People forget that it was an old out of shape Lewis that fought Vitali, prime for prime Lewis would've won.
Lewis whips him. A prime, hard punching Vitali was stopped by the oldest, fattest, shottest Lewis - and had to take some bombs...... not sure Wlad could take them. Lewis TKO3 Wlad wouldn't outbox Lennox, and certainly couldn't outfight him.... and would be scared shitless of using his only advantage, the left hook, for fear of getting nailed with the uppercut.
People here are clueless. Wlad would have an excellent chance. He has much better defense than Vitali, much better footwork, and a jab like a pile driver. Yes, Lewis was more versatile, but he was also more susceptible to getting hit.
Lewis all the way. Love Wladdy. The man is going to have a great legacy, but Lewis was just that good.
The best Wlad loses to the worst Lewis. Wlad is a very good fighter, but Lewis was a level above. Wlad is basically a poor man's Lewis. He's Lewis without the grit. Without the rythm and bounce.Without an uppercut or any sort of inside game. Everything Wlad does, Lewis does better (except that great left hook). Lewis would rough him up and stop him rather easily.
lewis that fought vitali not so sure but a the lewis that showed up agaisnt holyfield would have won easily
Wlad had the better Jab and better footwork. Maybe his left hook is better. Lewis had the better right hand. This fight would be 50:50 but both fighters at the level with Emanuel Steward. Unfortunaly Wlad trains with Manny very late in his career.