Who is the linear HW champ now?

[Hydro]

Since Lewis retired with only the WBC belt, I guess you can say it was Vitali who was next since he fought for the WBC belt and won it, then retired and Rahman got it, then Maskaev beat Rahman.

If anyone is, then it's Oleg, I guess.

[Liaison]

People presumed Vitali was the best in the division but he never proved it, that’s why he never became lineal.

He may have held Lewis’ last belt, but the WBC is no more credible than any of the other alphabet organizations.

[beez721]

You're right about the fact that the judgement should be withheld until we see him in action.

Before Vitali retired though, I always thought that he is a much better fighter than Wlad. Yes, Wlad is faster and maybe a little better skilled. But I always thought that Vitali has a much more complete package: great chin, great heart, a very good defense, ability to use his size advantage to the fullest, etc., etc.

As of today, you're right. Will you change your opinion if Vitali will show that his skills did not diminish?

physically wlad is quicker,,better technically and hits harder with one punch,,,but vitali is much better mentally and that is huge in the fight game. vitali is a much smarter fighter and would never beat himself by throwing an obscene amount of punches per round and exhuast himself like wlad did twice and he's much calmer under pressure

[The Wire]

There is no linear heavyweight champ right now, simple as that.

Someone has to unify first. If Maskaev fought Klitschko, I think the winner of that could be considered the best as I feel they are the top two right now, with Peter a close third.