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Heavyweight Report Cards: the top 100 heavyweight fighters of 2002

By Wes Moore

11.12 - The calendar year is nearly over and the time is here to evaluate the progress of the heavyweight division. This list will most likely inspire criticism, spark debate, and hopefully trigger opinion. The ratings are based on performance and previous standing within the division. The grades are given with respect to activity, strength of opposition, and overall performance. Without further ado here are the top 100 heavyweight fighters of 2002.

1. Lennox Lewis 1-0 in 2002
Overview
The reigning kingpin of the division conquered his biggest challenge in the public eye with his defeat of Mike Tyson. He relinquished the IBF strap, which sets up this Saturday's showdown between Evander Holyfield and Chris Byrd. His work rate could have been better this year but he may fight at least twice this coming year. The plan laid out by the Lewis camp would probably include 2003 tilts with Vitali Klitschko and Lewis-Tyson II.
Grade: B

2. Wladimir Klitschko 3-0 in 2002
Overview
Wladimir proved himself worthy by anyone's standard with wins over Ray Mercer, Francois Botha, and Jameel McCline. The wins were convincing and the future for Klitschko seems the same. 2003 should bring a couple more tune-ups for a potential 2004 showdown with Lennox Lewis.
Grade: A

3. John Ruiz 1-0 in 2002
Overview
John Ruiz won his only fight of 2002. The only problem was that the matchup with Kirk Johnson was one of the ugliest fights in recent memory. One fight per year is simply not enough for any legitimate heavyweight. The super fight with Roy Jones Jr. could provide Ruiz with a chance to redeem himself.
Grade: C-

4. Vitali Klitschko 2-0 in 2002
Overview
Vitali cemented his mandatory status to Lennox Lewis with TKO victories over Larry Donald and Vaughn Bean. The potential encounter with Lewis will clog up Klitschko's schedule for most of 2003.
Grade: B+

5. Evander Holyfield 1-0 in 2002
Overview
Holyfield reemerged with his solid performance against Hasim Rahman. The sight of Rahman's second head still sticks with me to this day. This weekend's bout with Chris Byrd will decide if Evander has any legitimate future left in the division.
Grade: B-

6. Chris Byrd 1-0 in 2002
Overview
Chris Byrd spent 2002 wrangling for his shot versus Lennox Lewis. He did stay somewhat active with a victory over trialhorse Jeff Pegues. His battle with Holyfield will dictate his movement in 2003.
Grade: C+

9. David Tua 3-0 in 2002
Overview
This year was very profitable for the Tuaman with wins over Russell Chasteen, Michael
Moorer, and Fres Oquendo. The resurrection win versus Oquendo came with Tua behind on points as opposed to the vicious first round KO of Michael Moorer. 2003 will see Tua versus Rahman, which could resolidify Tua as a legitimate threat to the throne.
Grade: A

8. Mike Tyson 0-1 in 2002
Overview
Iron Mike got his opportunity to reclaim glory earlier in his only fight this year but was stopped
short in his fight with Lewis. Tyson should pursue a higher work rate in 2003 if his heart is still in it. He should show if he's still dangerous in his upcoming fight with Cliff Etienne.
Grade: D

9 Jameel McCline 1-1 in 2002
Overview
Jameel seemed on a sure fire line to a potential title opportunity until it was announced that he
Would face Wlademir Klitschko. The fight served as a potentially huge opportunity for "Big Time" but a sluggish TKO loss will send him back to the drawing board in 2003. He did earn a decision victory over Shannon Briggs this year.
Grade: C+


10. Michael Grant 5-0 in 2002
Overview
Michael Grant resurfaced in a big way in 2002 with TKO wins over James Walton, Robert Davis, Anthony Willis, Joe Lenhart, and Rey Minus. No one will confuse any of these opponents with world class competition but the activity level is a step in the right direction. A step up in opposition will tell us just how far Grant has come in his comeback.
Grade: B

