Yes, while Wlad has decent speed, Ali is much faster, Wlad's lack of inside fighting ability and body punching would really hurt him, against 67 Ali he loses very wide IMO. Now Against late 30s Ali its a different story, but lack of abilities listed above would hurt him.
No. I am not hurt by Wlad whatsoever. This Era is criticized as very well it should be. Stewart himself is very pessimistic about this Era of boxing. The proof is in the records and the tapes. Guys from this Era in the Heavyweight division are by and large super-bums. Thats just how it is. As far as your American 'G' argument, that falls through aswell. No one is impressed with the field of heavyweights in this Era besides some Wlad fans, and they are delusional. I'm not saying Wlad can't compete in other eras of boxing, saying he could compete and saying he could beat the GOAT are two totally different things. Wlad's tale of the tape, along with his opponents doesn't support this argument, it never will, no matter how people try to spin it.
Other than the Era of Ali Frazier and Foreman I don't think this era is much worse that any other. It may not be the best either but it isn't massively worse than say Tysons.
LOL You're such a troll it's incredible. Would Wlad have 'earned a shot'? Well look at those C level fighters who did earn a shot in the 70s. Chuck Wepner, Richard Dunn, Jean-Pierre Coopman... just three of the nobodies who got title shot in the 'greatest era of HW boxing', but Wlad wouldn't is what you're saying? :rofl Wlad would absolutely decapitate each and every one of the 'oh so great' contenders of the 70s including Norton, Frazier and of course B level fighters like Quarry and Bugner wouldn't even land a freaking punch before going down.
:good:good Good post. Although Foreman and Ali would both seriously trouble Wlad for various reasons.
No, pointless because no matter what anyone does to convince you otherwise, you'll simply label them as bums and no-hopers, whilst lauding the likes of Chuck Wepner and Jean Pierre Coopman as legitimate and worthwhile title challengers.
These guys are all letting a few extra inches in height go to there heads. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP3QNu-yYV4[/ame] As if height is going to dictate the fight.
Honestly Aside from the Klits who in this era was even decent? Rahman, Ruiz and Byrd weren't bad in their day BUT they were old in this era, Adamek and Haye who were good but NOT great fighters, moved up and were instantly better than everyone not named klitchco, this is a very bad era in my opinion, As far as the Klits go I don't think they are bums by any stretch but I do believe they are a notch below some of the past ATGs, not their fault at all but watching guys like Stiverne become top contenders says it all.
Every fighter was a come forward fighter against Prime Ali. Size won't help you against him. "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see." Prime Ali would exchange when he wanted to exchange. I like Wlad but the only chance he has against Prime Ali is a puncher's chance.