[onlòóker]

Saturday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 PM ET/ 6:30 PM PT on HBO HD - Madison Square Garden, New York

12 round HEAVYWEIGHT UNIFICATION TITLE BOUT

• Wladimir Klitschko (49-3, 44 KOs) -455
• Sultan Ibragimov (22-0-1, 17 KOs) +375

Wladimir Klitschko (49-3, 44 KOs), from Kiev, Ukraine, has been storming through the heavyweight ranks for the past two years. Now he puts his title on the line against fellow title-holder Sultan Ibragimov (22-0-1, 17 KOs) of Russia. Though Klitschko is a year younger than the 32-year-old Ibragimov, he has more than double the pro experience. Klitschko's last appearance in the Garden was a convincing KO over Calvin Brock in fall 2006, the first time he headlined at the Mecca of boxing.

Both fighters have enjoyed success at the Olympics. At the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Ibragimov captured a silver medal, while Klitschko secured a gold medal in the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.

Who does everyone like in this fight?

[The Seer]

Originally Posted by onlòóker

Saturday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 PM ET/ 6:30 PM PT on HBO HD - Madison Square Garden, New York

12 round HEAVYWEIGHT UNIFICATION TITLE BOUT

• Wladimir Klitschko (49-3, 44 KOs) -455
• Sultan Ibragimov (22-0-1, 17 KOs) +375

Who does everyone like in this fight?

I don't know enough about Ibragimov to give you an opinion but I might watch this one anyway. Should Klits be that big of a favorite or is it just perception? I watch MMA moreso now because boxing has gotten stale for me. Is it PPV?

[onlòóker]

Originally Posted by The Seer

Is it PPV?

No, it is not Seer.

[The Seer]

Originally Posted by onlòóker

No, it is not Seer.

Can one pick it up FTA?

[onlòóker]

Originally Posted by The Seer

Can one pick it up FTA?

I would think so, if you can get HBO.

[rjt721]

It's HBO, not PPV. They will also be showing a replay of last week's Taylor/Pavlik fight for anyone that may have missed it.

Played over 9.5 +180. Ibrag's unlike most heavies, and I think his speed and lateral movement will be enough to avoid Klit's right hand and keep this competitive deep into the fight.

Also put a little on Klit by decision. Might also put a few bucks on Ibrag by decision at +1500.

[UncleChris]

Klitschko is taller, he has the range, more weight, a lot more power, more experience, better technique...not much left for Ibrag.

I think Ibragimovs only option is to hit and run for 12 rounds. But even if Wladimir is not able to "catch" him I think he will win by decision. I am convinced Ibragimov will experience his first k.o. in his career. I have to hold back myself not to unload big amounts on the Klitschko ML -380 (few weeks back it was -550!). There is the value IMO. Go for it.

[rake922]

Wladimir Klitschko should win but that price is too high

[UncleChris]

In addition. I have seen the the Ibragimov vs. Holyfield fight. Ibrag wasnt able to threaten a 44 years old Holyfield in 12 rounds and in the end he was lucky winning by decision because it was a very close fight.

[UncleChris]

Originally Posted by rake922

Wladimir Klitschko should win but that price is too high

Well almost -376 at pinnacle. If the line keeps falling that way maybe I can catch a dog line on Klitschko at Saturday.

[rjt721]

Originally Posted by UncleChris

I have seen the the Ibragimov vs. Holyfield fight. Ibrag wasnt able to threaten a 44 years old Holyfield in 12 rounds and in the end he was lucky winning by decision because it was a very close fight.

You must have watched a different fight than I. Holy won no more than 3 rounds... fight wasn't even competitive.

Originally Posted by UncleChris

Well almost -376 at pinnacle. If the line keeps falling that way maybe I can catch a dog line on Klitschko at Saturday.

You're saying you think there's a possibility Klit closes + money?

[UncleChris]

Anyway it was really annoying heavyweight fight. Of course I wasnt serious with the Klitschko dog line . Just a wish...

[rjt721]

Originally Posted by UncleChris

Klitschko is taller, he has the range, more weight, a lot more power, more experience, better technique...not much left for Ibrag.

Well, Ibrag does have the hand speed advantage, as well as significantly better lateral movement. I know I'm in the minority, but I give Ibrag more of a chance here than most. Klit obviously SHOULD win the fight, but I could envision a scenario with which Ibrag frustrates Klit by avoiding his right hand, staying on the outside and beating Klit to the punch and outpointing him. Klit's obviously proven he doesn't have the best chin, and he does tire quickly, so Ibrag landing a big left can't be completely dismissed, although I don't anticipate Ibrag taking many chances.

Most of my action is riding on over 9.5 +180, with small plays on Klit by decision +380 and Ibrag by decision +1500. Needless to say, I'm hoping this fight lasts for a bit.

[jayc88]

Originally Posted by rjt721

It's HBO, not PPV. They will also be showing a replay of last week's Taylor/Pavlik fight for anyone that may have missed it.

Played over 9.5 +180. Ibrag's unlike most heavies, and I think his speed and lateral movement will be enough to avoid Klit's right hand and keep this competitive deep into the fight.

Also put a little on Klit by decision. Might also put a few bucks on Ibrag by decision at +1500.

over 9.5 is just unlikely , klitschko won't let him survive more than 6 rounds
during his entire career he won just 2 times in round 10 or later,
most of his fights didn't last longer than round 4-6.
I do not expect anything else later.

[jayc88]

lines moved a bit
klitschko is now -321
under 9.5 -156-> should be a solid pick even if i don't know too much about ibragimov

[onlòóker]

I know many are watching the Tennessee/Memphis game, but this fight is just about to start. For those that care.