How in the hell did Odlanier solis get a title shot to began with? That pretty much sums up Vitali's career. A career filled with cherry picking. How many heavyweights in boxing history would of had the career Vitali had if they fought the level of opposition he faced? Hell if Tommy Morrison would of fought people who didnt even try to fight back he could of been a champion for years too.
Depends on your definition of ATG, the quality of opposition isn't really good enough at the moment so he hasn't had the chance to get some big career defining fights. I mean what's he going to be remembered most for? Would have to be the Lewis fight at this point. If doing well before losing on a pretty nasty cuts stoppage to an old shot great fighter in Lewis is the major 'highlight' of your career then you're not an ATG in my book.
Patterson was good maybe even very good but never great. The way he folded against Liston two times :dead. There is no question that Liston's resume is severly lacking. Some Liston admirers have tried in desperation to hype Cleveland Williams as some kind of great boxer which is ridiculous. Zora Folley, Eddie Machen...Roy Harris, Mike DeJohn, Valdes...I guess it's something. There is a great disparity between his ranking/reputation and his resume and accomplishments.
And thats exactly my point, he hasn't done anything. His greatest accomplishment is losing to Lewis in "Lewis TKO 6" other than his win over Danny WIlliams he has done nothing of note. What is supposed to be remembered for?