T.K.O. in 6

That´s nonsense. Vitaly did good the first few rounds, but after the 4th it was Lewis who was taking over. He landed some huge shots on Vitaly, wheras Vitaly wasn´t landing ****.

 

I don't think the stoppage robbed Lewis of much based on the fact he was old and not 100%, most rightly believe Lewis was the superior fighter in his prime. But it did rob the fans of a satisfactory conclusion to what was a great fight.

While I believe Lewis would have gone on to stop Vitali, I cannot say this for certain. Nobody knows what would have happened which is why we are still discussing this fight so many years later. No fight since has been as significant at heavyweight.

 

No, I was pointing out that it is clearly an angry Klit hater like yourself masquerading as a fan...or it could even be you.

By the way, you seem so angry.

 

.. which were the result of Lewis punches.

ergo Lewis was directly and systematically destroying Vitali.

unless you think there was someone else landing the punches that breached vitalis inadequate defence and tore his face off.

 

I have him as an ATG. If he fights and beats Stiverne then he will be #15 on my HW list. I would think

3x HW Champion
11 Title defenses (If he beats Stiverne)
13-2 in Title fights (If he beats Stiverne)
Memorable fight with Lennox Lewis
1 of 2 different siblings to hold HW belts (1st to do it at the same time)

 

Yes. He is hall of fame bound and stands out from other greats in several areas

 

I guess it depends on your criteria for ATG. ATG is a little subjective? To me an ATG is the elite of the elite.....Perhaps top 15 or so in each weight division (not counting ******* divisions). If that is the case Vitali is a borderline great and misses mine by a few spots....If I say top 20 or so in each division, then he squeeks in.

To me he is borderline....Just misses my cut, but I wouldn't argue anyone who placed him inside of that framework....Now going Mendoza on us, is a little over the top if you want to place him in the top 10...but hey, whatever.

 

What really hurts his legacy is that he did not fight/beat the best of his era, regardless of where you place the era.

His younger brother will undoubtedly loom much larger in the pages of history.

 

:deal This

 

The irony of the matter is Vitali will be remembered more fondly even though he achieved less.
Wlad is destined to meet the same faith as Sven Ottke.
Legacies aren't made by PC , right wing, do gooders on the internet. Legacies are created my the masses who will remember sensationalism , guts , valour , ring integrity and general hero's of the ring.

 

Actually legacies are formed in the ring, and every heavyweight who has dominated the division for a definable period without exception, has been regarded as an all time great in the light of history.

 

:thumbsup

 

He's good. Not an all-time great though.

 

Hes an ATG IMO for his dominance and longetivity, but nowhere near the top 15