By Steve Trellert
05.08 - Over a decade ago the Heavyweight Division was hit by a Tsunami not seen since the glory days of the early to mid 1970's. Since then the sea has calmed with two impending tidal waves becoming little more than a limp ripple. Now along the horizon I can see the outline of a third wave arising, is this one the real future? As I contemplate this I suddenly feel a tap on my shoulder.
The Tsunami
The great wave still dominates talk around town as the damage it created remains. Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer, Tim Witherspoon, Oliver McCall and Ray Mercer embody a group of fighters unwilling as of yet to go off into the sunset. The first two in particular have been particularly dominant with Lennox Lewis still ruling the roost, while the latter five remain dangerous. If most of us were asked back in 1997 whether these guys would still be around, nevermind highly relevant, most would have vehemently exclaimed no. We would have expected the next generation to have taken the reigns by this time, but they still largely reside on the fringes. The 'first wave' arrived but failed to deliver. The future had to be postponed.
The First Wave
Remember the old HBO broadcast of the 'Night of the Young Heavyweights?' David Tua vs John Ruiz? Darrol Wilson vs Shannon Briggs? How about Andrew Golota vs Dannel Nicholson? These fighters were to be the heir apparents to the Tsunami. Did any of them turn out to be world-beaters? Nowhere near! Wilson and Nicholson faded into joke journeymen. Briggs flopped along with his hair. Golota had a mental breakdown. Ruiz became the embodiment of boring mediocrity despite the alphabet belt. While the most hopeful, David Tua, looked like the waterboy at the superbowl. For awhile the first wave messiah seemed to be Ike 'the President' Ibeabuchi, but he ended up with a padded suit instead of padded gloves. The most accomplished of this mini-generation has been Hasim Rahman who at least left a mark in beating Lennox Lewis. Unfortunately for him he retained no staying power and quickly fell back aside. Kirk Johnson has the tools, but not the engine, while Chris Byrd has the engine, but lacks the power tools. The first wave had its foot in the door but quickly had it slammed in their face. Not only did the sun never come up for the 'young heavyweight,' but to add insult to injury, the next wave behind them is beginning to push them out of the way and force its way through.
The Second Wave
In the last couple of years a new crop of young heavyweights arrived on the scene to challenge the current status quo between the Tsunami and the First Wave. This group arrived once the Klitschko brothers, in Wladimir and Vitali, abandoned their European sideshow to join the big leagues. They along with the sudden arrival of Clifford Etienne, Fres Oquendo and Jameel McCline formed a new mini wave. This group has some links with the first wave in terms of age, but their relatively recent arrival on the scene makes them distinct. Of the five, only Wladimir Klitschko seems to be regarded highly enough to be a potential usurper of the Tsunami. In fact he is granted a whole level of respect above the likes of a Byrd (whom he clearly defeated) or Johnson and his ilk. Is Wladimir the one we have all been waiting for to take the reigns and usher in a new era of heavyweight history? The jury is still out as many complain that Wladimir has not as of yet received a major challenge, no gut check. Until this occurs the second wave must wait, and the third?
The Third Wave
The third wave is still forming within its infancy but a few distinguishing characters are beginning to emerge. Joe Mesi, Attila Levin, Nicolai Valuev, Davarryl Williamson, and a little bit behind, Malik Scott seem the most promising of the new bunch as they are currently successfully wading through the coral reef of heavyweight journeymen who block their way into the top 30. As of yet none of these fighters seem like world-beaters or a serious threat to the top ten, but time is one their side (except for Williamson). With the right training, mental strength and guidance, some of these men may be able to break through. The fact that a highly regarded trainer such as Emanuel Steward has failed to latch on to one of this generation is disconcerting. Does he lack the time for them or faith? If it is the latter then there may be no messiah amongst the third wave.
In the late 1980's and early 1990's we could see a rosy future for the Heavyweight division in men such as Lennox Lewis and Riddick Bowe. But in the last few years the division seems devoid of a 'spark'. A fighter to lead the way into the future, a beacon of hope for the most prevalent division in boxing. If the Tsunami continues to be followed by ripples, the sport we love that has already declined from the mainstream to a large cult will continue to fade into a small cult. The last step before oblivion.
If you have any comments regarding this article, please post it in the Eastside Boxing message boards or email me at Vancanste@aol.com.
