You're right, it certainly would be fun to see Evander attack from the opening bell and I would love nothing more than to see him get Botha out of there early...but I agree that it probably won't happen. As you stated, an early KO would make the Vitali fight more marketable...and that gives me mixed feelings about just how impressively I want Evander to perform. Obviously, I want Evander to win every time he steps in the ring, and I want him to perform at his very best...but when the reward for doing so becomes a title shot at an opponent who he appears to have no chance against...I just want my hero to bow out gracefully...whenever that is...Throughout Holyfield's career, I have never been one to count him out. I have a very hard time seeing him beat Vitali, however. As an avid fan and admirer of Evander...as one of his biggest supporters (my son's middle name is Evander, for cryin' out loud!)...I do not want to see this fight take place...I admire this man too damn much to see him get hurt!
>On a personal note, benjamindallas: I noticed on your profile that you are located in Afghanistan. I can only assume that you are over there for the most noble cause, and I want to say Thank You. You have all my respect.

I agree, earley...Botha is a strong guy with an awkward style who fights a very physical type of fight. Evander is vastly superior in terms of skills, but my concern is that Botha's awkwardness may prevent Evander from utilizing those skills in much the same way that John Ruiz was able to in their 3-fight series. It is a very dangerous fight and has the potential to be an ugly affair that is far more physically taxing on Evander's 47-year-old body than we all would like. I can't help but make the comparison to John Ruiz...Evander was expected to have his way with Ruiz, and the result was 36 rounds of hell stretched out over a 16 month span.
By most accounts that I've read from boxing people who have seen Botha fight recently (I haven't...), Evander appears to have more in the tank at this point in their careers than does Botha. Evander will need to use his legs in this fight and prevent Botha from using the mauling tactics employed by Ruiz...lateral movement, angles, double and triple jabs, sharp combinations, a consistent body attack...prevent Botha from turning it into a streetfight...keep Botha at bay on the end of the jab and stay out of the trenches. If Evander can achieve this and not allow himself to fall into clinches...not allow himself to be lured into a dogfight...he can win -and win impressively. But it will not be easy and it is not a fight that anyone -least of all Evander- should take for granted as a foregone conclusion.