BERT SUGAR PRE-FIGHT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS OF BOTH FIGHTERS

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
- At six-six and 245 pounds, Klitschko has an enormous height and weight advantage over Brock--and has a four-inch reach advantage.

- For a large heavyweight, Klitschko has deceptively fast hands.

- Under the tutelage of trainer Manny Steward, Klitschko has learned to use his left jab to go with his dynamite right.

CALVIN BROCK
- A former tap dancer, Brock has exceptional footwork which he can use to keep Klitschko turning and off balance.

- Brock can change and adjust to styles, which he will have to do in order to stay away from Klitschko's right hand.

- Brock covers up well and is hard to hit..

WEAKNESSES OF BOTH FIGHTERS

KLITSCHKO
- Is not the same fighter going backwards and has trouble defending himself. In his first fight with Corey Sanders he was knocked down three times, every time being caught going backwards. And in the fight against Sam Peter, he did something not seen since Mark Gastineau, actually turning his back trying to escape punishment.

- Klitschko cannot fight on the inside, resorting to grabbing and hugging his opponent when he gets inside.

- Seems to fall apart when hit (here, see above against Sam Peter), leading some to question his mental make-up.

- Klitschko's lack of stamina in his fight with Lamont Brewster (and his later blaming it on something rubbed on his legs) leaves many to wonder about his ability to take it into the later rounds.

- Despite Emanuel Steward's teachings, still fights to straight up, in the Europe style.

BROCK
- Brock's competition on his rise into the heavyweight division's Top Ten has been questionable at best. In his 23rd bout he fought Wesley Martin, who had won just 16 of 69 bouts, and in his 28th bout he fought Zuri Lawrence, who did not have a KO in 34 fights.

- Despite his 22 KO's, not considered a heavy hitter--although he did take out the abovementioned Lawrence with one booming left hook.

- Tends to take his time and even take time off during fights, something he can ill-afford to do against Klitschko.

WHAT EACH MUST DO TO WIN

KLITSCHKO
- Must come forward behind his newly-developed left jab, using it to hide his howitzer of a right.

- Must not let Brock move him backwards where he is as helpless as a turtle on its back, but keep coming forward.

- Klitschko cannot let Brock work his way inside but must keep the fight at the end of his long jab.

BROCK
- Although he promises to come forward, he must avoid Klitschko's right hand.

- With superior footspeed, he must use it to make Klitschko turn, and make himself a more elusive target.

- Brock cannot afford to trade punches with the much heavier-hitting Klitschko but work his jab and move, move and move some more.