The best relative to how good he was in his time would be Langford, who I think would have beaten Jack Johnson from 1912-1915. Too bad Johnson withdrew from a signed contract to meet Langford. Sam was pretty much viewed as the #1 contender foe several years The best relative to his potential would be Ike Ibeabuchi. Lewis didn't have a chance to fight him, and if he did, I think would avoid the iron chinned slugger.
And the #1-rated Wlad became the RING champ when he beat #3-rated Chagaev. But I guess we'll just ignore that. :roll:
Ken Norton would be a good pick. But he also got wiped out in a round or two by several people. I don't know why people are ignoring Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. Neither is Lineal champ, etiher. I wouldn't make Ken Norton a favorite over either, actually. Ken didn't do well with large men who could punch. Same with Ibeabuchi, who blew away Chris Byrd and beat Tua a slugfest niwhen nobody was beating Tua - especially using that style. Ibeabuchi just traded with him. And won. Who else did that? Lewis jabbed and moved like crazy all night against Tua. He wasn't going to stand there and slug it out with him. And Lewis is an all-time great. It's still Joshua, Wilder and Ibeabuchi for me. They didn't/haven't lost to anyone. And all are/were good enough to be lineal champ.
Yes, he fought the number 2 when he faced Povetkin. That's when he became lineal champion according to the criteria I set out in the first sentence. Vitali is my pick for this thread, he isn't yours evidently.
That's when Wlad became the Lineal champ? When he fought Alexander Povetkin? Wlad Klitschko and Chris Byrd were rated #1 and #2 when by RING when they fought in 2006. Why did you wait another SEVEN YEARS to recognize him ... if that's your criteria? Why didn't you recognize him in 2006? I just don't think you want to recognize Vitali. Period. But Vitali was just as much a champ (according to RING itself) after beating Sanders as Schmeling was after Tunney retired or Patterson was after Marciano retired or Frazier was after Ali retired.
Ibeabuchi's career isn't over yet? Is that why you didn't give Trey Lippe Morrison as your answer ... with all his "gifts" ... because his 'career' isn't over yet? F#ck off.
Look at the part I highlighted you idiot. Obviously the point of this thread completely flew over your head.... There's a reason 2 ACTIVE fighters who have years to realize their potential weren't mentioned.
:good Excellent. In that case I like Ike! Dude was 6'2" 240 lbs. He coulda been from Dempsey's and Liston's cloth...
Because Wlad and Byrd weren't rated 1 and 2. It's not about want, Vitali never partook in a 1v2 match up after Lewis retired.