Wladimir Klitschko was stopped by both Ross Purrity and Corrie Sanders but never re-matched them, do you think he should have sought return fights?
Actually there was talk about a Sanders re-match going into the fight with Machimana, but he lost. Sanders simply became too old. Purity was never ranked for long and his days of winning over decent opponents were over by 2000, but I actually think he should have been a sub in for Wlad's opponents, who unlike Wilder's were at least ranked. People would cry outrage / mis-match. Wlad compared to other champions fought the best out there. He looked for challenges, and gave re-matches to others who gave him tough fights. Example: Peter, Brewster, and Thompson. As history played out Vitali defeated the two who upset Wlad while he was active.
Wlad had his share of patsies Wach Leapai Brock Austin Pianeta Wlad rematched Peter 5 years later! Thompson 4 years later! Brewster 3 years later! When they were all over the top! GTF!
I am going to say no in the circumstances. By the time those fights looked likely, the relevant fighters were so far past their best, that it would have had purely symbolic significance. I like to see a champion rematch somebody who has beaten them, but there comes a point where you let it go. Brewster was the rematch that he needed the most, because Brewster was still something.
The fact that he ended up with the IBF belt, and Brewster held the WBO, would have complicated matters.
Leapai upset Boytsov to get his shot. Brock was a legitimately built up contender who fell apart post Wlad. Austin was coming off a draw with Sultan.
Yes, absolutely. In fact it is probably no accident, that they agreed terms after Brewster lost the WBO belt.
Same reason it took Lewis 3 years to get around to fighting McCall, although McCall was in a much darker place being dragged out of rehab and all.
Boytsov was penciled in to be Wlad's next opponent and was under the same promoter if I remember right. Pretty good fighter when in shape.