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I think lack of notable competition notwithstanding, you could make a pretty good case for Wlad and Vitali to be considered among the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time.
Both Joe Louis and Mike Tyson often faced less than noteworthy competition and they are still considered among the all-time greats.
They are the most prominent heavyweights in quite some time for sure. Wladimir faces Povetkin tonight, Who is being touted as the most dangerous opponent Wlad has faced in a while. I don't think he will be able to withstand Wlad's power if he gets hit flush early on Both brothers are smart fighters, Avoiding brawling and using a technical approach. Hit and avoid getting hit. Wlad has been knocked out before so this is an important approach especially.
The brothers dominated an era when our potential American HW's decided to play other sports so their opponents were limited. Plus, Wladimar has a great jab but a glass jaw...literally!...I am shocked that he survived this long with that jaw. Vitali is very strong, but robot like. I would anticipate an opponent with valid HW credentials with movement causing him serious problems. These factors could shift everything stated below.
Potential problem opponents:
Tyson - I would be interested to see them fight Tyson due to his bobbing and weaving, this would enable him to punch inside...this is a potential train wreck for Wladimir. I like Tyson but his opponents were limited too. Tyson's management knew his shortcomings and did a great job of hiding that and finding him perfect opponents. I still think he is one of the greatest though.
Larry Holmes - I have not compared the height and reach, but off the top of my head, I foresee big problems with Larry. Larry could knock people out with this jab...much power! With today's advancements in medicine and training, I could easily see Larry handing out beat downs. But I have to check the height, weight and reach comparisons...size matters!
Foreman would cause problems due to his strength and power. Sam Peter was Foreman like and he flat out almost destroyed the Wladimir...watch the fight, talk about survival.
Lennox Lewis beat one of them already...though a shady win...but he won. I actually grew to like Lennox. I think a younger Lennox would beat both of them. The game changer to my answer was Vitali's balls to stand in there. But, Lennox would destroy Wladimir.
Here is my surprise opponent. Oliver McCall. Oliver had much potential. A clean Oliver could have rewritten history. He was crazy enough to stand in there with the brothers. His skills and craziness could have changed history...but he liked the pipe!
Also consider this, from the late 70s, 80's and definitely 90s, there were a class of opponents who were great fighters...not champions, but fighters. If the brothers fought this class of opponents they would have lost more often or eventually due to wear and tear. Fighting Daffy Duck or Pee Wee Herman does not impact wear and tear, which is one reason the brothers lasted soo long.
All that considered, given their size and reach, I do think they are in there somewhere...
- "Best ever" (No way!)
- Top "5" (I am on the fence...No, but maybe)
- Top "10" ever (Yes)
I'd say Wladimir is an ATG, but his chin and stamina will always give him trouble against the greats. I rate his brother Vitali higher. I think he is more versatile both offensively and defensively, plus he doesn't stop moving.
If Wlad had a referee that was harder on his, what could be considered, holding tactics, I don't think he is capable of relying on a plan B since he's harboring a well known glass jaw and tends to panic when hit with flush punches.
In contrast his brother, could get on his bike and put a boxing lesson on a lot of guys. He has that type of capability, and he does get tagged, he has shown a great chin.
Guys that can and have a great chance or even favored to beat Wlad: Dempsey, Foreman, Tyson, Jack Johnson, Frazier, Louis, and Ali. Interestingly enough, I give Wlad the best chance against Dempsey and Ali. Rocky Marciano is a wild card.
I don't even have the Klitschkos in the top 20 all-time. There was a lot of talent in the HW division prior to the 21st century. They easily fall behind fighters such as Dempsey, Johnson, Tunney, Louis, Schmeling, Marciano, Charles, Walcott, Liston, Frazier, Ali, Foreman, Norton, Patterson, Bivins, Tyson, Lewis, Holyfield, Holmes, Bowe, and a host of lesser known and under-appreciated heavyweights such as Cleveland Williams, Zora Folley, George Chuvalo, and several others.
Quality of opposition is what will hurt their legacy most. It was the same problem Holmes has faced sealing his legacy.
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