Will ONE frigging HW step up to the plate before it's too late?!?

[TitoFan]

I agree. The problem with these "threats" is that they are either a) being brought along too slowly (a.k.a. - Wilder), b) they keep stumbling over themselves on the way to a possible title shot (Mitchell, Price), or c) they fight once a year, if that much. At this rate, Wlad will retire without a serious challenge. It's frustrating, because people will point to the Sam Peter fights.... but in all seriousness Wlad has never had that epic fight that would push him completely over the top.

Is that Wlad's fault or someone elses?

Wlad is the ultimate professional, the dude shows up to fight in amazing shape, mentally & psychologically prepared, and much like another heavyweight his opponents are pretty much beaten before they step in the ring. The guy GAINS weight for fights, that's how dedicated of a champion he is...regardless of anything else, that dedication to be 100% ALL IN with the fight game is impressive.

The straight forward answer is that it's not Wlad's fault, until the day he ducks a real challenger. But given the state of the division now and for the past several years, no real challenger has emerged, and Wlad hasn't been perceived of ducking anyone (nor does he need to). Wlad's conditioning for fights is something to be praised, especially when one sees the tubs of lard that pass themselves off as heavyweights nowadays.