I know he was plagued by injuries but how many more wins and Ko's would he have, I would say at least 10 fights at a 2-3 a year average... I have heard it said of Ali and his 3 years of but Vitali has done it at a much later age and dominated Peter and Gomez 2 highly regarded fighters where would his legasy be if he fought on 4 more yrs after http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s1PIHQmMWo
Given that the heavyweight division was was at an extreme low between about 2004-2007, I think he could have done a fair amount of damage. probably would have fought Peter sooner, along with Ruiz, Toney, Valuev, Brewster, and perhaps even a rematch with Byrd... He probably would have beaten them all too.
I sure don't think that Don King is putting any of his guys in with a Klitschko. Those brothers are a little too savvy to sign those contracts. Back to the topic, I think he scores ko's in about 7 or so title defenses. I was extremely confident he'd have gotten Rahman out of there. There may have been a Sanders rematch if they could've got Corrie a few victories. I sure don't think Holyfield steps in the ring with him. Perhaps a Byrd rematch because Chris was the rare bird willing to fight anyone anywhere. Golata perhaps but Universum never could put that one together. Perhaps some HBO or Showtime pressure gets that one and a few others made. I just don't see anyone beating him during that timeframe. By far the biggest bout was a Lewis rematch and maybe all the $$$ gets Lennox out of retirement and then again, probably not.
i dont think he has missed much, not a lot went on when he wasnt around, and there isnt a lot going on now.
Its really hard to say. I'm not enamoured with the guy as many are. If anything, I believe HAD he kept going you'd be all bored flat with him for similar reasons that everybody else rides his brother.
I happen to like Vitali. He is extremely tough, has an iron chin, huge physical skills, a good enough punch, a warrior's heart and is super intelligent. If he fought those years and had another 10 or 12 defenses he would definately be rated as an all time great at heavyweight based on what he brought to the table. Guys that big and good are extremely tough.
A warriors heart based off of what, a single hard few rounds with Lewis? The man has balls as all fighters do, but I think warrior should be reserved for the likes of Chacon and company.
