Quote Originally Posted by Lyle View Post
OK, I understand your frustration Legion, and I understand that watching not only the way Wlad fights but the way his opponents seem to forget all they have learned about boxing after eating a couple jabs from him can be a bit repetitive and frustrating but given what he does to what is currently top competition IS meaningful and it is remarkable. So Wladimir isn't exciting, he IS dominant...so he doesn't mix it up, but he DOES get the KO's. We can spend all day comparing and contrasting Wladimir to all the other champions this division has seen, but he's not in a position to prove himself against those All-Time greats and I know a ton of people would think that Wlad would lose to all of them all of the time, but I think that is not relevant to the situation and it's not a worthwhile argument to have.

People sooner or later will have to respect or at least accept what Wladimir has accomplished in the division. People can hate on Tyson's division, Louis' division, Marciano's division, just as easily as they can hate on Wladimir's division but it doesn't diminish what it means to be THE Heavyweight Champion of the World...Wlad has not backed away from fighting anyone, he's learned from his mistakes, he's avenged defeat, he's gotten up off the canvas to win, he's worked through being cut to win, and he continues to dominate. I'm not saying he's the greatest of All-Time or anything, but he has put together a very good record and has dominated his era and he's only 32 so if he had 8-10 more fights (fighting 2 times a year) and won them all at his current KO% he'd have a record of something like 63 wins and like 55 KO's vs just 3 losses and I don't care what era you're fighting in that would be considered GREAT in my book. Wlad is already a Hall of Famer IMO
I think your first paragraph here is fair. But, you have to understand that it isnt hating on him, its just saying what ive seen, I even like Wlad. But he is a two punch fighter right now and he is overly cautious. He doesnt need to be either of those things, but he is. In the past he has shown a greater instinct and threw more punches than a jab and straight right. I also think it is fair to say that he doesnt have a career defining win either. Most HOFers have beat future hall of famers to become one, or at least a some of great/very good fighters. Wlad hasnt done that. Thats not his fault imo, because they are all garbage, but I cant call him great cause hes never been in a position to show if he is. I dont think he is, but thats not even an issue. Wlad will probably get in the hall when his career is over based on his accomplishments on paper and possible records that he could set. But I dont agree with your criteria for him being great because he could have 55kos in 63 fights or whatever.