Wladimir Klitschko vs Ruslan Chagaev Predictions

It's Ruslan Chagaev instead of the former cruiserweight knockout artist David Haye, but at least we're getting a meaningful heavyweight match-up today. ESPN Classic is doing the broadcast for the American audience, with TSN2 carrying the fight in Canada and Sky in the UK.

The Boxing Bulletin writers give their predictions...

Klitschko weighed in at 240 yesterday. Chagaev came in at 225.

There is going to be some major holding going on from both sides. Wlad will jab before he joins Chagaev in one never ending clutch after another. Ruslan will probably land a few pitter pats to the body while they cling to each other like lint on socks. In the end, Wlad will win a decision in a horrific fight to watch. I'll be watching golf, enjoy. - Mark Lyons

It took awhile, but I'm over the disappointment of David Haye's withdrawal and while Chagaev isn't the most thrilling of fighters, it's hard to argue that he isn't worthy of the opportunity. However, he didn't look at all impressive in his last outing and despite the overall quality of his resume, he doesn't have the style to give Klitschko problems. I'll be shocked if this is any closer than a 10-2 type fight for the Klitschko. - Andrew Fruman

I think Chagaev is a good late replacement for Haye, I was expecting a lot worse. Chagaev is a reasonable boxer and should be fired up for what will be the biggest fight of his career. That said, I can’t see him being able to get past Wlad’s jab and I don’t think he’s got the power to knockout Klitschko. I believe Klitschko will jab and clutch his way to a wide points decision victory. - Dave Oakes

While it's a decent sign that Chagaev is coming in at 225, his lowest weight in years, I'm not sure he'll be able to revert back to the Chagaev that took Valuev to school. He looked lackluster and slow against Carl Drummond in February, in a bout that has to be the leading candidate for worst fight of the year. Here's hoping he can regain some of his old form and at least make a fight out of it. As it stands, I see Klitschko winning a wide, boring decision. - Michael Nelson

Chagaev-Drummond was the worst fight I have ever seen and Wlad has had more than his share of stinkers. There's no way I'm watching this. Wlad by horribly boring decision. -Lee Payton