Wlad based on recent accomplishments. Vitali lost the #1 claim when he retired, since then Wlad did a lot more. There's no lineal champ though, as Merchant or Lampley said, if Wlad is #1, then Vitali is #1a.
As much as it pains me to say it, Wlad. Vitali isn't far behind, however. It's a shame they won't fight eachother, we need some lineage!
Because the thread was opened by a ******* not a Hayelord. I'm quite surprised there's no 'Pacquiao' option based on the *******s fact that he'd beat all HWs, therefore should be considered as the #1 HW. (just kidding asero... sort-of)
Doesn't matter, Vitali will quit in a year or two, after that Wlad should clean out the division quite easily.