PREDICTION TIME:
In a few days the Russians in Moscow are going to watch this fight. We have to buy the ppv. I'll wait for it on the net.
Both Ibragimov and Holyfield are going to be motivated for this fight in their own particular ways, but motivation and desire are not enough to win.
Holyfield is old, weary, and worn. His recent success has been gained by fighting fighters whose abilities were poorer than his own. I cannot confirm nor deny that he still takes illegal substances to improve himself. I do know that he is 42, has fought his best fights 15 years ago, and is fighting on his name recognition now. His skills are still respectable: he moves and defends reasonably well and his attacks are consistent and varied. He is NOT a one dimensional fighter and that was why do beat Tyson and fared well against Lewis. His experience helps him insomuch as he knows what to do to take advantage of his opponents' weakness. But, he is 42. He is slower and weaker and less fit than he once was.
Ibragimov, on the other hand, is young and fresh. He's not a 22 year old kid but he hasn't over-fought either. He is a dedicated tradesman. He learned his trade behind the iron curtain where simplicity and effeciency are the style of boxers. The eastern europeans didn't win all of those olympic boxing metals over the years by bribing judges. The emphasis has always been on speed and sound technique. Ibragimov fits the mold. He has fast hands with good power, simple and effective footwork, sound conditioning, and strength training that does not impede his movement. He is a tactical fighter with strong discipline. What that means is he has the self control to maintain his strategy throughout a fight. He stays with his fight plan.
Holyfield is orthodox, Ibragimov is a southpaw. Holyfield will fight as he always does by jabbing and stepping in throwing inside combinations with plenty of elbows and head grazing. Ibragimov will use his foot and hand speed and throw his straight left cross in a timely manner. Holyfield will not stop Ibragimov's straight left. Ibragimov is just too fast, too smart, too skilled, too strong, and too good with his left. This fight is going to end with Ibragimov winning a 10th round tko.
