Let’s say Razor Ruddock isn’t replaced by Chris Byrd….

I wouldn't bet on him being able to make a fight of it, he'd probably get TKOed against Vitali before his injury emerges as it did against Byrd- But if he DID... He probably goes to defend his title against Wlad and loses.

 

Without missing all those punches against an elite, compact slickster in Byrd, Vitali would likely keep his shoulder relativelu intact, whilst his jab keeps any power shot loaded by Ruddock a risky and ineffectual endeavor. Even if it gets into the trenches, Vitali likely gets the better of it, though he would likely move way or smother once the artillery fires.

 

Had a lot of $$$$ on Vitali. Sure do not see the Ruddock defense doing much at all & his telegraphed punches won't be landing. Anemic punch output won't be helping matters any.

Was frankly astonished when Universum took Byrd as a replacement. Polar opposite guy to be training for, especially short notive.

Pulling out of a championship fight with a groin infection turned Razor into box office poison and promoters were never going to give him another chance to earn big money.

 

Vitali would absolutely destroy that version or Ruddock. Kirk Johnson type of fight. KO 2-3.

If past-prime Tommy Morrison nearly decapitated Ruddock 5 years earlier, you can imagine Razor's chances against Vitali who is WAY better than any version of Morrison.

Oh, and Ruddock struggled badly to defeat career jorneyman Harold Sconiers in a very close fight just months before.

 

People are really underestimating the height factor here. Ruddock looked immensely tall against a great fighter in Tyson but Vitali only looked slightly tall against Lewis. Styles make heights but sometimes heights make heights all by themselves and Ruddock would then be the much taller man here.