After nearly a decade, Wladimirs brutal, unquestionable reign over the heavyweight division has ended; looking back at a great career, what are the best performances he's put up in the ring? What should be taken into consideration: 1. Quality of opponent 2. Level of dominance 3. Impact on his career Go! :hi:
1. Byrd 1 2. Byrd 2 3. Haye 4. Povetkin 5. Mccline 6. Peter 2 7. Peter 1 8. Pulev 9. Chageav 10. Brock They don't meet the criteria listed, but some amazing athletic offensive displays against Barrett, Jefferson, Mercer, Shufford...etc
Peter I was the turning point in his career. Peter, at his best, which he was against Wlad, was probably the best hw he beat except Povetkin or Byrd. But it came when he was still trying to recover his confidence after his ko losses. He was the slight underdog, was kd'd three times, and persevered to get the decision win. It was 1. the turning point in his career, 2. Probably the most "exciting" win of his career and 3. Against at least one of the best opponents of his career. 2. Byrd: I don't want to take up spots with multiple fights against the same fighter, I'd call Byrd II his next best win based on Byrd's resume and beginning his last title reign. 3. Povetkin: Based on Povetkin's quality as a challenger 4. Haye: because of Haye's resume and by adding a belt 5. Chagaev: Quality of opp, got Ring champ rec 6. Iggy: Quality of opponent, got a belt 7. Pulev: Quality of opponent, and was maybe Wlad's most watchable, dominant win 8. Chambers: quality of opponent, ability to score such a devastating ko so late 9. McCline: Quality of opponent, really marked Wlad as guy to take over for Lennox until he met Sanders 10 Brewster II: Avenged his earlier loss.
Interesting lists. I'd personally put Haye at the top...he was one of his best challengers by far and one of the few that was given a reasonable chance of victory. It was also the most prominent and hyped fight of his career, and he won it so dominantly that it left no doubt whether he was great or not. Povetkin was a big threat to his title but the fight was so ugly and dirty, I wouldn't call it a great win. Peter I as mentioned was a big turning point in his career, he was up against a durable, heavy-hitting opponent and a lot of people were questioning his chin and desire. Certainly shut up some of the critics. Pulev was too one of the best guys he's fought and he completely crushed him in there...probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing wins of his. Byrd I, completely dominating the fighter that beat his brother and finally hitting the scene in a big, big way.
