Is It Too Soon for Povetkin?
October 25th 2007 22:10
Fast rising prospect Alexander Povetkin will be fighting former IBF Heavyweight Champion, Chris Byrd, in an IBF tournament to determine the next challenger for Wladimir Klitschko's belt. The winner will take on either Calvin Brock or Eddie Chambers to complete the IBF tournament.
Povetkin will have a tough challenge this coming Saturday. Chris Byrd is very experienced and has faced the likes of the Klitchsko brothers (Wladimir and Vitaly), David Tua, Ike Ibeabuchi, Jameel McCline and Andrew Golota. He can hold his own despite being undersized for a Heavyweight. I think this will be a huge step up for Povetkin. How will he handle Byrd's elusive style and counter punches? It is still a question that will be answered in a few days.
To Povetkin's credit, he does have the tools to beat Byrd. Despite having only 13 wins with 10 KOs, Povetkin has faced some formidable mid-level contenders and former title challengers like Larry Donald, David Bostice and Imamu Mayfield. He does not have big KO power in his punches
but he still hits hard enough. He relies more unleashing a barrage of punches and constantly pressuring his opponents.
But Chris Byrd is still in a different class compared to Povetkin's list of opponents. I also wonder how Byrd will deal with the pressure Povetkin will surely apply? I think he has the experience to handle it unless his skill has deteriorated.
I give Povetkin huge props in taking this fight, This proves he is ready for any fight and will not back down in the challenge. Byrd will be a tough opponent for him but it is amazing how soon he can get a high profile fight early in his career. I am still rooting for Chris Byrd because of his experience but Povetkin looks serious and is formidable enough to give an exciting fight thanks to his pressuring style.
Povetkin will have a tough challenge this coming Saturday. Chris Byrd is very experienced and has faced the likes of the Klitchsko brothers (Wladimir and Vitaly), David Tua, Ike Ibeabuchi, Jameel McCline and Andrew Golota. He can hold his own despite being undersized for a Heavyweight. I think this will be a huge step up for Povetkin. How will he handle Byrd's elusive style and counter punches? It is still a question that will be answered in a few days.
To Povetkin's credit, he does have the tools to beat Byrd. Despite having only 13 wins with 10 KOs, Povetkin has faced some formidable mid-level contenders and former title challengers like Larry Donald, David Bostice and Imamu Mayfield. He does not have big KO power in his punches
but he still hits hard enough. He relies more unleashing a barrage of punches and constantly pressuring his opponents.
But Chris Byrd is still in a different class compared to Povetkin's list of opponents. I also wonder how Byrd will deal with the pressure Povetkin will surely apply? I think he has the experience to handle it unless his skill has deteriorated.
I give Povetkin huge props in taking this fight, This proves he is ready for any fight and will not back down in the challenge. Byrd will be a tough opponent for him but it is amazing how soon he can get a high profile fight early in his career. I am still rooting for Chris Byrd because of his experience but Povetkin looks serious and is formidable enough to give an exciting fight thanks to his pressuring style.
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