Can a Klitschko still be an ATG?

[ßringer]

Well, based on his styles Haye provides the kryptonite to Wlads superman abilities. Styles make the fights and if you fail to realize that Haye is a dangerous fighter, then that is on you. He's still better than anybody else that is in position right now and his mouth makes him entertaining.

Topping on the sundae: Holyfield was a cruiserweight at one point too. Yout post holds no real weight.

You're the one comparing Haye to Holyfield. I think you're the one who holds no real weight here.

Povetkin is much more deserving of a fight with Wlad than Haye. He's certainly earned more at HW than Haye has. What with Haye only having 1 fight there and all.

But in boxing, hype and trash talk win the day. And nobody can trash talk quite like Haye.

[BattlingNelson]

Oh I know how the Tyson hype was at the time. I was in 5th or 6th grade and even kids at my school were talking about that one.

Like I originally stated, I can see your point, what with particular Heavyweights getting more respect for beating a highly rated opponet coming up in weight, than X number of guys in their current division : It's all about timing.

Personally, I commend Wlad for taking the Haye fight. But the whole "secret" contract stipulations (If I lose, my brother is going to kick your ass) makes him seem somewhat soft to a general fan.

Who knows, in 5-10 years, I may change my opinion about Wlad's legacy.

But I doubt it.

Vitali really could've been something though. But that 4 year layoff pretty much ruined that. He was a star after the Lewis fight, people loved him. Myself included, I was very impressed.

But he retired for 4 years, and Wlad stacked up the better record.

Regarding those contract negotiations let me just say that they might be unprecedented, but they have given Haye an opportunity to be a very, very rich man. Think about it. He gets the 3 biggest moneyfights available. Believe me he is happy.

[BattlingNelson]

McCall and Rahman were far better fighters than Ross ****ing Purrity. Purrity was and is a joke which makes anyone who loses to him especially by KO an even bigger joke. Lennox Lewis lost twice against better fighters than any of Wlad's KO losses have been to. So stick that in your hammer and sickle and smoke it.

Poet

But still Lewis was completely KTFO by fighters that really shouldn't touch him. But they did and that's a substantial detraction on Lewis legacy IMO.

[ßringer]

Regarding those contract negotiations let me just say that they might be unprecedented, but they have given Haye an opportunity to be a very, very rich man. Think about it. He gets the 3 biggest moneyfights available. Believe me he is happy.

Absolutely.

But on the flipside, it does make Wladimir look like something of a fool.

I mean that's something I would've done when I was 10. If I got my ass kicked, I'd go run to my older brother to go beat up the kid that did it.

Wlad is supposed to be the Heavyweight Champion of the World. It's ridiculous.

But Haye won't win anyway, so talking about that contract is a moot point really. It only comes into play if he lands a hail mary shot on Wlad. Which I doubt he will.

[Chase8400]

I see your point.

But I'd rate Billy Conn, Leon Spinks, and Evander Holyfield as much tougher tasks than David Haye.

Now you can, sure. But that is in hindsight and it's always 20/20.

[Smash]

LOL if the k brothers were american id bet you they would be in the p4p listings. 2 dominating american heavyweighs not in the p4p lists -- sorry i dont think so. I dont see how a guy with say vitalis size, chin and power could not cause any1 in the ring problems, how would he do against the greats of yesteryear, who knows but he would cause them problems. The problem is that they cant prove they are ATG because noone can properly challenge them.

I think its great see more competition coming from east europe since the fall of the soviet block. In years gone by it was just American v American in some of the big fights (expecially heavies) now its not. Now its east euro v east euro in the heavies and its up to an american to step up to the increase challenges and make some serious money for himself by taking the heavy belts

[ßringer]

Now you can, sure. But that is in hindsight and it's always 20/20.

Absolutely. Which is why I pointed out earlier that in time I may change my mind on Wlad.

But that all depends on the Haye fight, and what he does after that.

The Haye fight could be a good boost to his legacy, assuming he wins.

If he loses.....Well.....I won't go there.

[BattlingNelson]

Absolutely.

But on the flipside, it does make Wladimir look like something of a fool.

I mean that's something I would've done when I was 10. If I got my ass kicked, I'd go run to my older brother to go beat up the kid that did it.

Wlad is supposed to be the Heavyweight Champion of the World. It's ridiculous.

But Haye won't win anyway, so talking about that contract is a moot point really. It only comes into play if he lands a hail mary shot on Wlad. Which I doubt he will.

It's a business and nothing else. Frankly if you look at this as some kidsplay that's just your view which you are entitled to. To me it's just business.

[ßringer]

LOL if the k brothers were american id bet you they would be in the p4p listings. 2 dominating american heavyweighs not in the p4p lists -- sorry i dont think so. I dont see how a guy with say vitalis size, chin and power could not cause any1 in the ring problems, how would he do against the greats of yesteryear, who knows but he would cause them problems. The problem is that they cant prove they are ATG because noone can properly challenge them.

I think its great see more competition coming from east europe since the fall of the soviet block. In years gone by it was just American v American in some of the big fights (expecially heavies) now its not. Now its east euro v east euro in the heavies and its up to an american to step up to the increase challenges and make some serious money for himself by taking the heavy belts

I wouldn't count on that anytime soon.

I forget who said it, but I think it was Bert Sugar.

When asked where all the great American Heavyweights were at these days, he replied.......

Playing in the NFL.

[Chase8400]

Lennox also fought in a much tougher era and has standout wins over guys like Ruddock, Tucker, Bruno, Morrison, Mercer, Golota, Briggs, Holyfield, Grant, Botha, Tua, Tyson, and Vitali himself.

Not to mention avenging his two losses with knockouts over McCall and Rahman.

I agree that Lewis' era held more good fringe contenders, but the top guys were on the same level than as they are now.(Klitschko's, by opinion)I don't see anyone on that list that Vitali couldn't lick prime for prime.

Also: I don't know too many people that would bet against Wladimir in rematches with any of the three guys that beat him.(Brewster as an example)