Better All Around Fighter: Riddick Bowe or Vitali Klitschko?

For sure - and somewhat made all the more tragic by the fact that Vitali had the best opportunity, of all Lewis' opponents, to take the title and keep it. Lewis was ripe for the beating, at that stage of his career and in that condition. Instead, Vitali got his face smashed in.

 

1) A couple of clips do not sum up a man's career
2) Lennox >>>> Bowe. Lennox would have slaughtered Bowe, and that's why Bowe ran like a bjtch.

 

You mean, Lennox Lewis.

Because there's nobody else that I'd favour other than the ATG's.

 

The reality is Lewis tore his face to pieces so badly he could not continue. No sane mind would think the fight should have gone on.

Completely disagree with much of your coin. Lewis had weathered the storm and had come on. I would not be one bit surprised if he stopped Vitali.

When someone destroys your face like that you've lost, simple.

Lewis did not have to rematch in any shape or form. He was old, faded and no longer motivated enough to do himself and the title any justice. It's impressive that even at this career stage he still had enough to rub out such a spirited challenge by a young up and comer.

I laud him for retiring at exactly the right moment. He didn't have it anymore and this was the bout that showed it to him. He was fading but got to retire on top. Vitali's later achievements verifed this to be a superb win for Lewis, even more so given the variables.

 

Not only Lennox Lewis, i think any good fighter who has not a big height and reach disadvantage against him
could beat him.

 

Corrie Sanders, who was not really on Lewis' Level and woefully out of shape when he fought VK, was able to find Vitali, without too much trouble.

VK was no defensive enigma.

 

Vitali wanted to continue.

Lewis was gasping like a gutted fish on his stool. He was on fumes. Another round would have been very interesting indeed.

http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Victor_Emilio_Galindez_vs._Richie_Kates_(1st_meeting)

“You can consider me like fine wine. I just get better with age.”

After tangling with Vitali ... more like stale vinegar.

 

In the first round Corrie had the range. Vitali adjusted and made him miss later in the fight. I've watched every Sanders fight I've laid my hands on, and he's never looked that bad before. Sanders has faster and more accurate hands than Bowe.

 

Exactly, it would have been insane to fight for another 6 rounds with such a battered face, if you get hit with
punches that hurt you so much, it is your own fault because your defense was simply not good enough.

 

Disagree.

 

A rematch was necessary.. Vitali handed Byrd over to Wlad. Black mark for Vitali.

Wlad did the same with Sanders.

 

I'd say Corrie Sanders' lack of conditioning was the big factor. Despite that, he remained an offensive threat to Vitali, until the steam ran out out.

I'd back Bowe to beat that version of Sanders, as well - and look better doing it.

 

No. Sanders simply gassed out after a few rounds and he gave Vitali an open target to hit. There was no adjusting to anything.

 

Fighters always do. Suffice to say he didn't have a mirror. The rest of the same world knew better.

Fair go. Lewis was no worse off than Klit and still had a face. Both were breathing deep and Lewis had landed a superb short little uppercut right before the bell. Klit looked extremely fatigued and slow walking away.

Lewis had settled into the battle and was showing little respect for Vitali's power. He was also letting go some real bombs here and there.

Are you implying the damage was worse than Klits? do you think the fight should have gone on?

I sense a hater in the house. Lewis battered a heir apparent when way past peak in his last ever fight. That's sure good enough for me.

 

I agree Sanders could hit and Vitali proved he could take a direct hit. But Sanders didn't land a couple of more direct hits because Vitali quickly recovered. If needed, Vitali could have taken a knee to get out of the round.

However, if Sanders landed more hard shots in the other rounds, I still think he'd lose.

Sanders is the Ernie Shavers of his times. Those who spoke on the topic that fought him said he hit the hardest.