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This Saturday night on HBO Vitali Klitschko defends his WBC heavyweight title against Danny Williams. Will the Mike Tyson-slayer make it back-to-back upsets, or will the Ukrainian behemoth consolidate his claim to being the newest Baddest Man on the Planet? Also on the card Puerto Rican hotshot Miguel Cotto makes the inaugural defense of his WBO junior welterweight crown against hard-hitting former champion Randall Bailey. Read on to find out who the learned DoghouseBoxing scribes pick to win and why.
(Click for Cotto-Bailey Predictions)
Klitschko-vs-Williams
Anthony Cocks: Unlike many people in the boxing media I'm not sold on Vitali Klitschko, but I'm not sure that Danny Williams is the one to upset the applecart. If Williams can work his way past the Ukrainian giant's jackhammer jab and attack the champion's ample body he has a very good chance of pulling off the upset. Unfortunately for the likeable Brit I don't think he has the tools to do this against a fighter who not only towers above him, but who also fights so effectively off the back foot. Klitschko stops Williams in ninth round of a bout that alternates between excitement and boredom.
Benny Henderson Jr.: The Klitschko-Williams match-up should be a good one. Vitali the reigning champ Danny coming off that big win over Tyson. Surely Danny is feeling overly confident after stopping Tyson and that in my eyes will make or break this fight as far as entertainment goes. If Williams decides to box Klitschko it might go to the later rounds and possibly a decision but if the win over Tyson gets into Danny's head than that could prove fatal for the challenger. Danny took Tyson's shots and when he was rocked he held on for dear life, which is a good idea to do so. But Vitali has a much longer reach than Tyson and now at this stage has the speed and power. So I see Vitali being able to keep Danny off of him. If they decide to throw I say Vitali keeps his belt with a TKO within four rounds. If they stick to the basics to boxing without solid exchanging it could be a UD for the Vitali. Just because Danny beat an old injured Tyson doesn't mean his is championship material, but I could be wrong.
Gary Pino: Gotta love the pick times! I have not been correct with my picks in the heavyweight division since I started writing here at DHB, but I am a trooper and am willing to try and nail one here. Danny Williams against Vitali Klitchko might be a real good heavyweight matchup? Both are tall and can punch, but the biggest factor in this fight is stamina for Klitchko. If Williams can extend this fight into the late rounds, he may have a good shot at winning this fight on points. Now most guys who get up to fight Tyson and win, usually come up empty after the big upset. This is another possibility here. Williams with a little bravado after taking Tyson's shots may feel he can take his shots without fer and may wind up on the canvas early?
Is it possible the game Brit wins this fight? My guess is No! Danny was getting out jabbed by Tyson early in that 4 round brawl and Tyson has short arms. Vitali has a log stiff jab, kinda like Lewis had, and I think he will use it to set up Danny for a 4th or 5th round stoppage. Possibly a knockout.
Spud Woollatt: Since I have known this fight was happening myself and my old Army friend "Rhino" from the British Discussion Forum have been planning the trip to Las Vegas. It has been from the very outset of orgnising that trip I just cannot get out of my head those first 4 very vital rounds. Which Danny Williams is going to turn up?, many people say with the Tyson victory, Danny has dispelled all of his nerves and no longer will you see him freeze inside the ring, you have to say if he does in this fight, it could be all over very quickly.
What of Vitali Klitschko, how good is he? how hard can the man hit, will he get to Williams?
The longer the days have gone on the more I have swayed towards Williams but am I being taken in by all of the British media hype. British Boxing desperately needs Danny Williams to win, unfortunately my head says that Klitschko will win very quickly indeed, I can see the fight being over as quick as the first or second round. My heart says Danny will hang in there after some mighty scares, he will break Klitschko's heart in the later rounds.
Is this "Rocky" all over again??
Tom Gray: Klitschko is woeful in terms of technique and Williams is unpredictable in terms of mentality. I really don't know who wins, but I hope it's a decent scrap.
