Quote Originally Posted by Bilbo

The thing is both Chagaev and Ibragimov ARE Ray Austin level fighters that got lucky in world title fights. Was Shannon Briggs even in the top 20 when won his title over Lyakhovich? Was Masakev? Ibragimov fought to a draw with Austin last year.

Austin, Ibragimov, Briggs etc all pretty much on a par with each other so it's not a risk in the slightest to fight another 'champion' when that 'champion' is an absolute bum.

Why would you need to fight an Austin like fighter when the other world champs are no better?

Wlad has to fight guys like Austin because none of the other 'champs' want to meet HIM.

They are all bums, only Wlad is not. The real players in the division are Wladimir, his brother Vitali if he comes back, Sam Peter and Evander Holyfield.

All of the other 'champs' are just a sideshow
Harsh on Chagaev, he is a good solid fighter who can be a player in the HW division. I'd include Oliver McCall in your list as well. For me, it's Peter & Wlad though who are the elite.