Heavyweight Jumble
By Ron Widelec
09.12 - As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to look back, and check status of the heavyweight division. Its been an interesting year for the sport's big men, and its time to figure out how the division hierarchy will look at years end.
Champion
Lennox Lewis: Lewis is still the undisputed champion of the division. Lewis hasn't entered the ring since his destruction of Tyson in June, but has been "politically" active since then. He recently took part in a very Un-champion like affair, with none other then Don King. Recently Lewis opted to relinquish one of his belts, rather than defend it against top contender Chris Byrd. Now, there is nothing wrong with a champion, like Lewis, to opt to drop a bogus belt (as are most belts), when being forced to fight an unworthy opponent. This was the case when Lewis dropped a belt a few years back rather than right John Ruiz, who is now a proven contender, but at the time was truly undeserving of a number 1 contender ranking. But Byrd is a very deserving challenger that has earned his way to the top by beating top rated opponents. Byrd has waited patiently for his shot, and Lewis' decision not to fight him was not the kind of move a true champion should make. To make the situation even shadier, Don King sugar coated the deal by giving Lewis one million dollars and a new car to help convince him. This led to a match between Byrd and Holyfield, coincidently both Don King fighters, for the vacant title. Lets hope he still puts up a championship performance in the ring in his upcoming bout with Vitaly Klitschko, the elder of the two fighting brothers.
Contenders
1. Wladimir Klitschko: Wladimir has once again proved that he is the single top contender in the division with his win over Jameel McCline. Wladimir simply outclassed and overpowered the Long Island native en route to a 10th round TKO. He showed a great jab, and good power throughout the fight, with a patient and methodical performance. He may not be ready for Lewis just yet, but he would be the favorite against any other heavyweight. (same as previous rank)
2. Chris Byrd: Byrd is still the slickest heavyweight around. He has been fairly inactive since his win over David Tua, while waiting for his title shot, which is finally coming next weekend against the aging, but ever dangerous, Evander Holyfield. Byrd will have to shake off some ring rust, but will probably be too fast and skilled for this slower version of Holyfield. (same as previous rank)
3. David Tua: Since his loss to Byrd, Tua has been steam rolling through his opponents. Granted, two of the opponents were punching bags, and one was an over the hill ex-champ, but still he is on a role. Tua is hoping to continue his rise back to the top of the division in his upcoming rematch with Hasim Rahman. Tua hopes to repeat the last fight, with a knockout victory, and he most likely will. (up from #6)
4. Evander Holyfield: Evander is still the greatest warrior in the division. Though he can't quite do it like he used to, its not stopping him from getting in the ring with top ranked opponents. Coming off a big win over Hasim Rahman, he is now fighting Chris Byrd for a vacant title. He probably doesn't have enough left in his tank to pull this on off, but you can never totally count him out. (up from #7)
5. John Ruiz: Even with the obvious lack of skill, Ruiz continues to rise in the rankings. What he lacks in ability, he makes up for in heart and hard work. After an ugly win over Kirk Johnson, he rises into the top 5 of the division. When Ruiz floored Johnson twice with once punch (even though the referee did not give him credit) he opened some eyes. His next fight will be a lose/lose situation with Roy Jones Jr. If Ruiz wins, as I think he will, all he has proved is that he can beat a man half his size. And if he loses, then he couldn't even beat a man half his size. But hey, the money is good. (up from #9)
6. Vitaly Klitschko: The elder Klitschko is coming off a win over Larry Donald. Vitaly won by 10th round TKO of the feather fisted American, and proved very little. Now he has lined himself up in a title fight with Lennox Lewis. Vitaly will most likely be on his back within the first 6 minutes of the fight. (down from #4)
7. Fres Oquendo: Fres has been inactive since his loss to Tua several months back. We are all waiting to see how he rebounds from his first loss. Oquendo actually moves up a spot in the ranks by virtue of other, previously higher ranking fighters, making significant drops in the rankings. And besides, he was beating Tua handily until being caught in the later rounds. (up from #8)
8. Jameel McCline: McCline didn't put up much of a fight in his last bout; a loss to Wladimir Klitschko. He was simply out of his league with the Olympic gold medalist. The loss sets him back, but losing to a great fighter is no disgrace. McCline will be able to keep his career moving in the right direction, and would be highly competitive with most fighters on this list. (down from #3)
9. Hasim Rahman: Rahman last outing was a loss to Evander Holyfield. Although he lost, he put up a semi-respectable performance. Rahman has decides to try to avenge his loss to David Tua in his next fight, and once again put himself into title contention. (up from #10)
10. Kirk Johnson: Johnson only makes this list because there is no one else of note in the division right now. His recent win over Jeremy Bates is worthless. His previous disgusting and disgraceful performance against John Ruiz tells it all. He is a semi-talented fighter who has neither the toughness nor the determination to be a champion. (down from #5)
Old rankings based on Heavyweight Jumble 7-06-2002
Any questions or comments? E-mail me at Beowolf88@aol.com
