Who ranks higher historically - Tim Witherspoon or Vitali Klitschko?

[DrDuke]

I got up in the night with this dilemma and couldn't sleep anymore. But I'm sure we'll find a lot of answers here!

[gilgamesh]

This one ain't even close. It's Vitali by miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles.

He's looking back behind him. There's not even a shadow of Witherspoon back there.

However I do think this thread is worthwhile as it will surely provide some comedy.

[DrDuke]

Close wins over Tony Tubbs and Greg Page, destruction of Frank Bruno, the 1-1 affair against Bonecrusher Smith and a robbery win over Carl Williams are on the one side.

Destruction of Corrie Sanders, Samuel Peter, Dereck Chisora and Tomasz Adamek with the injury loss during the lead over Chris Byrd are on the other side.

A close loss to Larry Holmes and a close loss to Lennox Lewis are in the consideration.

C'mon, fellas, who ya got?

[DrDuke]

The start is intense, Vitali just edges it with a score of 4-3.

[Caractacus]

This one ain't even close. It's Vitali by miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles.

OOOOhh Yeah eah

[DrDuke]

Vitali Klitschko is considered to be higher ranked historically compared to Tim Witherspoon. Vitali Klitschko had a long and successful professional boxing career, winning several heavyweight championships and defending his title numerous times. He also holds the record for the most consecutive heavyweight title defenses. Tim Witherspoon, on the other hand, had a successful but shorter career, winning two heavyweight titles and defending them several times. While both fighters have made their mark in the world of boxing, Klitschko is generally considered to be higher ranked due to his longevity and success in the sport.

How come? What about Jou Louis? The lil' Klit also had more consecutive title defences.

[funso banjo baby]

Klit achieved everything he could whereas Witherspoon along with the rest of the 'tainted champions' of the wba in the 80's under King could have achieved much more

[Joson]

Spoon was pretty good, but Klitschko was infinitely better in every respect.

In terms of their impact on their respective eras, and significance in boxing history, Vitali easily outranks Spoon. Vitali held a piece of the title twice, defended many times over a period of years, and ultimately retired while still champ. Terrible Tim, by contrast, really didn't leave that much of a mark on boxing.

Compared against each in ability (i.e., who would have won), Vitali is much better. Best outcome I could imagine for Spoon in this bout is that he lasts the full 12 rounds. Possibly Vitali would stop him in the late rounds, but if I had to bet money on this, I'd say Spoon goes the distance. Vitali probably wins ten out of 12 rounds.

I have a lot of respect for Spoon, BTW. When he was in shape, properly trained and motivated, he was pretty dangerous. I believe that version of Spoon (in shape) would have been a top contender in any era of history, easily. But I don't think he holds a candle to Vitali.

[Bodyshot3]

Keep off the coffee fella
Spoon was excellent but VK is a few places up the pecking order.

[DrDuke]

Vitali established quite a lead in the poll, 18-6. Fair enough.