Is There Anyone in Boxing Who Can Even COMPETE with Vitali Klitschko?

And don't say Wlad, because that will never happen.

I haven't watched the Vitali-Johnson match yet, so I can't comment on what happened. But I have read reports and it sounds like Johnson was either impotent/in survival mode but was still content to try to talk trash while he won 1 round out of 36 possible on the judges' cards.

Arreola had some moments vs Vitali, as did Gomez. But neither man had the ability to make their fights actually competitive over the course of the bout.

Haye is not a candidate, IMO. He doesn't punch harder than did Lennox Lewis or Corrie Sanders, and Vitai has never even been off his feet, let alone T/KO'd. It's inconceivable -- even at Vitali's age -- that Haye could outpoint him or likely even last the 12 rounds given Haye's tinfoil beard.

Who is there, then? Is there anyone who can actually test Vitali?

I think the answer is, sadly, "no."

All that's left for Vitali now is to get three more wins to surpass Lewis' career record and to T/KO Haye. Then I think he hangs 'em up. If he stays busy, maybe one or one-and-a-half more years in the ring and then he can head off to the next phase in his life.

It's amazing that this guy, the man with the highest KO % in HW history, was once called a "quitter." Now, he can't even find a worthy opponent to test him and hasn't really had one since Lennox Lewis reneged on a potential rematch or Sanders got blown up in eight rounds.

 

David Haye has a good chance, Povetkin shouldn't be totally overlooked either.

 

The only 1 that could beat him would be Wlad, by KO:deal but like you said FORGET IT:roll:..
VK from what i heard looked old, slow, and no power today, and at 39, he's not gonna be around to many more years..
Povektian would give him a run for his money:yep

 

Only Povetkin. Haye has a punchers chance. Maybe Solis but I need to see him fight someone top 10 first.

 

What's the point of surpassing Lewis' career record?

He will never surpass his career... Unless he fights and beats his brother (amongst others).

 

Povetkin will get knocked out.

Haye will run like Hell or get knocked out. If Johnson had fought back he would have gotten knocked out, but it so appears that Johnson bet on himself to go the distance to make more money.

 

Haye is the only klit fight im interested in.

 

I'll also add Adamek to that list, I honestly believe he also has the tools to give anyone he fights hell.

 

I will put things in perspective for you.

Vitali fought an undefeated boxer eight years younger than himself whom no one ever came close to beating.

Many ( including me) feel it was a poor performance by Vitali and that Maybe it's time he contemplated retirement, for the final time.

So how did the fight go ?

A shutout, 12-0.

So THAT should tell you something of Vitali's dominance of the division.

 

I get what you are saying there and I don't think Haye would beat Vitali. But about the power, Haye's got a style (if he tries...) that he can catch Vitali with a bomb he doesn't see coming. Even if he doesn't hit as hard as Corrie or Lennox, he still has plenty of power.

 

haye has a definite chance

 

I think Haye can compete but my money will still be on Vitaly.

 

Vitali has always been a bit obsessed with Lewis. They can't stand each other (Lewis dislikes both brothers), and Vitali has always felt robbed by his TKO loss to Lewis.

Knowing Vitali's mindset, I would be stunned if he weren't motivated to surpass Lewis' record. Just a final way to stick it to a guy he felt reneged on a rematch and who Vitali feels he would have beaten save the cut.

To someone earlier: Vitali is 38 years old. Will be 39 in July 2010.

Scar: I respect Povetkin but I just don't think he could hang with Vitali. Maybe he could as VK is slowing down, but I'm not sure. Much would rely on how well Povetkin could eat punches.

Haye has speed and is a unique challenge. I know VK wants to fight him. But Haye is a small guy, even if he bulks up, and he is going to have to take some real punishment just to stay in that fight unless VK's chin "gets old" fast or a freak event occurs. I mean, you never know. But I think it would be a lopsided win for VK.

 

:good

Can't say it any better than that.

Thanks, cuchulain :thumbsup

 

Vitali isn't looking the force he once was imo. I'd still favour him against the leading conteders - Chambers, Haye and Povetkin - but they'd be alot more competitive than that fake Johnson was tonight.