With a gun at my head I go for the bigger man, because neither of them amount to much. Klitschko was life and death against a fat Corrie Sanders and Williams was battered by Samil Sam. I'm sorry, but the heavyweight division is a toilet.
Peter Chhim: Vitali is too big, too mobile, and much too cautious for Danny Williams to land anything of signifigance. Klitschko should be able to keep Williams at the end of his jab, tie him up on the inside, and land an occasional booming right hand throughout the fight. Williams will have his moments though, but Dr. Iron Fist's, Iron Chin should get him through these times of character. At the end of the day, Klitschko should retain his title in an entertaining scrap.
Martyn Elliot: If Vitali genuinely is the heavyweight force he is reputed to be then he should have no trouble halting Danny Williams within six rounds. But I’m not convinced he is.
Vitali’s reputation as a big puncher was gained against low-quality opposition and in the past few years he has struggled to put opponents away early, with the likes of Hoffman, Bean, Donald and Puritty all making it to the tenth round or beyond. There is also the question of stamina - the Ukrainian showed signs of fatigue very early against heavy fighters like Sanders and Lewis, and Williams will have a big weight advantage.
Jim McDonnell’s harsh training regime has left Williams in superb condition and ready to go the distance, but I still doubt his mental strength against a fighter who is far better than any of his previous opponents. Rather than conquering his demons against Tyson I believe he simply realised the legend of Iron Mike is no more and that Old Man Tyson wasn’t up to much.
To win the fight Danny has to get in close and try to rough up the champion early on, working the body and forcing Klitschko into energy-sapping clinches. If he can do that he can look to get his big punches away in the second half of the contest and rack up enough rounds to take a points verdict.
However, I see Vitali being clever enough to prevent that happening, and if he keeps Williams at distance the champion should record a late stoppage win or a one-sided victory on the scorecards. Vitali to win UD.
Rob Scott: Quite often we in boxing go overboard and jump the gun. When Manny Pacquiao beat Barrera most pushed Barrera aside and suggested he was washed-up and should retire. That assessment was wrong. Now Danny Williams beats a shell of Mike Tyson and now there is optimism in his chances against Klitschko. Has the heavyweight division fallen so low? Maybe it has; but has Williams come this high? I don't think so. I can't see Klitschko doing the eventual wear down process. He will push the issue and exert his size and strenghth from the start. If Williams survives like he did with Tyson, it will be interesting. The guess here is he won't. Klitschko TKO 5/6 round.
Henry Dyck: Danny Williams stock skyrocketed after stopping Mike Tyson earlier this year. Many feel that Mike's injury had more to do with his victory than anything else. Williams will get a chance to prove everyone wrong when he steps into the ring with current linear champ Vitali Klitschko. Despite showing immense heart and courage in the Tyson bout I feel Vitali is too big with too much firepower for him to pull a second upset. Vitali by KO3.
Greg Goodrich:
The Ukraine's Vitali Klitschko (34-2, 33 KO's) makes the first defense of his WBC Heavyweight title this Saturday night against a formidable challenger in Englishmen Danny Williams (32-3, 27 KO's). Klitschko is coming off a spectacular knockout victory over former WBO Heavyweight Champion Corrie Sanders (TKO8). Williams of course recently toppled former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson (KO4), albeit added and abetted by Tyson's injury and inactivity. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds, and likely will not make it past six. Klitschko has two defeats, both technical stoppage losses due to injuries.
He was clearly winning the Chris Byrd fight when he dislocated his shoulder; and was convincingly defeating Lennox Lewis before his cut eye forced the doctor to stop that bout. For all practical purposes, he is an undefeated fighter, and is probably the best of the lot at Heavyweight. Williams on the other hand has losses to Julius Francis (L12), Sinan Sam (TKO BY 6) and Michael Sprott (L12). It says here his recent victory over Tyson was an aberration ghostly spirits exercised in time past and not a confirmation of better things to come for the future. Klitschko is too big, too strong, too sharp and too tough. Vitali stops Danny in three.
