For the past three years, I've notice Vitali Klitschko's opponents were standing around 6"3', 6"2' with the faded Shannon Briggs probably the tallest he has faced at 6-feet-4, all were in a huge size disadvantage whenever they faced him, supposedly they are all top contenders and aint Vitali's fault but isn't it the heavyweight champions gets at least one big payday in between mandatory challengers.
I've always check out boxrec. to find out an opponent on equal height with the Klitschkos and found lots of them, currently three are nearing a title shot, Tyson Fury, Wilder and Helenius, How come Vitali Klitschko doesn't call them out, his next possible fight is the guy who upsets Chris Arreola and again is standing around 6-feet-2 with no shot of reaching Dr.Iron Fist
His brother Wlad have at least faced opponents he dont need to look down, Tony Thompson and Mariusz Wach.
I agree in a way. Its not really VK's fault, but its a legitimate criticism. There's a plausible argument (that I don't really ascribe to, but it is a plausible), that VK's style of fighting, keeping his left low, relying on incredible reflexes to dodge blows, usually by leaning back, is less well suited to fighting the true superheavyweights, very tall, very reachy fighters. The only legitimate top 10 guy until the past year or so, since VK has been contemplating retirement, who fit that bill though was Valuev. Valuev is probably the best example of all time of someone pricing himself out of a fight. VK wanted the fight (after he'd already lost his title to David Haye) and offered him 2.5 mil, which would probably have been around 40% of the purse, but Valuev wouldn't take it. Still, I think its one of the few legitimate holes in VK's resume. If he had (t)ko'd Valuev (say, he fought Valuev instead of Sosnowski, the guy he fought to stay busy while he was trying to get Valuev, and basically unarguably his worst title defense), I'd have him at least one or two spots higher on my all time list than I do now. Still, all that said, arguably his best win was Corrie Sanders (6'4), and as you said Briggs was at least 6'4 as well.
The best post on here today. Valuev is actually on record as saying that he really wantes the fight badly and was glad to accept $2.5 mill but Don King wouldn't agree, instead demanding $4 mill which klitschko dismissed as unrealistic. Later on when valuev was basically retired they offered him $1.5 mill, explaining that they wanted the fight but more money just wasn't there and Valuev wasn't really a draw any more it was just that VK wanted to fight him to prove he could beat a 7 ft giant.
There was a matter that was not publicly aired as such. He was actually acromegalic and had severe debilitating bone and joint pains. It was only his guts and determination which carried him through many fights.
David Price.
The guy might as well take the Klitschko pay day, if offered.
i thought price might go on to do well, and he still could. but at the moment he is looking like another audley harrison!
Well, it's hard to find credible boxers these days who are 6'8 or whatever he is. The only one i'd really like to see was Valuev vs Vitali.
Helenius is not that good, Fury is busy and has previously been way too green, Wach was always shyte so who else has really been there since 2008?
Valuev versus either Klit would have been interesting to see.
For the past three years, I've notice Vitali Klitschko's opponents were standing around 6"3', 6"2' with the faded Shannon Briggs probably the tallest he has faced at 6-feet-4, all were in a huge size disadvantage whenever they faced him, supposedly they are all top contenders and aint Vitali's fault but isn't it the heavyweight champions gets at least one big payday in between mandatory challengers.
I've always check out boxrec. to find out an opponent on equal height with the Klitschkos and found lots of them, currently three are nearing a title shot, Tyson Fury, Wilder and Helenius, How come Vitali Klitschko doesn't call them out, his next possible fight is the guy who upsets Chris Arreola and again is standing around 6-feet-2 with no shot of reaching Dr.Iron Fist
His brother Wlad have at least faced opponents he dont need to look down, Tony Thompson and Mariusz Wach.
I agree in a way. Its not really VK's fault, but its a legitimate criticism. There's a plausible argument (that I don't really ascribe to, but it is a plausible), that VK's style of fighting, keeping his left low, relying on incredible reflexes to dodge blows, usually by leaning back, is less well suited to fighting the true superheavyweights, very tall, very reachy fighters. The only legitimate top 10 guy until the past year or so, since VK has been contemplating retirement, who fit that bill though was Valuev. Valuev is probably the best example of all time of someone pricing himself out of a fight. VK wanted the fight (after he'd already lost his title to David Haye) and offered him 2.5 mil, which would probably have been around 40% of the purse, but Valuev wouldn't take it. Still, I think its one of the few legitimate holes in VK's resume. If he had (t)ko'd Valuev (say, he fought Valuev instead of Sosnowski, the guy he fought to stay busy while he was trying to get Valuev, and basically unarguably his worst title defense), I'd have him at least one or two spots higher on my all time list than I do now. Still, all that said, arguably his best win was Corrie Sanders (6'4), and as you said Briggs was at least 6'4 as well.
IMO it's not Vitali's job to call those guys out. He's a champion and they are not. Also, Wilder and Helenius are not ready for VK. Fury on the other hand is fighting Haye and his plan is to fight the Klitschkos in 2014.
For the past three years, I've notice Vitali Klitschko's opponents were standing around 6"3', 6"2' with the faded Shannon Briggs probably the tallest he has faced at 6-feet-4, all were in a huge size disadvantage whenever they faced him, supposedly they are all top contenders and aint Vitali's fault but isn't it the heavyweight champions gets at least one big payday in between mandatory challengers.
I've always check out boxrec. to find out an opponent on equal height with the Klitschkos and found lots of them, currently three are nearing a title shot, Tyson Fury, Wilder and Helenius, How come Vitali Klitschko doesn't call them out, his next possible fight is the guy who upsets Chris Arreola and again is standing around 6-feet-2 with no shot of reaching Dr.Iron Fist
His brother Wlad have at least faced opponents he dont need to look down, Tony Thompson and Mariusz Wach.
Well, it's hard to find credible boxers these days who are 6'8 or whatever he is. The only one i'd really like to see was Valuev vs Vitali.
Helenius is not that good, Fury is busy and has previously been way too green, Wach was always shyte so who else has really been there since 2008?
For the past three years, I've notice Vitali Klitschko's opponents were standing around 6"3', 6"2' with the faded Shannon Briggs probably the tallest he has faced at 6-feet-4, all were in a huge size disadvantage whenever they faced him, supposedly they are all top contenders and aint Vitali's fault but isn't it the heavyweight champions gets at least one big payday in between mandatory challengers.
I've always check out boxrec. to find out an opponent on equal height with the Klitschkos and found lots of them, currently three are nearing a title shot, Tyson Fury, Wilder and Helenius, How come Vitali Klitschko doesn't call them out, his next possible fight is the guy who upsets Chris Arreola and again is standing around 6-feet-2 with no shot of reaching Dr.Iron Fist
His brother Wlad have at least faced opponents he dont need to look down, Tony Thompson and Mariusz Wach.
Fury - fighting Haye
Wilder - facing criminal charges, and too green.
Helenius - probably 'injured'.
12y ago
Will Vitali Klitschko fight someone as tall as him | BoxingScene Community