In this one-sided beating Klitschko serves up a clinic on measuring with the lead, with the face of the gloves and the cuff. This is technically illegal and very effective for the tall man. This towering heavyweight is far lighter on his feet than Ali was at the same age, and nearly as light on his feet as Cassius Clay was in his prime. This is essentially a stripped down and cleaned up non-theatrical version of Ali’s style though it owes much to the Detroit school of boxing, with marked similarities to the style of famed Kronk fighter Thomas Hearns.

The elements of this style are methodical and can be rendered ineffective with vigorous upper body and head movement and a sharp jab on the part of the shorter man. The young Mike Tyson could have frustrated this style. However, the sacrifice to the Ukrainian God that was Leapai did not possess the straight punch and high energy movement necessary to escape the ‘Steel Hammer’.

Note Klitschko’s use of the wing block, outside block, over hooks and forearm press. Notice how many times he could have used a choke or elbow.

His guard is oblique and sometimes closed, rarely open, and occasionally lined up, though he does not line up near as much as his brother. [To line up is to have your lead foot between your rear foot and your target, taking away your rear hand leverage.]

The measure is largely facilitated by the threat and use of the shovel hook which shuts down the overhand right of the shorter man. Also, chasing the measuring hand with a defending hand opens the shorter man up to jabs and rights.

The U-hustle is used a lot moving to the right or open side, describing a ‘C’ or ‘U’ pattern around the opponent’s lead.

When this style is used in a disciplined fashion the KO develops according to the following progression:

1. Frustrate with the measure, jab and short checking shovel hook

2. Punish with the right hand

3. Stop forward progress by ‘sitting down on’ the right hand [indicated by dropped knee pivot with rear foot, with head still behind lead knee]

4. Shock by leading off with the right

5. Hurt by targeting with the left and driving shoulder through behind the right, measure with elbows after if necessary

6. Finish by using the right hand threat to open him up for the shovel hook, which will lift the chin to be hit by the plunging right

This style begins as a cyclic cat and mouse game, and at the appropriate time evolves into a linearly progressive kill.

Alex Leapai is one tough man.