Brent Hedtke: Klitschko/Williams- I give Danny Williams all the credit in the world for his KO of a faded yet still dangerous Mike Tyson. It was a nice to see this career underwchiever get a chance to shine. Unfortunately, a congratulatory pat on the back from the boxing world won't be of much help to him this Saturday against the recognized Heavyweight Champion of the World. Klitschko by 4th round TKO.
Ben Carey: Klitschko UD - If the old adage 'you're only as good as your last fight' rings true on Saturday night, Danny Williams is capable of bringing the world heavyweight title back to Britain. After finally banishing his mental demons against Mike Tyson, Williams looked the world class heavyweight those close to him had always insisted he was. In contrast, Klitschko looked anything but the dominant force of the heavyweight division when labouring to victory against an out-of-shape Corrie Sanders.
However, at 6'8 and with no obvious chinks in his armour, the giant Ukrainian has proven his worth on more than one occasion, most notably in defeat to Lennox Lewis - a fight which ironically helped take Klitschko's stock to a new level. Williams will struggle to get inside Klitschko's long reach and is likely to be drilled with a succession of straight rights over the top. If Williams can safely negotiate the first 6 rounds one can envisage him coming on strong as Vitali tires late. However, one envisages the champion withstanding everything Williams can muster to clinch a points victory in what should prove to be an entertaining spectacle.
Gavin McLeod: The smart money says Klitschko, but as we have in this sport, smart doesn't always mean right. Williams has always been plagued by mental demons but they now appear to have been eradicated. He will be coming into this fight fuelled by his destruction job on Mike Tyson and the confidence from knowing he got hit by Tyson's biggest shots and never went down. When on song Williams can box and establish a very forceful and productive jab and he can punch with almighty authority, however in Klitschko he faces a very formidable foe. The size advantages that the Ukranian possesses are frightening. His chin is solid, his jab is like a battering ram and the power in his right hand has the ability to drop and stop any heavyweight in the world. Whilst Williams may have a chance if he can get the champion into the later rounds I believe it is more conceivable that Klitschko will pick Williams apart with the jab and long straight shots before bringing in the bombs to stop Williams just before the half way mark.
Adam Williamson: Vitali has never faced someone in such good physical condition as what Danny is in at the moment. Danny is ready to go 24 rounds, and at a furious pace. I believe there is a question mark over Vitali's fitness, yet Lewis, Johnson and Sanders were so out of shape themselves that they couldn't expose it. Danny comes into this fight with huge confidence, Vitali has got power...but Danny took Tyson's best, when you can say you have done that, there is no reason to fear anyone else's firepower, although Vitali's has to be respected.
As against Tyson, the first 3 rounds will be the most dangerous for Danny, Vitali will be as fresh as Danny at this stage. Danny has to take the fight to Vitali, throw powerful shots, especially to the body, and use his strength to wear Klitschko down. I would not be surprised by an early Klitschko stoppage, but if Danny can hang in there and do some damage, from the 4th round on he is a firm favourite in my eyes. I think he will do that, and bring the title back to Britain with a 9th round stoppage.
Aaron Imholte: This will look like the Tyson-Williams fight, the first round of it anyway. Klitschko has much more endurance and can throw that hard straight right hand and preceded by that paw like jab for 10-12 rounds effectively. Williams’ chin is overrated, it is not cast iron and he will be dropped twice by the 4th round leading to a late fourth round TKO. This one won’t be close.
Daniel Heath: An intriguing fight, but ultimately Klitschko should have too much. His strong jab and underrated power are good enough to control the fight and wear down Williams' resistance and resolve.
Danny has a strong jab of his own however and this is the key for him. If he can establish control of the ring early, he may grow in confidence and perhaps expose Vitali's questionable stamina in the later stages. However does he have the self-belief? His constant talk of his psychological condition, and past mental difficulties, make me wary.
