Chris Byrd easily. The stylistic matchup favours Wlad massively, but you've still got to get the job done, which he did twice, very easily indeed. Byrd is the most accomplished opponent he's faced, with a win (regardless of circumstances) over Vitali, won versions of the title twice and defeated some good fighters.
Chagaev. People don't realize he had a LOT of good wins going into the fight with Wladimir. He was undefeated, and everyone thought he would go far. He was renowned for having an iron chin and had never been hurt or KD'd. He also won an Olympic Gold medal. The way Wladimir destroyed him was very impressive.
Young Wlad was the first guy to blast out Ray Mercer, a guy who'd given serious trouble to Lewis and Holyfield. That impressive stoppage possibly gave him too much confidence albeit.
Maybe Haye. The Haye fights sums up Wlad's career. A big man too scared to trade with a much smaller punk who said he would kill your brother. Failing to KO Haye was a huge disappointment and is far worse then Haye not KO'ing Wlad. Also,Wlad bored the hell out of everyone and screwed over HBO again.
"at the time of the win" chagaev had already been ruined by injuries & hepatitis. he was as shot to **** as he is today.
Wladimir had some good wins. Everyone give him that. Never bring up Ray Mercer because it shows how utterly clueless and ignorant you are. Even Ray Mercer said right after the fight. this is from the mouth of Ray Mercer 'If he wants to take credit for beating a 42 year old man then ok fine by me ' 42 years old .... lol That's like saying Tyson destroyed Holmes.. But look Lewis dominated Tyson, who destroyed Holmes. Hence Lewis >then Tyson and Holmes (he is, but that's not the reason)
Wladimir to me got 3 pretty impressive wins. David Haye Sam Peter and Chris Byrd. All Legit good fighters. Especially Sam PETER 1. That was a very very dangerous fight
He was just turned 41 you clown, same age as today's linear champ, Vitali Klitchko. And nobody had floored Mercer before, never mind stopped him. And so what Mercer had an excuse lined up, but he kept fighting for another six years, only losing once to Briggs. Clown. :hi: