We should not be saying that Vitali is "ducking" Stiverne if that was the implication of this thread. Vitali is in his 40's, has been injured and not fought in ages, is visibly declined in his last fights and SHOULD retire imo with his record and legacy intact and untarnished. If he beats Stiverne there would be another challenger and then he would face the same scenario. Where does it end? I think it should end here. Let the others battle it out for the bout, then let the winner make a deserved shot at Wladimir.

Should Vitali retire I can't believe how anybody could construe this as ducking or being afraid or anything of the sort. That would be a ridiculous assessment!