Vitali gets a lot of credit on ESB and is often touted as the No1 heavyweight in the world but has he earned it? This is not a hate thread just a simple examination of his achievements. On inspection it seems the best two fighters he has come up against have both beaten him (Byrd & Lewis) and he hasn't got many other wins over decent competition. Sam Peter stank up the place when they fought and do victories over Corrie Sanders or Danny Williams really count for a lot on the world stage? I'd like to like Vitali Klitschko but Im still not convinced. Can anyone convince me?
Yes, he was won his title belts in the ring. This is how they earn it. Lewis would not give Vitali a re-match. The fans wanted it. There was over $15,000,000.00 for Lewis. But Lewis didn't want a 2nd match, so he retired. When this happened Vitali had to win an elimination match vs a ranked Kirk Johnson, then fight Corrie Sanders ( who owned a win over his brother and was also ranked ) for Lewis' vacant title. The reason Peter looked bad is because Vitali looked good. Gomez was a very good boxer, and he won but one round. Vitali wants to fight the winner of Chagaev vs Valuev next. That would be a rare title unification match at heavyweight. Lets hope it happens. Among the reasons Vitali should be highly rated are thus: Highest knockout percentage of heavyweight champions in the history of the sport. He was never been floored by a punch. He has the best rounds won to rounds lost ratio in the history of heavyweight boxing. Even better than Ali or Holmes. No many has ever been up on the score cards vs Vitlai come after round three, and no man has won more than three total rounds vs Vitali. Out boxing Vitali is not easy. He took nearly 4 years off, came back with no tune up fights at age 37, and beat on the #2 heavyweight in the world to re-capture the title he left when injuries forced him out for a while. Amazing. Most old fighters with ring rust are meat in their late 30's when they try a come back. Few can do it. Vitali is one of the few who did.
yea he's the best no doubt he's beaten two top5 heavyweights in a row as if they were not even top50 Saying PEter stank up the place is just an excuse. Peter got his ass kicked
His brother has the much stronger claim as being the #1 heavyweight in the world. He's been doing the better work, beating more champs and contenders out there.
He was the #1 heavyweight before being forced to retire because of an injury. Wladimir might be considered #1 right now as he did quite a lot in the time Vitali was off but officially Vitali is #1 in my opinion.
In a 5 year span, Vitali got a vacant belt by defeating a golfer Corrie Sanders. He then had one (O N E) optional defense against Danny Williams (no need to say what kind of unranked bum that was). Then he came back against a fat and quitting Peters (the best accomplishment on his resume). And then had his first (F I R ST) mandatory defense ever against Gomez. And that's where the story is sofar (and I'm not even taking account the losses in his career). This is a serious lack of legacy. So yeah, I dont find it weird that people are not impressed by these accomplishments. Vitali should have stepped up earlier to cement some kind of legacy instead of fighting bums once a year. The only thing he has going is a good KO-ratio (but what is that worth if you handpick opponents).
That's better than beating Gomez and Peter, or the recent resumes of any other HW out there right now.
Exactly. Somehow Vitali makes these guys look bad and totally outclasses them. He's easily the number 2 Heavyweight behind his brother.
There is going to be a fanboy calling me one name or another for this but no, Vitali didn't earn his belt. I can give Wlad credit, he earned his fair and square but Vitali just used his BS "Emirtus Champion" rank and unfairly came back after 4 years to a title shot just like that while other Boxers were working their asses off for a shot. That just goes to show you the credibility the WBC has...