Yes. It doesn't mean that whoever beats them is the "carrier of the torch" but both guys are up their in age and injury prone. (especially Vitali)
I don't think they will. Vitaly will fight I"m guessing two more times and call it a career and Wlad developed a style to beat every single heavyweight that's out there today and there is no one on the horizon either . Wlad will fight 5 more times and join brother Vitaly on the rocking chair.
Vitali should retire post-Adamek. Wlad should fight Povetkin to unify all 4 major titles then at least we will have an Undisp. Champ. If Wlad wins, he should beat the winner of Chisora/Fury and then pack it in, maybe rematch Haye if he has done shit in the meantime.
They probably won't lose.......but it's not a symbol of their greatness...but the lack of good heavyweights...