11. Hasim Rahman 0-1 in 2002
Overview:
This year is one that the "Rock" would probably just assume forget. His only fight was his loss to Evander Holyfield in which he grew a second head. Next year will start off rough for Rahman with an eliminator fight with David Tua.
Grade: D

12. Kirk Johnson 1-1 in 2002
Overview:
Kirk Johnson finally got a big title shot versus John Ruiz but saw the opportunity evaporate on a DQ loss. He stepped right back in and stopped Jeremy Bates in two rounds.
Grade: C

13. Fres Oquendo 0-1 in 2002
Overview
Everyone's can't miss prospect was exposed after his matchup with David Tua. He still has all the tools to be a major force within the division. He returns to action this weekend versus George Arias.
Grade: C

14. Juan Carlos Gomez 2-0 in 2002
Overview
The former cruiserweight kingpin continued his heavweight effort this year with wins over Daniel Frank and Ken Murphy. The promoters at Universum will most likely push for bigger fights and more activity in the coming year.
Grade: C+

15. Henry Akinwande 3-0 in 2002
Overview
Akinwande forged wins over Roman Suchoterin, Sam Ubokane, and Curt Page. He most recently fought in Romania. I don't know how much Akinwande has left in the tank but we may find out next year.
Grade: C

16. Lance Whitaker 2-0-1 in 2002
Overview
Lance dropped the "Goofi" moniker from his name this year. He was successful with wins over Cliff Couser and Willie Chapman but could only manage a draw versus Ray Austin. A progression of more sturdy opponents may help Whitaker return to decent standing within the division.
Grade: C+

17. Brian Nielsen 1-0 in 2002
Overview
Super Brian wasn't very active or impressive this year with his only victory being a decision over Uriah Grant. The new year must see him get off his recent diet of stiffs if he is to earn another money fight.
Grade: D+

18. Danny Williams 2-0 in 2002
Overview
This year saw Williams victorious over Keith Long and Michael Sprott. A proposed showdown with Corrie Sanders fell through due to William's participation in Ramadan. This year could see Williams taking a huge step up in competition.
Grade: C

19. Joe Mesi 3-0 in 2002
Overview
Baby Joe was steadily moving along this year with TKO wins over David Izon, Talmadge Griffis, and Keith McKnight. The future should be promising with Sugar Ray Leonard at the helm of Team Mesi. A little more seasoning should get Mesi where he needs to be.
Grade: B

20. Michael Moorer 1-1 in 2002
Overview
Double M started out this year with a promising decision victory over the durable Robert Davis. The only other fight for Moorer in 2002 was a big fight versus David Tua that proved to be not much of a fight at all. The demolition at the hands of Tua leaves Moorer at a crossroads and the future is murky at best for Moorer.
Grade: D

21. Ray Mercer 1-1 in 2002
Overview
The Merciless One looked impressive in a one round stoppage of "Country Boy" Troy Weida but failed in his bid to stop the Klitschko express. He has expressed an interest to fight Derek Bryant next year.
Grade: C-

22. Cliff Etienne 2-0-1 in 2002
Overview
The Black Rhino scored victories over Gabe Brown and Terrence Lewis this year but only managed a draw in his fight versus Francois Botha. The upcoming year will be a proving ground for Etienne as he starts off 2003 with a match against Mike Tyson.
Grade: C+

23. Lou Savarese 1-0 in 2002
Overview
Savarese returned this year with an impressive TKO win over Tim Witherspoon. Time is not a major ally of Savarese in his bid to strike gold in the division. He needs to stay very active in the coming year to have any chance to gain another big money fight.
Grade: B-

24. Francois Botha 0-1-1 in 2002
Overview
The White Buffalo fought two strong opponents in his only 2002 action but he didn't prove successful. The draw with Etienne was debatable but the TKO loss to Wladimir Klitschko was not. Botha may look to rebuild in 2003 but he will most likely resurface versus a possible contender.
Grade: D+

