By Ron Widelec

21.10 - Finally after a long lull in heavyweight action, the sports big names are beginning to pick up the pace. After watching the last major heavyweight bout, Kirk Johnson v. John Ruiz, even the most optimistic fans could not help but worry about the future of the heavyweight division.

But there are finally some encouraging signs. Several of the big names in the division are now gravitating towards one another, and setting up some intriguing match-ups.

The division's undisputed king, Lennox Lewis, is heading towards a bout with his number #1 contender (from one of the bogus organizations) Vitali Klitschko. Klitschko became the number 1 contender after Tyson lost to Lewis earlier this year. Vitali has done little to earn such a ranking, and has moved up the ranks beating soft-touches and journeymen. His match with Lewis hinges on a victory over Larry Donald, another high ranking soft-touch. If this fight takes place, which is very likely, look for Lewis to pound to Ukrainian to an early victory, much like the Mike Grant fight. Lewis tends to be very aggressive against the big heavyweight, and neither Klitschko has any defense. Vitali is way of out his league, and has little more than a big punchers chance.

Fighting for one of the titles vacated by Lewis are top contenders, Chris Byrd and Evander Holyfeild. This fight is one of the most interesting match-ups in a long time for the heavyweights. Both are smallish type heavyweights with excellent skills. Byrd got to this fight by beating top contender David Tua. Holyfield, who seemed to be dropping from the heavyweight radar, made his way back into contention by beating former champion Hasim Rahman. This fight is pretty much set, and can either by very exciting, or very boring. Look for Holyfield to press the action, and the highly defensive Byrd to counter. In the end, Byrd should prove to slick for the aging great, and will likely win a decision by a few points.

The younger Klitschko brother will be putting his title on the line versus top American opposition. This is Wladimir's first fight against tough, prime, American opponent since facing, and beating, Chris Byrd a few years back. He will be facing the rising contender, Jameel McCline. McCline poses a serious test for the man many dub the heir-apparent to the heavyweight division. In the end Wladamir is the stronger of the two, has more refined skills and better level of opposition. Look for a highly contested fight, with the Ukrainian champ taking a decision victory.

After being out classes by Lewis, and then Byrd, David Tua looked pretty much washed up. But he has risen back into a top spot with victories over Fres Oquendo, and former champ, Mike Moorer. Tua's next opponent will most likely be former champion Hasim Rahman, in a rematch of a controversial bout a few years ago. Tua KOed Rahman in the 10, but only after landing a late shot in the 9th, that many felt Tua should have been penalized for. Up until then Rahman was handily beating the Samoan. Rahman is coming off consecutive defeats while Tua is on a role. Look for Tua to take Rahman's head off in this bout. It make take 30 seconds, or 10 rounds, but at some point Tua will land a bomb and send Rahman to the ground.

This next match up is one I am reluctant to talk about. It has been getting more attention than any other, even though it has the least likelihood of ever materializing. This is of course Roy Jones Jr. versus John Ruiz. Roy Jones claims that he will move from 175 to heavyweight to face Ruiz for his title. If, and it is a BIG IF, this fight happens Jones is simply be to small for the heavyweight division, and a Ruiz right hand will send him sea-worthy, right back to 175 pounds.

And, what would a heavyweight article be without discussing Mike Tyson. Tyson is looking to face Clifford Ettiene some time soon. This fight has a chance to be exciting, but means very little in the mix of things. If nothing else, its a good test to see exactly how shot Tyson really is, and to measure his earning capability since his awful showing against Lewis.

That pretty much wraps up all the top contenders in the division, with a few exceptions. The end of 2002 - beginning of 2003 has the looks of an action packed period for the heavyweights. Lets hope this is a sign of things to come in a division that badly needs some action.