Wladimir Klitschko is the longest reigning Heavyweight Champ - Not Joe Louis

Well regardless of situation Wlad didn't fight the stand out second best of his generation so there's that. Yes it can't be reasonably expected but it's still factual to say he might well have been second best for quite a period of time and he sure never proved otherwise.

Sure can't say that about Louis!

 

The obvious flaw with that argument, is that Wlad was not lineal until he beat Chagaev, or possibly later.

 

I see we're at the anti-Joe Louis agenda posting time of year.

I can't wait until it's Max Baer season again

 

Isn't it the most exciting season?

 

Well Louis defended his title 7 Times in 1941 alone so he more than made up for his WW2 activity.

Wlad had Like what, 2 defenses a year, 3 tops?

 

Louis was a world champion.

Wlad was a belt holder.

There are differences.

 

I think we need to adjust expectations per era. Wlad didn't have a lineal Champion to beat, and nobody could decide who was the clear #2 he HAD to beat to start a new lineage and as I recall from the circular arguments on this forum... nobody could even agree on who got to decide who the #2 was.

If you go by Ring from 06-08 Peter and Oleg rotated being #2. Oleg was largely out with injuries. Peter had just been beat by Wlad, and spent that time place holding as Oleg's #1 contender. So Wlad had to wait while Oleg vs Peter prioritized.

Then Vitali cashed in on Peter. And RING rated Vitali #2. So there's that. Wlad had been regarded the #1 HW in for almost 3 years at this point, his older brother said he would not fight him or challenge his claim. So RING said Wlad vs Chageav would be good enough.

When Vitali retired, Wlad vs Povetkin was certainly good enough for a new lineage to even the staunchest critics.

This is just arguing semantics at this point, but a more accurate phrasing would be Wlad was regarded as the #1 HW from 06-15. Technically not lineal but is there really a difference? One got to fight Braddock for all the marbles. One beat Byrd for a top spot, and had a jumble of three different men rated beneath him by a publication that had no obligation or interest in fighting him until Povetkin.

 

If the Klitschkos fought the winner would be the goat imo.

 

When does Wlad's reign start for you?

Instead of just making Chag #2, RING declared the #1 and #3 start a new lineage, to hold Vitali as #2.

Or do you go by RING Champ Wlad vs #1 Povetkin because it's technically the top two despite the publication that determined that already declaring Wlad lineal?

Are you sure it's not just easier to start Wlad's reign when he beat Byrd and largely became recognized as the #1 HW?

What is the true difference between a lineal and #1 HW in the world? Technically none.
We aren't lowering the standards, just being realistic. Louis had to face one man for lineage. Wlad had a publication that kept promoting the #2 as someone that didn't want the fight....not just Vitali, but Oleg and Peter as well. Not even arguing as Wlad as lineal...just that he was still the #1 HW Champion and ultimately...what's the difference?