By Byron Wallin: I recently composed an article in which I stated that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr are universally recognized at the two best pound for pound fighters in the sport. However, after reflecting on this point I have come to the conclusion that universal recognition and fact are not necessarily the same thing.

Both Pacquiao and Mayweather were both outstanding fighters. However, in the last few years both have employed careful matchmaking and marketing tactics in order to hype their profiles to levels which are quite simply, absurd. Neither one of them will any longer risk their manufactured superstar status’ by facing a legitimate threat, or most obviously one another. In this writer’s opinion both these men embody everything that is currently wrong with the once great sport of boxing.

However, there are still great warriors willing to put it all on the line not only for the sport and its fans, but because they love to compete and be tested, in order to prevail and prove time after time they are the best in their division. One such Warrior is the enigmatic Dr Vitali Klitschko (43-2, 40 KO’s). Following his stoppage (due to cuts) loss to Lennox Lewis, Vitali hounded Lewis directly after the fight in the ring, for the whole world to see, and subsequently in the media, as was his desperation for a rematch, in what he believed would be a career defining victory, and his chance to be the undisputed Heavyweight champion of the World. Let us not forget that Lewis is widely regarded as not only one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, but one of the greatest punchers as well. Even with Vitali’s Iron chin, he would have very well known that if Lewis caught him clean, he would be knocked out. Yet this did not deter the man from being desperate to fight him once more. A lesser man than Vitali, would have been content to merely wait out Lewis’ career, as he was near retirement, and pick up his titles against an inferior opponent. We see this tactic becoming ever more prevalent in the current world of boxing.

Many people will dispute the claim that Vitali is the Pound for Pound King of boxing, pointing towards poor level contenders as a reason for his dominance. However, this is no ordinary dominance. Vitali, has never been behind in a fight, he rarely loses a round, he has never been down or even hurt. Quite simply, you can put any man on our planet in a boxing ring with Vitali Klitschko, and he will destroy them. His own brother; Wladimir Klitschko who is himself arguably one of the top 100 Heavyweights of all time, admits he would be no match for Vitali. He is an unstoppable force in and out of the ring. A gentleman and intellectual, with the will and heart of a warrior, who will never duck a challenger in order to take an easier path.