05.12.06 – By Paul McCreath: While we all have differing opinions on the quality of the heavyweight division these days, one thing that we can agree on is that it is the most talked about division in boxing. Today, I will look into my crystal ball and see what might be ahead for us in 2007. First let us consider the four champions in no particular order. We all know there is no real world champ today. Instead, we have four alphabet champs, who for the most part, avoid each other like the plague. As much as we fans would like to see unification of the titles, reality tells us it will not happen in ’07.
The sanctioning bodies and rival promoters can make more money with the titles split, so that is the way it will stay in the foreseeable future. The one hope we may have would be a possible bout early next year between Oleg Maskaev and Wladimir Klitschko. They are talking and apparently want the fight but there are a few obstacles to overcome, mainly the alphabet boys giving their OK. We shall see but if they do fight, Wladimir will be the clear favorite.
Wladimir also faces an IBF manditory in the new year, namely Ray Austin. Ray is a competent veteran pro but is unlikely to trouble Wladimir very much. The way I see it, 2007 should end with Wladimir still recognized as IBF champ and best overall, but still not the universal world champion.
Maskaev has a December 10 voluntary defense against Peter Okhello, a fighter that I feel is not a serious threat. Then, Maskaev has a WBC mandatory against the winner of the James Toney-Sam Peter rematch. This eliminator could go either way but weight will play a big part in the outcome. Both fighters like to eat and have been getting bigger in recent years. I lean a bit towards Peter to win because of his age but I wouldn’t bet my house on it. Whoever advances will have a good chance against Maskaev. Oleg’s age and past history make it unlikely that the WBC title will still be in his hands at year’s end.
Nikolay Valuev casts a huge shadow on the rest of the division, if you will pardon my play on words. This giant Russian, now tied to Don King as well as his German promoter, has many detractors but so far his 7 foot 330 pound frame have been enough to avoid defeat. Next up, Valuev is rumored to be fighting the American Jameel McCline. While a tough fighter, McCline should not be any problem as he has had problems with hard punchers in the past.
It seems that Valuev wants a few soft touches first before taking on the tougher fighters in the division, but he will eventually have to fight a realistic contender in a mandatory. Right now, after his win over John Ruiz, that looks like Ruslan Chagaev. Many think this fight will never take place but since it is a WBA mandatory, it could happen. Chagaev will not be easy for Big Nikolay. Chagaev is a former two time amateur champ and is still unbeaten as a pro. Clearly, he’ll be a tough challenger for Valuev.
Finally, Shannon Briggs, the popular WBO champ. He has a mandatory coming up in February against Sultan Ibragimov. Sultan has just the busy style to trouble Shannon, who likes to fight about 30 seconds per round. Briggs will need a KO to win.
Next time we will look at some of the challengers.