Heavyweight boxers over 6ft4 you think would rule the 70s Era?

Rule? None

Lewis would have the best shot but he got hurt early too many times for him to rule anything. Apart from McCall and Rahman ko's, he was hurt in the 3rd round by Holyfield who was not a particularly heavy hitter, by Briggs who was limited but could punch, etc. I can't imagine a 250 lb Lewis not getting hit by Foreman's thundering firsts and if he does get hit, he isn't surviving. He barely got past a 6'1 overweight Ray Mercer, and had a close encounter with an aging Holyfield in their second fight who could only fight in spurts at the time.

Lewis would beat Norton, Young, Quarry, Bonavena, Frazier, but would be an underdog vs the 1971-74 Ali, and especially against the rampaging Foreman.

I would heavily favour him over Lyle and Shavers but those two would have a punchers chance. I see Lewis being a top 3 hw in the 1970's but not dominating completely.

Also, guys who are particularly big are at a disadvantage in 15 round fights. They are carrying more weight and more muscle. Its hard for them to maintain that pace over 15 rounds.

That being said, I give Lewis the best chance. I think he is a top 3 guy in the 70's but there is no way he is making it out unbeaten or near dominant. His chin is decent but still too much of a question mark for him not to get ko'd at least 1-2 times, he isn't conditioned or accustomed to 15 round fights. On the other hand, his awesome power, strong jab, size and all round skills are too much for the smaller heavies to handle. He destroys most of the guys but doesn't dominate.

 

Next up would be Vitali or Bowe. Vitali's younger brother may be the better boxer and puncher, but Vitali had a far better chin.

On the other hand, Vitali's competition was largely weak so I can't favour him to rule. Still, I can't imagine a sub 200 lb heavyweight beating him. Vitali is too strong for Norton and as much as I love Joe Frazier, I am not sure he could handle Vitali by going forward to him.

 

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Vitali is the only one who could rule the 70’s. I give only Foreman and Ali a chance of beating him.

Wlad wouldn’t be able to handle the aggression of guys like Lyle, Shavers, Foreman etc.. I think they would not retreat like tortoises in fear like so many of WladS opponents did.

Lewis would have been iced repeatedly in the 70’s.

Tyson Fury would be an entertaining contender but would win some and lose some against the divisions best a la Jimmy Young. The same goes for Riddick Bowe

 

Vitali's resume is real thin when talking about him fighting in the 70's, against Frazier, Lyle, Norton and Young the best he'd do is 2-2

 

We know what answer you want to say...

 

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I think Vitali would have the best chance of ruling the 70s heavyweight division.

 

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