Physically Vitali is basically the perfect HW he’s 6ft7? 245lbs, Iron chin, a good boxer not a puncher but heavy handed like Chuvalo? He can hurt you is what I’m saying, good hand speed and he was very focused VK basically scores “very good” at everything. I don’t think he beats Bowe easily, in fact I think it may be Bowe who has a stylistic advantage? Inside would be unkind to VK, Bowe also didn’t have a lot to fear from VK’s punches the way VK would Bowe’s butting, elbows (both Intentional and as follow up for looped punches) and his other rough housing tactics cutting him… in my best estimation I’d say VK pulls it out of the bag, Bowe was very, very tough, very willing but his IQ… shot or not it does not effect your decision making skills and the way Golota totally punked him in “boxing” terms makes me think Vitali could tie him up mentally and pull out the win even if he has some hard moments.
Weird that the majority are favoring Vitali here considering how many pick Bowe to beat Lewis. Anyways this is a good fight, my pick is Bowe by late stoppage.
Weird that the majority are favoring Vitali here considering how many pick Bowe to beat Lewis. Anyways this is a good fight, my pick is Bowe by late stoppage.
Bowe didn't do himself any favors failing to fight a single elite HW in his era aside from Holyfield whom he held a significant advantage in size and power against. He also fought very few large opponents in general aside from the limited Gonzalez. While Vitali could be stiff and robotic, he had an iron chin, good discipline and ring IQ, plenty of stamina and stuck to his strengths as a high volume mid range guy who used his height and reach well. Vitali could get outjabbed by Bowe, but he could sway to avoid those looping hooks and overhands. Vitali was also plenty tough enough to trade with Bowe and had plenty of heart. Vitali should take a convincing decision in a thrilling war.
Bowe would be the second best fighter Vitali fought, and given Lewis was hardly at his finest Bowe might be an even tougher out at his peak. Bowe had plenty of gas to go 12 hard rounds during his short peak, is big, hits hard, and is quite skilled. He also has plenty of mongrel and is quite mean in there. I think he'd beat Vitali by decision or maybe even late TKO. He'd match him outside and get the better of most of the inside.
That was my thinking. End-of-the-Road Lewis took it to Vitali and was beating him up by round-6. Peak Bowe? If anything, Bowe was naturally more aggressive than Peak Lewis - leaned more heavily on offense than defense - and in a way I do not think would be to Vitali's liking. Heck of a scrap - but I can see this match getting to a point where Bowe is just nailing VK with almost everything he throws. Unlike some, I do not rate Vitali's defense all that highly. Bowe W TKO 10
He couldn't adapt to Byrd MID fight nor could he adapt for the rematch he avoided. He couldn't adapt in the Lewis fight. When Fury's face was damaged and had the potential to became worse he adapted. Bellew looked like the fight was going to be stopped early vs Belonti. He adapted. Wards face opened early against Miranda. He adapted. Ring IQ is versatility and making adjustments. The only two times he needed to make adjustments he failed. Where's the ring IQ? There's more , where's he defence? Vitali had no head movement , no upper body movement and no lateral movement. He has no guard whatsoever. He defence was in he feet. But that only worked against smaller guys. Bowe was quicker , rangier and had the longer reach. These are detrimental factors against Vital..
Yeah Im sure adapting against Wallin, Miranda and Belonti is the same as adapting against Byrd and Lewis lmao.
Byrd on a weeks notice made adjustments mid-fight , adapted to his style and won the fight. Vitali ducked the rematch.