Didn't know he was 5 to 1,but not surprised he was the underdog.Vitali wasn't very well known then,and Hide was riding high.Was goung to fight Tommy Morrison and was given a good chance.Bent beat Morrison and Hide stopped him.Went on one of his rants before the fight but Vitali wasn't fazed at all,then nearly decapitated Herbie.I always thought the same fate would have befallen David Haye.He wouldn't have been after THAT version of Vitali.
As bizarre as it may seem, I believe he was. I'm not sure it was 5-1 (would like to see a source for that), but most of the trade press was predicting a Hide stoppage win. Hide was considered world class (offensively at least) on the back of the blowouts of Tucker and Fischer, and Vitali was unproven. Wlad hadn't long since lost to Puritty, and it was a much rarer sight to see elite level white European heavyweights. Vitali was seen by many as a big punching, lumbering lummox who was dangerous but probably too slow to get to Hide before getting clipped himself. In retrospect, it was a mismatch and Vitali was far better than he had been given credit for. It can be regarded as one of the fights that ushered in the current era of Eastern European dominance. There were false dawns along the way, but after this fight the Klitschkos were viewed differently by a lot of observers.
Hide isn't broke and has saved all his money and invested it wisely, he lives in a nice mansion and has money in the bank. If knowing people who supply drugs makes you a drug dealer then most of us would get banged up for what Herbie did, i think it's a shocking verdict to put a man in prison for it.
Good point,I think.But also,I think,Hides showing with Bowe could have lead to the thinking he had a chance with Klitshko.He did have a bit of early success,though he was overpowered.I always think he fought better heavyweights than David,and he was no bigger.Had a lot of ability and could punch,but wasn't a steady character like David and probably lacked his intelligence and common sense.
The pro boxer who keeps his money long term is the exception rather than the rule even rumours that the PAC man is short of cash
That was Vitali near his peak before the injuries that led to the lay off, utterly destroyed Hide. That Vitali 1998-00 was a strong h2h goat candidate.
Hide was very fast, could punch hard too. Yes, I remember when Vitali fought Hide in London....................Vitali was a 5 to 1 underdog, Vitali knocked Hide out in the 2nd round, Hide was very seriously hurt, his legs were stiff, he was out cold, I thought he was dead..........