Boxing

 

So What Is Next For The Heavyweight Division?

By Ross Enamait - RossBoxing.com

23.08 - In a division often criticized for its lack of quality fighters and action packed bouts, the heavyweight division has made a nice turnaround of late. While we are still far off from any Ali-Frazier like trilogies, there are some quality fighters in the division looking to make a name for them self. We have recently seen the destruction of Mike Tyson, a rejuvenated Evander Holyfield, an impressive performance from Wladimir Klitschko, and unimpressive performance from John Ruiz, and most recently David Tua's destruction of Michael Moorer. The action has picked up leaving many wondering what's next for the division.

Let's analyze five heavyweights to determine the future of the division.

Lennox Lewis
We must start with Lennox Lewis, as he is the true heavyweight champion of the world. His decisions will greatly impact the future of the division. Despite previous hints of retirement, it appears that Lewis will agree to 3 or 4 fight deal with HBO. Lennox Lewis must continue to fight to be considered among the all-time greats. Lennox Lewis is undoubtedly a great heavyweight but I am not convinced of his so-called legacy. Despite his accomplishments, his two viscous knockout losses are hard to shake. Average heavyweights knocked him out because he entered the ring out of shape, both mentally and physically.

Furthermore, his win over Tyson was against a slow, lethargic fighter. Lennox Lewis did not beat the Iron Mike of the 1980's. He beat a worn out fighter with no more than a puncher's chance. Lewis needs to fight the best such as Wladimir Klitschko. Klitschko presents the greatest challenge because of his size, speed, and power. Lewis has never had to battle against a fellow giant with equal skills.

Lewis has been hesitant in his statements about a possible match with Klitschko. The reason is likely because Wladimir presents a true challenge. Lewis wants to keep his "legacy" alive without risking another defeat. Lewis is already approaching his late 30's. A defeat to Klitschko would require a rematch that could take another full year. Lewis does not want to fight that long. I don't blame him considering he has been boxing since the 1988 Olympics. Regardless of this, Wladimir is the most deserving of heavyweights to get a crack at Lewis.

Wladimir Klitschko
Wladimir Klitschko is perhaps the biggest and strongest of heavyweights today. At age 26, he is by far the youngest of all potential contenders. He brings an extensive amateur background that includes a gold medal to the table. Klitschko has been knocked in the past for a lack of heart. These critics continue to harp on his lone loss, an 11th-round knockout by Ross Purrity in 1998. Based on his more recent performances, I am confident that Wladimir has matured from his earlier mistakes. He put on an excellent performance over veteran Ray Mercer. Critics of Wlad, harp on the fact that his eye was swollen in the Mercer fight. These ignorant so-called experts forget that despite Mercer's age, he still has one of the most powerful jabs in all of boxing. Mercer has always been able to punch and still can. Wlad demonstrated explosive power and accuracy as he was the first man to legitimately drop Mercer to the canvas throughout his lengthy career.

Wlad has got to be first in line in Lennox Lewis elects to fight again.

Chris Byrd
Chris Byrd is first inline to fight Lewis according to the IBF rankings. Byrd is fast with boxing ability that resembles a middleweight more so than a heavyweight. He makes his opponents miss and utilizes his distinct advantage in hand speed and pure boxing talent. Many harp on his lack of power… To those critics I ask, what happened when Chris Byrd faced David Tua, perhaps the most powerful puncher in boxing? Chris Byrd outslicked Tua in a brilliant boxing display.

I doubt that Byrd has a shot against Lewis but I would like to see him get the payday that comes with the title fight. Chris Byrd is a class act in and out of the ring. He continues to prove critics wrong as he notches victories over top heavyweights. With that said, should he be next in line for Lewis? No… and the reason why is due to the decisive loss he suffered against Wladimir Klitschko. If there is any justice in boxing, he must wait his turn behind the powerful Ukrainian.

Evander Holyfield
Moving right along, we find ourselves still considering Evander Holyfield a top contender in the heavyweight division. He is ranked #1 in the WBA, #2 in the WBC, and #2 in the IBF. He has earned these rankings particularly with his decisive victory over Hasim Rahman in their recent battle. Many had Holyfield counted out entering the bout, but he continued to turn critics into believers with a valiant effort and victory.

Holyfield has worked his way towards another world title. The only problem is that no one wants to see him fight any of the champions. Lennox Lewis has already beaten him twice. The first fight was ridiculously declared a draw. The second fight brews up some controversy from the Holyfield diehards who feel that Evander got robbed. I've seen the fight several times and wholeheartedly disagree.

As far as another John Ruiz vs. Evander Holyfield bout… you couldn't pay me enough to sit through another bout between these guys. Hasn't everyone and their mother seen enough of these two together? I don't care what Holyfield is ranked and what belt Ruiz holds. NO ONE wants this bout to happen. Where does that leave Holyfield? I personally would like to see him retire. He's one the greatest of all time. I have never seen warrior like Holyfield. He's been in some epic battles and I'd like for him to have all his faculties together when he grows older. Time will tell but only Evander will decide. We'll have to sit and watch what happens.

David Tua
The next name that we must mention following his recent destruction of Michael Moorer is David Tua. You can call him one-dimensional all you want but he still has perhaps the best punch and chin in all of boxing. These are traits that cannot be taught. Tua is a natural power puncher who has the ability to become a more well rounded fighter wreaking havoc in the heavyweight division. I'd like to see Tua come down another 15lbs or so to improve his movement and speed. In the short bout with Moorer, Tua was successful in using both hands as well as establishing a solid body attack.

Another important fact to consider is that Tua is only 29 years old. This makes him second youngest among top contenders only behind Wladimir Klitschko. Tua is a puppy in the division with plenty of time to refine and master his trade. I hope that Tua can refine his repertoire as he brings the punching power that fans pay to see. He packs a Tyson like punch without the Tyson like antics. Tua is an upstanding guy who serves the sport of boxing well.

His victory over Moorer bumps him closer up the food chain. He still must wait his turn as he already lost his chance against Lewis. In addition, he lost a decision to Byrd who should thus be first in line to Tua. Hopefully, Tua can land another big fight against the likes of Mike Tyson or Wladimir Klitschko. Another great bout would pit Holyfield against Tua. I'd pay to see that.

The Others…
You may be wondering where John Ruiz or Mike Tyson are on the list. I've purposely left them off. First off, Tyson looked like a shot fighter against Lewis. He needs to redeem himself against a quality opponent before he is considered among top contenders. No more should boxing simply feed off of his name and what once was.

As far as John Ruiz is concerned… his last outing against Kirk Johnson was hideous. He won the fight but did not "beat" Johnson. Rather he looked for an easy way out by doing whatever he could. Two of the supposed "low" blows landed closer to his hip unless his balls are on the side of his body. I used to pay the ultimate respect to Ruiz for his ability to extend his limited talent. He came back from a brutal Tua knockout to win a world title. Ruiz earned this title with heart. In his last bout, he left his heart at home. Ruiz does not deserve the payday associated with a Lewis title fight. If he feels he does, let him fight Wladimir Klitschko for the right. I have a feeling that Wlad's big right hand will change Johnny's mind.

Honorable Mention…
Some guys to look out for in the future are Jameel McCline, Lawrence Clay-bey, Vitali Klitschko, Fres Oquendo, and Clifford Etienne. However it works out, the future looks interesting in the heavyweight division. It is about time.

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