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In a 12 round fight, Vitali could score an upset. Here's why.
Holmes would win more rounds with his speed and skill. Vitali rules with his height and the fact that most opponents are afraid to take the chance to work inside. It's a heavy price to pay if Vitali hits you solidly. He doesn't have the Power of Foreman but his height and leverage allows him to make the best use of the power he does have. This makes him as effective as Foreman.
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Holmes would out-jab and out-score Vitali. However, due to the difference in size and strength, Holmes would win more rounds but could still lose the fight. He's tough enough to survive but it's very possible that he visits the canvas twice during the contest.
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In a 15 round fight, the edge is in Holmes' favor. He would keep a safe distance and force Vitali out of his comfort zone. Vitali has never been a 15 round fighter and Holmes wouldn't allow him to pace himself as well as he did with others he fought. It's likely that Vitali could still go 15. He's certainly in good shape. However, he would commit errors as the fight progresses. The other scenario would be a Holmes victory on cuts. It's very possible and likely that Holmes would cut Vitali and work on that cut as the fight progresses. Vitali has shown that he can take a punch. However, it's possible and likely that the fight would be stopped on cuts.
Holmes was a much superior boxer and he would jab the giant Vitali silly and hit him with fast right hands. After about 8 or 9 rounds Vitali would be on the canvas taking a 10 count.
Vitali Klitscho by TKO in less than 10 rounds. Larry Holmes never had to face an Eastern European boxer with Vitali's charisma, technique, chin, power, size. Easy victory for Vitali.
The delusional fans who pick Holmes in this fantasy match-up would be the ones who would discredit first Holmes and call him a bum if Soviets could fight back in the '80s and dominated the scene back then too of course.
Holmes
Very easy victory for Vitali. He would win in any way he wanted. Either every round of the fight or TKO overrated Holmes by the 7th. Holmes fought in an era that Soviet boxers weren't professional yet. That alone should tell you the story.
Holmes was the better jabber, eventhough a bit shorter. Vitali is very good, but hangs his left hand down by his thigh . Hand speed wins this one and cuts similar to those imposed by Lennox Lewis on Vitali would decide this bout too. TKO stoppage around 9.
I think Larry Holmes rapier like jab would frustrate Kiltschko and a late fight win for Holmes by way of Tko would be the result
This one would go pretty much like the Holmes/Cooney fight went, I don't see Vitali winning a round.
Larry would come through in his prime without a doubt. All-natural Vitali would have had 0 chance.
Holmes by UD or late TKO
vitali kiltso win