25. Davarryl Williamson 5-0 in 2002
Overview
Touch of Sleep was very active and impressive this year. He scored TKO wins over Corey Sanders, Dale Crowe, Abdul Muhaymin, Ed White, and Kevin McBride. The performance and activity level of Williamson should serve notice to all within the division that he is a legitimate threat to all.
Grade: A

26. Lawrence Clay Bey 2-0 in 2002
Overview
Lawrence Clay Bey stayed busy this year with TKO wins over Sederick Fields and Brian Nix. The new year should see an increased schedule load and a better look at his abilities.
Grade: B

27. Jeremy Williams 4-0 in 2002
Overview
Jeremy Williams scored victories in his four fights this year. He bested Louis Monaco, David Bostice, Ron Guerrero, and Gilbert Martinez. He seemed poised to make some noise in the division until his setback in the recent Fistful of Dollars Thunderbox promotion. He is most likely to resurface strong next year if the opposition is selectively chosen.
Grade: B

28. Larry Donald 1-1 in 2002
Overview
The "Legend" scored a decision victory over James Stanton this year but suffered a serious beating at the hands of Vitali Klitschko. A slick boxer like Donald should bounce back well next year.
Grade: D+

29. Tim Witherspoon 3-1 in 2002
Overview
Terrible Tim has apparently ended his career this year to the relief of many. He scored victories over Darrol Wilson, Ed White, and Ahmad Abdin but suffered a devastating loss versus Lou Savarese. He also participated in the Fistful of Dollars event when he lost to Israel Garcia. The loss of Witherspoon will be felt within the division for many of his fans but his departure lets many breathe a sigh of relief.
Grade: C

30. Charles Shufford 2-0 in 2002
Overview
Charles Shufford was successful in his only two fights this year with decision victories over Marcellus Brown and the slick, Eliecer Castillo. Shufford stepped in for Davarryl Williamson to score the win over Castillo. Shufford could be very active and moderately successful next year.
Grade: C+

31. Corrie Sanders 1-0 in 2002
Overview
Sanders had a victory in his only fight of 2002. The win was a TKO victory over Otis Tisdale. A proposed showdown against Danny Williams fell through because it conflicted with Williams's participation in Ramadan. 2003 must be a much more active year for Sanders if he intends to achieve much fanfare.
Grade: C

32. Derrick Jefferson 2-0 in 2002
Overview
Derrick Jefferson scored his two victories with decisions over Phil Jackson and Sederick Fields. He scored a knockout of Ray Austin in the Fistful of Dollars PPV before his exit. A strong puncher like Jefferson is always one punch away from success.
Grade: C+

33. Dannell Nicholson 1-0 in 2002
Overview
Dannell saw his only 2002 action with a TKO victory over trialhorse Melvin Foster. Nicholson, who is 35, must be more active next year to have any success.
Grade: D

34. Oleg Maskaev 0-1 in 2002
Overview
The Big "O" lost his only fight so far in 2002 versus Corey "T Rex" Sanders via TKO. He has changed camps and apparently trainers as well. He returns to action on the 11th of December against Phil Jackson. A change of direction could have Maskaev moving in the right direction next year.
Grade: D

35. Lamon Brewster 2-0 in 2002
Overview
Lamon was successful in his only two contests this year. He scored TKO victories over Willie Chapman and Nate Jones. His matchup with Tommy Martin this weekend would bolster his 2002 efforts. Upward movement should be expected from "Relentless" this year.
Grade: C+

36. Eliecer Castillo 2-1 in 2002
Overview
Castillo had a big win over Andre Purlette this year as well as a triumph over Willie Palms. He suffered a loss on the ledger when he faced Charles Shufford. A good boxer like Castillo should find his style suited to beat many slower heavies.
Grade: C+

37. Maurice Harris 1-0 in 2002
Overview
His only real victory came in a KO over Sergui Lyakovich earlier this year. However, he made a statement by winning the one night Thunderbox Fistful of Dollars event. He's rumored to still be seeking some of his prize money. The triumph proved that in Harris' case his record can be deceiving to some opponents.
Grade: B

