Dave Domenico: Is the Heavyweight division getting better? Yes, for the most part. A few years ago the contenders were a little more interesting and exciting in my opinion with fighters like Vitali Klitschko and Lamon Brewster out there. However in terms of clarity, the Division is getting better because there has been some progress made in terms of finding a recognized heavyweight champion. Aside from that, let us iron out what the division needs to do to really make serious progress at thins time. Here we go..
The Good
We have Wladimir Klischko as the most legitimate and dominant heavyweight out there. With his recent win over sultan Ibragimov (despite it being boring) resulted in unifying two of the four belts. It is the biggest statement in years to attempt crown a legitimate heavyweight champion. If Wlad faces newly crowned WBC heavyweight champion Sam Peter and beats him “again” then there will absolutely be no doubt as to who the true heavyweight champion is. For that reason, Wlad should face Peter next, but that probably will not happen, oh well. We do have other good fighters out there still waiting to make their statement in the division including:
Tony Thompson who is probably the best American heavyweight out there, has yet to make a statement.
We have Cruiserweight champion David Haye making a move to heavyweight, which can bring some excitement.
Even in a losing effort, Sultan Ibragimov has the fundamentals to still be a significant fighter in the division.
Ruslan chagaev still needs to prove himself but has potential. Vitali should fight him instead.
Vitali Klitschko? well we will see, he should probably under the has-been category at this point.
Alexander Povetkin is green but promising and we even can wait for up and comers like Chris Areola to make a statement.
Give the division a chance. With some good marketing there can be still be some excitement.
The Has-beens
Well these guys are the ones who had their time but are either inactive, fight meaningless fights or continually get undeserving title shots because they are on the payroll of promoters and sanctioning bodies. These fighters include:
Nickolai Valuev: He has a chance to be something, It seems his flair has come and go.
Oleg Maskaev: He made a good effort against Peter but at this point, he should probably retire.
Lamon Brewster: He can still be a factor in the division possibly, but he has not fought in a year. Lamon where are you?
David Tua: When is he going to move up and fight someone significant? It’s do or die.
Shannon Briggs: Has not fought in a long time so he is a has-been at this point.
Evander Holyfield: What more is there to say.
The Who Cares
This lovely category represents the flaws, bad management of the sport, and pretty much everything that is wrong with the division now. Unfortunately, the exploits of these fighters often overshadow the attention the more legitimate fighters deserve. These notables include:
James Toney: Get in shape or retire!
Andrew Golota: He is an insignificant household name who will probably get another title shot.
Vladimir Virchis: Another Eastern European fighter that nobody knows about despite a high ranking.
Juan Carlos Gomez: Heard he beat another has been recently. The point is who is this guy?
John Ruiz: the quiet man is back as a contender but the point is who cares!
There you have it. If I have left anyone out it can be mentioned in the discussion forum.