Since Vitali is retired I don't think it's fair to make this call whilst Fury is still active. Maybe we haven't yet seen the best of him.
You have to nail Fury to the floor to beat him. He isn't staying put in the corner with a sore shoulder.
Wlad wouldn't either if he weren't 40. No way Fury would fight anyone as good as either in their primes.
Vitali would be the most awkward heavyweight that Fury ever faced. Add most likely the strongest physically and mentally as tough as they come. Vitali also had that ability to see shots coming from a mile away and either slip them or at the very least ride them to take the steam off. I don’t even need to mention his chin. No he doesn’t hit as hard as Wlad but he hits harder than Steve Cunningham and Neven Pajkic. Also Vitali had very good accuracy with his power shots. I think 27-32 year old Vitali wins a competitive but comfortable UD.
Not gonna be on a Fury high horse but the main reason guys struggled with him is because he’s bigger than them while also being more elusive and lighter on the feet. Wilder’s main issue with Fury was for once he wasn’t taller, faster or had longer reach. Wlad who was used to being the taller fighter with longer reach couldn’t just jab from the outside until the opening for his deadly hook presented itself. Vitali at 6’7 was always the taller fighter and was able to fight with his hands at his hip due to his reach advantage. Vitali was too stiff and Fury would box him similar to Wlad and Wilder 1. The irony is Fury struggles with guys around the 6’2-6’3 range not the bigger HWs. That’s why I believe Usyk with present an awkward style for him to master. Steve Cunningham was able to land the perfect shot because Fury walked into it standing to upright.
Vitali would grind down and submit feather fisted Fury. Fury’s only chance is a cuts stoppage. That’s it.
I am shocked this poll is so close. Fury sure has a lot of punch drunk fans. Based on being floored four times by a semi skilled Wilder, Vitali would beat Fury down. Who else has Fury fought that is in his prime and rated in the top ten by box rec or ring magazine?
Fury would need more wild boar testicles than you could fill a barrow with just to get in the ring with Dr Eisenfaust.
I'd lean towards a Fury UD but I think it would be both a close and boring fight. I don't think their respective styles would mesh well.
And Vitali doesn't have a single win as good as Wilder. Good fight but Vitali a bit too slow and Fury too crafty for him.
will have to check on this but.....didn't Vitali have the highest KO % for heavyweights during his time? at any rate....Vitali would have smashed TFO Fury.
I have to laugh at this Wilder is over rated. Fury's legacy if you call it that depends on Wilder winning. Fury by the way has no wins besides Wilder vs young / prime contenders that were ranked.