38. Andre Purlette 2-1 in 2002
Overview
He started off 2002 with a disappointing loss to Castillo but returned to post wins over Joe Lenhart and Crawford Grimsley. Purlette should get right back on the horse in 2003 and try to recoup from his minor setback this year.
Grade: C

39. David Izon 0-1 in 2002
Overview
This year was not a very successful campaign for the once heralded Izon. He lost his only bout this year to "Baby" Joe Mesi by TKO. The loss left many assuming that Izon is shot. He will have to spend 2003 trying to prove them wrong.
Grade: D-

40. David Defiagbon 2-0 in 2002
Overview
This undefeated prospect scored wins this year against Ramon Hayes and Gary Winmon. These victories will not impress his critics very much. Early next year, he will step in with Arthur Cook for the Canadian strap vacated by Razor Ruddock
Grade: C

41. Atilla Levin 3-0 in 2002
Overview
This Thunderbox alum marked time this year with victories over Jim Huffman, Ron Guerrero, and most importantly Ross Purrity. Another year with a similar activity and success rates could find Levin soaring up the rankings.
Grade: B-

42. Robert Davis 1-2 in 2002
Overview
The level of opposition that Davis steps in with is very commendable but damaging to his record. Durable as he may be, Davis lost to Michael Grant and Michael Moorer this year. He did prove successful in his second fight with Terrence Lewis. The future for Davis must include a couple of tune-ups that will prepare him for stiffer opposition.
Grade: C-

43. Vaughn Bean 0-1 in 2002
Overview
The only action for Bean this year was a TKO loss to Vitali Klitschko. Bean's future is tied to his level of activity. He must become more active if he expects to find any more big fights.
Grade: D+

44. Corey Sanders 2-1 in 2002
Overview
"T Rex" had a pretty good year. He polished off Oleg Maskaev with a TKO and scored a majority decision over Terrence Lewis. The only stumbling block was a TKO loss to Touch of Sleep in his latest fight. The fight itself was pretty fun to watch and is garnering some attention for heavyweight fight of the year. Sanders has the power and the time to make some noise in the division.
Grade: C+

45. Dominick Guinn 6-0 in 2002
Overview
Guinn was active early and often this year. He scored TKO victories over Terry McGroom, Wade Lewis, Drexie Frank James, Derek Berry, and Tony Larosa. The hardest fight this year for Guinn was his split decision victory over Garing "Freight Train" Lane. 2003 should see Guinn get a lot of exposure as one of the top-flight prospects in the whole division.
Grade: A-

46. Timo Hoffman 3-0 in 2002
Overview
Hoffman used 2002 to score victories in his only fights. The victims were Dick Ryan, Ross Purrity, and Balu Sauer. A few fights stateside could lend Hoffman some much-needed credibility in 2003.
Grade: C+

47. Derek Bryant 4-0 in 2002
Overview
The year that was 2002 was a very successful one for this undefeated prospect. He scored wins over Frankie Swindell, Robert Wiggins, Lovey Page, and Jorge Luis Gonzalez. A proposed bout with Corey Sanders fell through due to injury. He may step in with Ray Mercer in 2003. Such a fight would give Bryant a major opportunity to show his wares.
Grade: B+

48. Taurus Sykes 4-0 in 2002
Overview
Taurus was impressive in scoring four wins this year. The wins, all by decision, were over Sherman Williams, James Walton, Talmadge Griffis, and Willie Chapman. The opposition should not be questioned just yet but perhaps there is a power shortage with Sykes. A few more resounding victories would help his stock greatly next year.
Grade: C+

49. Sinan Samil Sam 3-0 in 2002
Overview
Sam used 2002 to become European champion with his defeat of Przemyslaw Saleta. The task now is to do what Saleta, Luan Krasniqi, and Rene Monse could not do- hold on to the strap. He also scored wins over Roman Bugaj and questionable American foe Thomas "Top Dog" Williams.
Grade: B-

50. Anthony Thompson 4-0 in 2002
Overview
The Tiger scored decision victories over Marion Wilson and Ron Guerrero to go along with TKO's of Frankie Hines and Zuri Lawrence. The wins were impressive enough to rank him in the top fifty. He made it to the finals of the Kushner Fistful of Dollars event. The future should be wide open to Thompson.