Whilst I do not expect the mental wreck who crumbled to Sinan Samil Sam, I do not expect the collsus who ended Mike Tyson's world title ambitions. Klitschko asserts his authority early and, whilst Williams may have his moments, the Ukrainain grinds down the Briton to force a stoppage in around eight.
Martin Dobbing: Williams-Klitchko- This will be an wasy nights work for Vitali. People are going overboard with Danny beating Tyson but we all know that Mike had become a Three round fighter. Against Vitali what can Danny do? Can he bang out Vitali? No, can he outbox Vitali? Of course not. Vitali will put a do what he usually does, stay on the outside and break Danny up gradually. Only when Danny has nothing left will Vital move in for the kill, expect that to come around between rounds 8 and 10
Gareth Sharp: This will be an wasy nights work for Vitali. People are going overboard with Danny beating Tyson but we all know that Mike had become a Three round fighter. Against Vitali what can Danny do? Can he bang out Vitali? No, can he outbox Vitali? Of course not. Vitali will put a do what he usually does, stay on the outside and break Danny up gradually. Only when Danny has nothing left will Vital move in for the kill, expect that to come around between rounds 8 and 10.
Martin Wade: I like Williams confidence in this one. Dr K will frustrate him early with a long jab but there will be moments when Danny gets close. Neither Klischko responds well to the bull rush, Danny Williams will chop him down in the final round.
Next Part of the list Compiled by Elisa Harrison, Site Editor: Team BRC.
Aladdin Freeman: "Lord! Not the fans. The best Heavyweights are in the NFL or NBA now.... the division is the worst it's been in a long long time..."
Editor's Note: This was Aladdin's first response to the general question who wins and how?... After catching his breath Mr. Freeman had this to offer:
The safe pick is Vitali Klitschko because he's been in with the better competition thus far but Danny Williams seems like a man on a mission and if he can take Klitschko's early fire power like he did with Tyson he could make it interesting. Klitschko, like he's done in recent fights, does get tired after 4 or 5 rounds so I'm picking Williams in an upset KO 9, but I won't be surprised if he's done once or twice before he gets to that point.
Kenny Perrault: Klitschko by fourth round KO.
Tom Dickey: Williams knocked out both Tyson and Meehan inside of six rounds. But, Klitschko's height and reach should give Williams problems, he will have to find a way to get inside and land some big shots to have a chance. Look for Klitschko to potentially dominate, and possibly knock out Williams. Williams did show a pretty good chin against Tyson, especially in the early rounds, when Tyson landed some big shots. Williams appeared hurt a couple of times, but was able to weather the storm, and come back with an assault of his own. Most are not giving Williams much of a chance going into this fight, and there are good reasons to believe that. But, Williams is a tough guy, who can punch, and has excelled when underestimated before.
Stephen Jones: Danny is going to physically be in the best shape of his life for Vitali, yet Vitali isn't going to be, due to past Steroid use. Klitschko has been physically superior to what he is now via unclean means... If Danny has made the Russian aware of that fact he may have gained a massive edge even before a single bell rings. That is a very interesting shift on things, Danny may take the bull by the horns and force a hard fight from the off, and a slow starting Klitschko may or may not cope.
But if Vitali has been shrewd in his preps and doesn't expect the Williams that faced Samil San, Danny may be in for a long brick wall of a battle. Either way it's a duke out between two very hard chinned, physically advanced super heavyweights who will not give in without a struggle. It really in my mind is up to Danny, if he has changed his outlook on himself as a person since his last victory he truly may pull this one off by stoppage late in a dog fight. But I have seen Danny too long in the past , lose his way after a single stumbling block.
I see Klitschko weathering a hard storm early to overcome and overpower the very gallant Briton in the later rounds. I have seen Danny's whole career, from fight one to now, and I really honestly think you don't teach an old dog new tricks overnight.
Klitschko stoppage in 9, but I'll say a lil prayer for my fellow Englishman, because I love him to death.
