Vitali Klitschko would have a fair chance to outbox or KO Lewis. From the past definitely Muhammad Ali.
No he wouldn't. The best version of Klitschko was stopped by a 37 year old Lewis. The Lewis from the Morrison-Golota era would beat Vitali in a similar fashion. I'd say of recent heavyweights, he'd have bother with Holyfield, Tyson and Bowe (as they would with him).
Fighters with good right hands who were not afraid to mix it with Lewis game him the most trouble. Good jabbers also bothered Lewis a tad. Lewis did not fight any southpaws ( Morrer, Byrd, or Sanders ) or slickers ( Byrd ). There is some speculation that these styles who often make things difficult for most would also trouble Lewis.
I didnt say that Vitali would have been a favorite vs prime Lewis, because he obviously would have been an underdog. Yes he was stopped by 37 old year Lewis, but he took the fight 2 weeks before the fight took place and by the time of stoppage Vitali was ahead on the all scorecards. Vitali is big enough (and skilled too, with chin) to stand in front of Lewis and trade punches. I would say Vitali beats Lewis 3 out of 10 times, when Lewis beats him 7 times. Its a fair chance in my opinion.
Lewis also took the fight on 2weeks notice, both were in training for fights. Vitali was prime, Lewis was well past prime and overweight and still had Vitali hanging on for dear life and cut his face to ribbons. Vitali may give Lewis a few problems but Prime Lewis still KOs Vitali 10 times out of 10
I like Lewis as a fighter, but I see that Klitschkos are very underrated here. I would understand if you say that Lewis beats Wlad 10 times out of 10, because of Wlad's chin (however you should give Wlad at least 1 fight because of his size, power and skills). Vitali is a fighter who (if he isnt cut badly) could outbox Lennox or even win by stoppage. :good
The point is Lewis would have an easier time in his prime, he still nearly knocked Vitali out despite being nearly 38. This was the absolute worst Lennox that ever fought and Vitali couldn't beat him, how could he beat a much better version? Assuming Vitali isn't going to get cut doesn't wash either, he got cut badly, if Lewis lands the same punches again, he cuts him again
You judge them only on that 1 fight. I know that this fight works against Vitali, but there could have been others scenarios. I know Lewis won this fight fair and clear (the cut looked terrible), but to be honest he had a lot of luck too.
Yeah, right. Excuses for Lewis seem to get tolerated by the bucket-load which other fighters' fans get absolutely ridiculed for proposing.
My point is that Lewis would not beat Vitali 10 times out of 10, since for that to happen there has to be a massive gulf in class or a severe stylistic edge for one fighter, which there isn't here. Lewis may have been past-prime/fat/disinterested, but he was given an undeniably shaky ride by Vitali, which, if anything, implies that he would present some difficulties.