blockbuster;

I will agree with you on that comment.

In the sense you are referring too above, the Klits lack "toughness" and the old timers clearly had that. It's changing times. I could argue that the Klits have far more self respect and are far smarter though.

However I would also like to add that Vitali retiring against Byrd was one of the two most disgraceful acts in HW boxing (the other being "chicken Bowe").

All he had to do was go out there and defend for a couple of rounds and he would have won the fight without throwing another single punch.

Larry Merchant was correct. He did not display the mentality of a champion!

Since then, however, he did in fact earn back his respect!