I dont think its out of the question to say Vitali could beat him I definitely wouldnt say would beat him or obliterate him as you say I think there is a great argument or case to be made for either guy to win
LOL. I wonder how many here have seen all of Ali's fights. Very few I guess. Take note, journeyman like Jurgen Blin, who was but 27-9-6 when he meet a prime Ali won a few rounds. Adamek is much better than Blin. Karl Mildenberger, who was solid, but not in Adamek's class also won a few rounds and at times made Ali look bad. The truth is Ali had issues with jabbers in his entire career...Jones, Norton, Young, and Lyle long before Ali got old and was pounded by Larry Holmes. Vitali could very well beat Ali. He is an active guy who moves his feet, and is hard to catch cleanly.
His punching power would be impressive, if he managed to land clean on Ali. That's not very likely. See my previous two sentences. That's definitely NOT where he wants Ali. :yep Ali would be in and out too quickly for this to happen. Ali is unlikely to get caught clinching with Vitali. In summary, Ali stays at range most of this fight, at least for the early rounds, dancing and clowning, punctuated by fast jabs and occasional two or three punch combinations, and pulling back upon completion. This is the blueprint for most of the fight, (all the way to the UD) unless he stuns Vitali (highly unlikely) or opens a cut (quite possible). If there's blood, Ali will continue with plan A, but target the cut as well. This continues until the UD. If the cut gets bad, Ali shifts focus to the cut and probably gets the stoppage. If you're a regular here, you know I'm a fan of both K-brothers, especially Vitali. I just can't see a way for Vitali to win this one.
I don't put a lot of stock on what happened with Karl or Jurgen, or any of the other journeymen he faced. Like many another elite fighter, Ali sometimes fought at the level of the competition. It took a Liston or a Frazier to bring out his best game. Vitali would certainly force Ali to be at his best, and he would probably go the distance, but I can't see him winning.
Maybe now ??? Remember Ernie Terrel --- 6'6". Couldnt hit Ali in the ass. Ali did whatever he wanted, when he wanted.