Wladimir Klitschko vs Kubrat Pulev: Final Odds, Predictions for Main Event Fight
It’s not every day that an undefeated boxer is not the most automatic one in a fight, but Wladimir Klitschko (62-3, 52 KOs) has done nothing but dominate opponents for years.
On Saturday, the IBF, WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine heavyweight belt holder will face one of his stiffest challenges in quite some time when Kubrat Pulev (20-0, 11 KOs) steps into the ring in Hamburg, Germany.
Here is a look at the essential information for the bout.
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When: Saturday, Nov. 15 at 4:45 p.m. ET
Where: O2 World Arena, Altona, Hamburg, Germany
TV: HBO
Odds: Pulev +480 and Klitschko -570, according to Odds Shark as of Thursday evening at 5 p.m. ET
This fight was originally scheduled for Sept. 6, but Klitschko was forced to reschedule with a bicep injury. Klitschko was at least pleased that the location didn’t change, via Dan Rafael of ESPN.com: “I am delighted that the title defense can still take place in Hamburg. The atmosphere here is always gigantic."
A healthy Klitschko is a problem for Pulev because the champion has won 19 fights in a row and hasn’t lost since 2004. Even at age 38, Klitschko is the most dominant force in the sport and the heavy favorite entering Saturday.
Klitschko typically relies on his 81-inch reach (per BoxRec), which helps him keep some distance between his opponent and provides a big advantage with a lethal jab. It is no coincidence that Klitschko boasts a borderline-ridiculous 80 percent knockout rate.
However, Pulev is a former Olympian and can nearly match Klitschko in size and strength. Klitschko’s biggest advantage may be in the experience category since he has fought over 40 more times than his challenger and boasts 41 more knockouts.
If Pulev is going to pull the upset, he will have to use his impressive mobility and avoid Klitschko’s powerful jabs as much as possible. Considering Pulev is not necessarily a knockout master, his best bet is probably to outlast the champion as the younger fighter in the bout.
Pulev (6'4.5") doesn’t give up much size to Klitschko (6'6") and is more than mobile enough to give him some problems.
What’s more, he may have a familiarity edge, as Ryan Songalia of Ring Magazine noted:
Rather than rely on a pure physical advantage with reach and strength like he has in the past, Klitschko will have to use experience and understanding of the flow of the fight to win on Saturday. Technical skill will prove to be the difference here instead of pure power, which makes it an intriguing battle.
While the power is what so many focus on with Klitschko, his mobility is much improved from where it used to be, and he should be able to land his jab enough times to wear Pulev out.
What’s more, Klitschko is much better in the defensive department than he was early in his career, and his stamina is a great strength. Sure, Pulev is mobile enough to challenge the big man, but Klitschko will ultimately outlast him.
Between the experience, historically excellent jab and overall improvement in stamina, which provides an ability to go the distance if needed, Klitschko is going to walk away with yet another victory on Saturday.
Prediction: Klitschko wins, but not via knockout.
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