Wladimir Klitschko vs Tony Thompson Preview


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Wladimir Klitschko vs Tony Thompson Preview

By Brad Marchetti, Doghouse Boxing (July 10, 2008) DoghouseBoxing.com

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Big American heavyweight contender Tony Thompson has proven that he can win with sterling, 31-1, 19 KO's, ledger but on Saturday he will face the modern day Ivan Drago in heavyweight champion Wladamir Klitschko. Wladamir Klitschko vs Tony Thompson is an intriuiging heavyweight title fight because of how little we know about Tony Thonmpson. Most in the boxing community feel that Thompson is about to be popped like Orville Redenbacher layed out in a bloody heap, but Thompson could be a problem. The 6'5" southpaw Tony "The Tiger" has proven to be a durable DC fighter that has recently KO'd 5 of his last 7 opponents. Thompson really isn't a heavy hitter but he is a mentally tough tactician with a decent defense. Thompson 's southpaw stance is a rarity in the heavyweight division and he really knows how to use his jab and defense effectively. Thompson comes into his fights in shape and he can put punches together well despite being physically limited. Their is no question that Klitschko is the faster and heavier puncher but he was KO'd by southpaw Corrie Sanders 5 years ago. While I believe Klitschko has improved since the Sanders fight, he showed his chinks in the armor in that fight. The boxing betting odds for Wladamir Klitschko vs Tony Thompson favor the champion Kitschko at 6-1.

From a Physical standpoint Emanuel Steward is sitting on a Maserati with his robot Wladamir Klitschko. The problem is, most of Emanuel's charges have been losing of late. Despite the Hall of Fame trainer's recent sour run, Emanuel does a fine job with tall fighters. Klitschko has no boxing rhythm to speak of but under Steward's tutelage, Wladamir has made drastic strides on defense. With his 82" reach Klitschko makes himself a hard mark with his stiff jab. Lennox Lewis was a more fluid athlete than Klitschko when Steward trained the ex-champ, but Wladamir has Emaunel Steward's Kronk gym style down pat. The big knock on Klitschko's game is that he doesn't take a shot to the chops very well. He isn't alone as not all fighters have a cast iron chin like a Jake LaMotta. But if you can't hit a guy you can't hurt him. That might be the dilemma that the tall southpaw Tony Thompson might has to deal with. Technically Thompson is very solid but his power and speed are average. Thompson is a workmanlike boxer\puncher that uses his southpaw advantage well but perhaps not good enough for "Dr. Steelhammer". The boxing betting odds for Wladamir Klitschko vs Tony Thompson OVER\UNDER is at 9.5 rounds with the over at -185 odds.

What we know know is that Klitschko has harnessed his immense strength into legit KO power. What we don't know in this fight is if Thompson can swallow "Dr. Steelhamer's bombs. Thompson's recent diet of Cliff Couser, Luan Krasniqi and Timor Ibragimov are no where near the caliber of Wladamir Klitschko. This is really a once in a lifetime step-up fight for the 36-year old Tony Thompson. It will be a tough task for the DC fighter against a prime champion in Klitschko.