Is Vitali Klitschko a ATG Heavyweight ?

Since the retirement of Lennox Lewis................

Vitali Klitschko has been thee dominant heavyweight of his generation.

What adds to Vitalis legacy also - and covers him with credit - is the heart he showed to step in to fight ATG Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis on short notice and push Lewis into a desperate battle and all out war.

So much so Lewis decided - it was time to hand over the baton to a new generation - and despite Vitalis desperate pleas for a rematch - once again showing his fighting heart - Lewis decided he didnt fancy it - and effectively allowed Vitali to take over as the new Champion.

Since then - despite a freak loss to Chris Byrd - when his shoulder was injured - Vitali has more than proved he is the dominant champion of his era.

Sure - he has not beaten any great fighters out there - but thats because there are no great in his generation.

But he has dominated everyone he has fought.

Annoucing his arrival on the World Scene when he destroyed Herbie Hide in 2 rounds.

Some people dont rate him - as he seems awkward and robotic -

But I have never seen one fighter - who has ever had a easy night facing Vitali.

Shannon Briggs - was full of respect after their fight - and said Vitali was a more complete fighter than old foes Lennox Lewis and George Foreman.

Now he is nearly 40 years old - and is still reigning as the WBC World Heavyweight Champion.

Never ducked a challenge this man - and is fighting a hungry young lion in Solis next.

But Vitali who has now called himself a boxing Grandpa - admits the end of the road is near - and proably has only 2 or 3 fights left.

So how will this guy be ranked in ATG heavyweight rankings ?

Does he belong on a list of the following fighters....................?

Jack Dempsey
Joe Louis
Jack Johnson
Rocky Marciano
Larry Holmes
Mike Tyson
Evander Holyfield
Riddick Bowe
Lennox Lewis
Muahmmed Ali
Joe Frazier
George Foreman
Sonny Liston
Earnie Shavers
Ron Lyle

 

I think he would be a live underdog but given Riddick Bowe hell - reckon he would of upset Bowe and battered him.

 

Like Glen McCory said...........

Its was the one time - he seen Lennox Lewis in a fight with someone as physically strong as he was.

 

He cant claim any sort of victory.

But it was probaly his most inspired performance of his career.