Where does Tony Zale rank among the all-time middleweights ?

Cerdan was in the ring with Jake "Raging Bull" LaMotta, a vicious fighter who matched him for size and strength.

Vitali was in the ring with Chris Byrd, more of a sparrow than an eagle.

 

Well, I'm just saying why people might be criticizing Vitali. I dont really care whether he quit or not.

As far as I could tell Byrd wasn't hurting him, and Vitali was ahead on points, AND Byrd IS much smaller and weaker than Vitali. These are the facts that might contribute to some people's negative assessment of Vitali's surrender.
It's different circumstances to Cerdan, so I dont think the Vitali critics would be inconsistent to forgive Cerdan. Those differences that I've mentioned. Make up your own mind.

Liston caught a ton of flak for quitting with a shoulder injury too. So it's not just Vitali. Then again, Liston was slightly behind on points against a big, fast, very good heavyweight, and many people will tell you he couldn't have won that night.
Liston catches it for quitting, so why shouldn't Vitali ?

(As a sidenote, I saw Danny Williams win a fight with his shoulder completely dislocated, the arm hanging down 6 inches further than normal, completely useless. That got my respect, no question.)

 

He has tons of heart. A mediocre fighter who wasted most of what talent he had, a fat plodder (very sad seeing him lose to Audley Harrison). But you cant question his heart and willingness to absorb punishment. Tons of heart.