By James Slater: Most fans have already read how David Haye’s “regular” WBA heavyweight title may well become vacant soon, as Haye will be facing one of the Klitsckos in the summer (most likely Wladimir, but we don’t know for sure). According to talk, Haye will be elevated to “super champion” by the WBA, and that two suitably-ranked heavies will square off for the vacant (some would say meaningless) strap.
According to Teddy Atlas, trainer of unbeaten Russian contender and former Olympian Alexander Povetkin, his fighter could well face Frenchman Jean Marc Mormeck for the vacant WBA bauble in Germany in the summer.
“My boxer ranks second in the rankings of the WBA and [Jean Marc] Mormeck is the next available boxer,” Atlas said.
And, as much as boxing needs another “world” champion about as much as it needs another Klitschko-Solis, it’s likely such a fight would attract a big audience in Germany. Povetkin – who was reportedly close to getting a fight with Haye before the Haye-Klitschko negotiations took a dramatic U-turn and saw to it that the unification bout was at last a go – has a considerable fan base and so does the former cruiserweight king. It’s easy to see a large stadium in Germany (or maybe somewhere else in Europe) being filled for a Povetkin-Mormeck tussle.
Ruslan Chagaev, the former WBA champ and the current mandatory for Haye, may have something to say about it if this match-up happens, but fans better brace themselves for the showdown. Casual fans – even hardcore fans – will likely be even more confused about the state of boxing, as far as who the REAL heavyweight champion is, if this “regular” title match comes off; but what can these fans do about it?
More champions and more championship fights equals more sanctioning fees for the organisations, and these same bodies seem to have a “damned with the consequences” attitude as long as their coffers remain full. Ironically, however, a Povetkin-Mormeck fight would likely be an evenly matched, entertaining little battle. One would have to favour the younger, fresher Povetkin; but neither guy has excelled in recent outings, and the prospective fight between them could go either way.
But even if the possible fight takes place, and even if the action it provides leaves the fans feeling happy in a value for money sense; how on earth could the winner walk around feeling like he is a genuine champion of any kind?