Partly. A guy who is 0-2 at elite level vs a guy who is 2-0. Logic steers one towards picking the latter.
Vitali out boxes him for the full 12. A few scary moments here and there for Vitali but that iron chin holds up and his great reflexes, jab, accuracy, movement, strength, heavy hands and range prove too much for Ike. Vitaly by wide UD
Would Ike fight with half his face falling off? Would Ike be able to land on Vitali with his awkward lean back style? Would Ike be able to punch up in a fight? Would mental midget Ike be able to handle being in there with a guy whose Chin was absolute granite?
"Elite level" changes with eras and fighters involved. Being ranked #1 doesn't make you equal to every other HW in history who was ranked #1.