So it seems as if this really was a lop-sided win for Valuev! I remember reading how he "easily" beat Bergeron, but then I saw the fight on Youtube and it was surprisingly close. One could make the argument that Bergeron won rounds 2-8, with Valuev picking up rounds 1, 9-12. (Of course the judges in Germany didn't see the fight that close.) I'm curious about seeing this fight, to see if Valuev really has improved, aided by his new trainer; or if he's the same fighter that I saw struggle against Bergeron, and it was more Liakhovich not fighting well than Valuev fighting well.
As for Liakhovich, he was coming off of a long layoff when he beat Brewster, so I imagine it's more the weight gain, being less committed/ prepared now than he was back then, etc. And let's not forget that Valuev is a much different opponent than Brewster. Even a Liakhovich at the top of his game would have a hard time recreating his exciting, action-packed victory against Brewster with Valuev. If nothing else, he's about a foot taller than Brewster, and an extremely awkward opponent.
His fight with Brewster was an exciting victory against a well respected fighter at the time. But, in hindsight, he probably became a little overrated after that achievement. After all, Brewster was a punching bag for Wlad before Wlad inexplicably gassed in their first fight. The rematch was an easy win for Wlad. And Lyakhovich had a tough time with Briggs, who was atrocious against Sultan. And Valuev was mediocre against Bergeron, as well as Chagaev. I know match-ups make fights, but he's struggled (in both victory and defeat) with fighters who have been beaten much more easily by other fighters. Edited by: JD074