Chris Robinson: Klitschko will take Williams out in the mid rounds. Too big, too strong and too hungry. Williams showed some serious heart in knocking out Mike Tyson, but heart doesn't always win you the big fights. Skills, size, and power will prevail on December 11th. Klitschko TKO 6.
Ed Ludwig: This fight for Danny Williams is like going from the frying pan into the fire. Sure he beat a well past his prime and might I add, injured Mike Tyson. Does this mean he is ready for the upper echelon in the Heavyweight division? The answer simply stated is, no! Williams has a chance based on his heart. Mike Tyson hurt him and he fought on and his battle against Mark Potter where Williams dislocated his shoulder and still managed to score a 6th round TKO shows me that his heart is there but I don't see his skill level equaling that. On the other hand, Vitali Klitschko is about as one dimensional as they get. He is a straight ahead fighter with a lot of power. On Saturday night that will be enough for him to score a TKO victory by the 4th round. The only way I see Williams having any chance to win is to keep moving from side to side and box Klitschko. It's easier said then done and Klitschko retains his WBC title.
Oleg Bershadsky: I pick Klitschko to win by fifth round knockout. - Oleg Bershadsky
Mark Schaefer: I like Klitschko. He's good for boxing. The Klitschko brothers are one of the most interesting things happening today in boxing. Williams defeated a wash-up Tyson. So what? This is a lot of hype built around an untested boxer. I predict an easy victory for Klitschko.
James Roberts: I reluctantly have to go with Klitschko on his experience level alone. It all depends on how well prepared Williams is in his 2nd big fight (post Iron Mike). Danny Williams is tough/durable and hungry. But I think Vitali might have a little too much for him. I pick Klitschko by a KO in 10-11 rounds.
**Handicapper's Perspective -- I wouldn't wager that way, I would bet the underdog Williams hoping something interesting happens.
Jim Abbott: Klitschko by KO in 2. Knocking Tyson out might have been a negative for Williams, who will now think he can do it at will. Klitschko, although an upright fighter, has a lot more leverage and power in his punches than Tyson does at this point of his career. No contest here at all.
Jeff Mayweather: Klitschko by late round stoppage 9 or 10.
George Elasser: Klitschko by early round knockout ... try stanza three. Just feel the Danny Williams stoppage of Tyson was due to the leg injury that reduced the Tyson power that was there in opening round. The lingering memories of Williams being wobbled and seemingly ready to go are still visible. Klitschko, robotic into eternity or not, still has the height and reach and right hand power to finish what Tyson failed to accomplish.
David L. Ross: I’ll buck the trend and say Vitali wins by majority decision. I’d love to see a KO, but in my opinion neither guy has the absolute power to do it. Vitali is a paper champ at best, and Williams is a pretender. Here’s to hoping Andre Ward moves up in weight, or someone moves up to do something about this lack of premier standout big men. Bring back Rocky Marciano!
Vittorio M. Gomez: I'll publicly take Williams by majority decision, in a see-saw battle over over Klitschko. 114-114, 115-113, 115-113 all in favor of "NEW" Heavyweight Champion of the world.
Mike Leanardi: Klitschko wins via Unanimous Decision. Something like 116-112.
Mike Letourneau: Look for Klitschko to brutally KO Williams in the 5th or 6th round, exposing him for the one hit wonder that he is.
Thomas Cannon: I love big fighters, especially ones like the Ukrainian. I gotta go with the champ in a knockout over Williams. Williams goes down in the 6th and doesn't get up.
Elisa Harrison: I must confess that I lost interest in the heavyweight division long ago, and therefore, I really have no preference as to who win this bout. Sound judgment would indicate that the Ukrainian should take out the Brit, but the division being what it is, anything can happen. I guess if there is anyone who can upset the applecart, why not Danny Williams? Regardless of who wins this title, overall the division remains a shadow of its former glorious self.
Continue to Cotto-vs-Bailey Staff Predicitions CLICK TO CONTINUE.
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Compiled by Anthony Cocks and Elisa Harrison (December 10, 2004) 
