With Chef reporting that Wlad and Haye are inded in negotiation, it looks like there ealy is nowhere for Vitaly to go. Valuev has already turned him down, Povetkin is already a mandatory for Wlad. He doesn't seem interested in figthing his manadotry, Solis, as he could have had the man as a Valeuv fill in already. Boytsov, Pianeta, Pulev, Ustinov and Helenius are not quite ready. The hottest guys out there are Tua and Adamek, both of whom may be too small to be convincing as opponents. Having already said that this is is last year, do you guys think he will take another fight or two, or just hang it up early in the year and go into politics?
I like the Klits, for big guys they've shown they can fight, are talented, and despite looking beatable, it's easier said than done. Haye is the only other big name out there other than Adamek, but I think Solis, Tua, Boytsov, and Povetkin are all as dangerous if not more than Adamek or Haye. Tua has nothing to lose and we're used to seeing the Klits dominate the fighters from their era anyways. Both are well known and are veterans of the game. I'd really like to see that one.
One thing Klitschko has going for him is since he's an older fighter (38) close to retirement, he doesn't have to feel guilty about big-pay-day fights with legends. Maybe retire Holyfield...that would sell alot and would be the big pay-day Evander's been wanting. Or take on Tua (more complicated) or Hopkins. Vitali should easily beat both of them. It's interesting to speculate...does Vitali fear Solis? Looks like Solis will be the mandatory soon enough, unless Valuev gets in the ring and manages to beat him.
Solis received an offer from Vitali to fight him after Valuev priced himself out of the fight. However, Solis' US promoter canceled the negotiations because they couldn't get a May HBO date. It will probably happen later. Not sure why people says Vitali is dodging Solis. Why did Solis manager then confirm they received an offer from Vitali this spring? Doesn't make sense.
I guess he can find someone else to beat up before he retires. But it doesn't matter that much anymore, because the opponents he can get will probably do nothing for his 'legacy' anymore... Shame he doesn't get the chance to beat up Haye.
Oh I was just wondering...no doubt it makes more sense that it's Solis that is avoiding the fight (hoping Vitali will retire soon). Looks like Vitali doesn't fear anyone in the division...for good reason no doubt.
If Haye, by some miracle, knocks out Wlad then I think Vitali would stick around for that. Other than that, he may retire, but as long as he's enjoying it he may continue bashing people for fun.
The only way Wlad could realistically unify would be if Vitali loses the WBC belt in a VOLUNTARY defense (such as to Sosnowski) and then Wlad can use a rematch clause to force the unification. If Vitali simply vacates the belt and retires then Wlad will not become a mandatory challenger and will have a tough time convincing the next belt holder to fight him. They will simply avoid him.
Knowing Vitali's intense irritation and competition with Lennox Lewis, I find it hard to believe he will allow his record to be less than that of Lewis.' Particularly when the goal is so close at hand and Vitali appears healthy. Vitali: 39-2 Lewis: 41-2 So, say Vitali beats Sosnowski. He moves to 40-2. Just one back of Lewis' mark and just two back of overtaking Lewis' record. Have to think this would motivate Vitali. Even if he just does two more "Vitali Retirement Tour" bouts following Sosnowski against lesser competition, why not?
I can only see Vitali fighting Audley Harrison. A-Force is the only other heavyweight who poses a danger.
Ironically, A-Force maybe be one of the few heavyweights willing to get in the ring with Vitali. The rest is waiting and waiting and waiting for Vitali to retire. They want no piece of him.