Joe Louis's record vs ranked opposition

Not over Wlad, no, but definitely outstanding contender. Wlad's Wills, even though the reasons for not facing him were a lot more noble.

If Wlad had beaten him he would be my nr 3. As it is, it's probably Lewis.

 

There's a lot of people in here that think the other way, maybe even the majority, based on Vitali's toughness. It's certainly not outlandish.

 

Vitali was so tough, he lost almost 4 years due to injuries. But that's not the point. After Vitali retired, Wlad became the champ, so during the 2008-2012 years, Vitali would only be a contender if there was only 1 title in the division.

 

There's multiple points. Vitali may have busted him early on and knocked some wind out of his sails. There's many scenario's. You've got a huge amount of confidence in Wlad. More than a lot of people.

 

Imagine having Frazier, Foreman and/or Marcanio in your top ten but not Wlad who had more good wins then any of them. Your bias against EE fighters is honestly insane but I guess that's all we can expect from someone of your caliber

 

I'm not talking hypotheticals.

 

The fact of the matter is that he didn't beat the best or next best heavyweight for many years. That isn't a hypothetical. There's no way around it, regardless of reasons etc.

 

Yeah, a heavyweight who was active only 4 years out of his almost 10 year reign. He beat every top contender besides that and couple of number 3's during that time. Klitschkos not fighting has a bigger impact of Vitali's legacy, as Wlad was the top dog and he didn't want to face him, plus Wlad was facing elite guys while Vitali was fightinf second and third tier heavyweights.

 

That's what makes Louis so special. You can't say that about him until he was forced back due to tax debts. From Sharkey to Walcott, he beat everyone who mattered.

 

We'll agree to disagree.

 

Exactly. He's miiiiles ahead of Wlad, greatness wise.

 

I don't think anybody ever claimed Wlad was greater than Louis. Only Ali can lay that claim.

 

If only they were actually good...........

 

Yeah, that seems to be where consensus is at. Which is very reasonable.

As you say, only Ali besides Louis can make the claim to have beaten the best over such a long period.

 

You mean, like nearly all of Wlads opponents?
Povetkin and Haye are hardly the greatest career highlights.
When a guy is remembered more for his losses than his wins, it’s not surprising that many don’t rate him as highly as you do.
I don’t really get why people say Wlads reign, though longer, was so much better than Vitalis. There’s not exactly many names that jump out on eithers record.
Pick both at their best I think Vitali beats him as well.