Could Vitali Klitschko have replicated Foreman's career?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by cross_trainer, May 16, 2022.



  1. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    Vitali Klitschko is substituted into Foreman's place. We will substitute early/prime Vitali for the 70s version, and old comebacking Vitali for the 90s version.

    (The versions of Vitali who actually existed; not some imaginary version with 70s training, bell bottom jeans, moplike hair, etc.)

    How does prime Vitali do against the fighters Foreman faced at his own physical best? And how does Old Vitali's performance against the opponents of Foreman's comeback stack up against Big George's run?
     
  2. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 I’m become seeker of milk Full Member

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    I have no issues with anyone picking Vitali to beat Frazier and Norton. That's who George made his bones off so yes. He'd lose in a less humiliating fashion in Zaire I think, may even stand to say he could trouble "The greatest" I'm not sure how because imagining a fight between them is really hard. He'd beat Lyle and probably Young. 90s career.... Eh, probably. All in all he might impress us more then Foreman did.
     
    Last edited: May 17, 2022
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  3. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic For the honorable cross and the golden freedom Full Member

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    Only once in the history of boxing did someone lose a title (1974.), and win it again 20 years later (1994.).
     
  4. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Good point.
    Really can't see that happening again, even though heavyweight s are fighting longer nowadays.
     
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  5. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    No, there's nothing in Vitali's resume to think he'd roll along in the 70's. A TKO loss to an aged out of shape Lewis doesn't provide the substance to believe otherwise.
     
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  6. George Crowcroft

    George Crowcroft Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    He could replicate his first career, I'd say. Especially beating Norton and that version of Frazier. His loss to Ali wouldn't anywhere near as embarrassing, either but he would still lose. I doubt he'd lose to Jimmy Young or have so many issues with Rob Lyle post-loss tbh.

    He wouldn't be odds on to do anywhere near as well as Foreman did in the 90s, however. Especially at a similar age. But in fairness, Vitali probably has a better chance than anyone else does.
     
  7. Pugilist_Spec

    Pugilist_Spec Hands Of Stone Full Member

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    He would have his hands full with Frazier and Norton both. Might even drop a fight to one of them. But I suspect he would perform better against Lyle and Young than Foreman did.
     
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  8. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist Full Member

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    He'd do better. And he was better than Old Foreman in his late 30s and early 40s so he could do the comeback also.
     
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  9. Gazelle Punch

    Gazelle Punch Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Love all the people assuming he would do better. He was never the best of his time let alone George’s. Especially without steroids who knows what he would be. Can’t imagine most of them wouldn’t make it including some of the “Best” of the time. No I don’t think he makes it. Someone makes him quit or cuts him up. Vitali didn’t hit as hard as George and called it quits at 41 citing age. How can anyone say he would continue to fight another four years and Ko the Champ?
     
  10. Man_Machine

    Man_Machine Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Vitali's ceiling was lower than Foreman's.

    It's highly unlikely that he could replicate Foreman's career
     
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  11. Glass City Cobra

    Glass City Cobra H2H Burger King Full Member

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    Beats Chuvalo, probably beats Frazier, not sure about Norton, loses to Ali, stops Lyle and definitely beats the older Frazier, loses to Young.

    Stops Cooney, is stopped by Holyfield, stops Morrison, beats Stewart, decisions Moorer, stops Briggs (depending on the ref).
     
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  12. White Bomber

    White Bomber Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Vitali beats everyone Foreman faced
     
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  13. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    In most aspects I think he probably could have yes
     
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  14. White Bomber

    White Bomber Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Vitali beats 74 Ali
     
  15. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist Full Member

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    I dont recall George being the best of any era.
     
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