You know what the rankings were way back then? That's impressive :good Where do you get the info if you don't mind me asking?
I happen to agree with the thread starter. I really don't believe Wlad is definitely the #1 fighter. Maybe now due to age, but I think if they weren't brothers, Wlad would always, always have struggled to beat Vitaly. Vitaly simply would not sit on the end of Wlads jab and let himself slowly get jabbed out of the contest. I honestly think a Vitaly is Wlads worst nightmare. Someone that will keep coming, and keep pressuring him. And someone that can land repeatedly, not once every 3 or 4 rounds. I don't think they should fight, that would be ludicrous. But again, if they weren't related it would be the fight everybody wanted to see, and would be an even money fight. It's a great achievement for the 2 to hold all the belts, absolutely unique and brilliantly done by the pair of them. The downside to it, is that neither can be called the true #1. That's just obvious. If Vitaly retired, then all being fair Wlad would probably be the WBC champ in about a year.
Until Vitali retires, fans will always wonder which brother would win in a fight. Since we will never know, Wlad as champion is disputed.
A guy called matt donnelion has done extensive research and produced year end rankings from 1888 to 1923. In these two specific cases it's easy to see by reading reports and clippings from back then because it was a result of the colour line being drawn.
He beat no 2 when Vitali was retired and that's what makes him the champ in the RING ratings and in my book as well. He's legit, there are few guys who have had more control of a division than him.
Where does Wlad fit into this lineage? When did Wlad fight number #2? I don't expect him to fight his brother, but you don't change 140 year tradition for one fighter.
Mate, the whole fighting number 2 thing is a myth. Root vs hart, they were hand picked by jeffries. Sugar ray robinson beat tommy bell for the welterweight championship and bell was barely top ten ranked. Holmes beat a parkinson riddled man coming out of retirement. Sullivan never defeated his number two contender to start the whole lineage in the first place.
Also you'd have to point out that briggs was never regarded as the premiere heavyweight in the world. Tyson usurped the lineage when he destroyed seldon and bruno. Holyfield was then recognised as the best when he knocked out iron mike. Lewis became the best when he got a robbery draw against holyfield.
Quitali I do see where the OP is coming from, trolling or not. It is difficult to call a man the best heavyweight in the world, when he will never fight the only person in his era that may be better than him. For whatever reason that is.