That's the top fifty. For purposes of time and space, I will simply list 51-100

51. Shannon Briggs 0-1 in 2002 D
52. Marcelo Dominguez 3-0 in 2002 C+
53. Cedric Boswell 4-0 in 2002 B-
54. Rob Calloway 4-0-1 in 2002 C
55. Fabio Moli 2-0 in 2002 C-
56. Jean Francois Bergeron 5-0 in 2002 B-
57. Duncan Dokiwari 6-0 in 2002 B
58. Julius Francis 1-0-1 in 2002 C+
59. Gerald Nobles 1-0 in 2002 C-
60. Saul Montana 2-0 in 2002 C
61. Greg Pickrom 5-0 in 2002 B-
62. Nikolai Valuev 3-0 in 2002 C
63. Lionel Butler 2-0 in 2002 C
64. Ezra Sellers 1-1 in 2002 C-
65. Georgi Kandelaki 3-0 in 2002 C
66. Tony Tubbs 1-0 in 2002 C-
67. Tommy Martin 1-0 in 2002 C
68. Ray Austin 2-0-1 in 2002 C+
69. Imamu Mayfield 1-0 in 2002 C
70. Audley Harrison 5-0 in 2002 B-
71. Ahmad Abdin 0-1 in 2002 D
72. Calvin Brock 4-0 in 2002 B
73. Tye Fields 4-0 in 2002 C
74. Steffen Nielsen 6-1 in 2002 B-
75. Kali Meehan 3-0 in 2002 C
76. Zuri Lawrence 2-1 in 2002 C
77. Mike Evans 2-0 in 2002 C-
78. Owen Beck 2-0 in 2002 C-
79. Sergui Lyakhovich 0-1 in 2002 D
80. Dennis Bakhtov 3-0 in 2002 C
81. Malik Scott 7-0 in 2002 C+
82. Michael Sprott 3-1 in 2002 C
83. Pryzemyslaw Saleta 2-1 in 2002 C+
84. Terrence Lewis 0-3 in 2002 D
85. Friday Ahunanya 1-0 in 2002 C
86. Dick Ryan 0-2 in 2002 D
87. Tomaz Bonin 8-0 in 2002 B+
88. Samuel Peter 5-0 in 2002 B-
89. Sherman Williams 3-1 in 2002 B-
90. Luan Krasniqi 2-1 in 2002 C+
91. Ross Purrity 0-2 in 2002 D
92. Rune Lillebeun 2-0 in 2002 C+
93 Leo Nolan 6-0 in 2002 B-
94. Kevin McBride 3-1 in 2002 C+
95. Rene Monse 0-1 in 2002 F
96. Robert Wiggins 4-1 in 2002 C
97. Israel Garcia 3-0 in 2002 C+
98. Faruq Saleem 2-0 in 2002 C
99. Richel Hersisia 8-0 in 2002 B+
100. Omran Awadi 5-0 in 2002 B-

I'm still taking votes for the Reader's Choice 2002 Heavyweight Awards. If you'd still like to vote now or after Holyfield-Byrd this weekend, you may send your votes to me at largedog@bellsouth.net

Once again, here are the categories:
Heavyweight Fight of the Year
Comeback Heavyweight of the Year
Most Improved Heavyweight of the Year
Worst Heavyweight Fight of the Year
Heavyweight Fighter of the Year

Thanks for reading. I'll return late next week with the results of your 2002 Heavyweight Awards. Until next time watch out for the uppercut behind the jab. Don't forget to vote at largedog@bellsouth.net

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