 2011 at 06:29 PM