The heavyweight division has traditionally always been the premier division in world boxing. Ali, Frazier, Louis, Marciano, Lewis, Foreman and Tyson, the list goes on. Some of the biggest names in boxing history are heavyweights, but it has been a while since a new superstar emerged. The big hitters have taken a back seat in recent years with fighters like Mayweather, Pacquiao, Cotto, Mosley and Hopkins lighting up the Vegas strip, the fight capital of the world. However, the heavyweights are coming back. We take a look at some of the fighters who are putting the spark back in the million dollar division.
For the past decade, Wladimir Klitschko and his brother, Vitali, have ruled the heavyweight division but that dominance is coming to an end. Vitali has retired and started a new career in politics and Wladimir doesn’t have many fights left. New fighters are coming through, big punchers and big talkers, some both. It is exactly what the division needs.
Deontay Wilder is a brash American who can talk the talk and walk the walk. The ‘Bronze Bomber’ holds the prestigious WBC heavyweight title, the only major belt that Wladimir doesn’t have. Wilder has got there in style too, stopping all but one of his 33 opponents. Wilder is media friendly and knows how to play the game, bringing some much needed attention back to the heavyweight scene.
Another man doing that, sometimes for the wrong reasons is Tyson Fury. Controversial to say the least, Fury has made a name for himself for his behaviour outside of the ring, perhaps even more so than his performances in it. That’s the game though and Fury knows how to play it. Unbeaten in 24 contests, Fury has made himself mandatory challenger for Wladimir’s WBO title and has made no secret of his desire for the fight. It is a big fight in Europe and one that could easily fill a big arena. If Fury were to capture the title, a unification showdown with Wilder would be huge. The pair have already had a number of heated exchanges via social media and this could be the biggest heavyweight fight in recent times if and when it happens. Fury has his critics, he has been down on the canvas a couple of times but always got up and won. For that he deserves credit.
One man making movements behind Fury and Wilder, is British Olympic champion, Anthony Joshua. AJ is quickly becoming a superstar of British boxing. Charming and respectful outside of the ring, AJ is a different beast all together once he steps inside the ropes. Imposing in stature and in prime condition, finding Joshua competitive fights is proving difficult. Everyone that steps in with him is blasted out early in spectacular fashion. Joshua is progressing quickly and those at the top of the heavyweight game will be more than aware of his imminent arrival.
Another fighter from the US making waves is Bryant Jennings. The Philadelphia native suffered his first professional defeat as he challenged Wladimir Klitschko in April earlier this year. Although he lost a wide points decision it was a tough fight for Klitschko and the one of the toughest fights the king of the division has been involved in of late. Jennings is young enough to come again and will look to get himself back in title contention. US fight fans love a heavyweight so Jennings will have public backing to pull him through. A domestic clash with Wilder would be a big fight stateside.
Lower down the ranking but making steady progress is Joseph Parker. The New Zealand born fighter is unbeaten in 13 bouts and has just climbed into the WBO top 10. Still only 23, time is on Parker’s side and the big punching Kiwi has a solid fan base in home country which he will looking to branch out as he gains more experience.
With Floyd Mayweather’s reign as the king of boxing coming to an end, the door is open for someone to step up and take over, or a division. Big punching heavyweights could be the answer. Everyone loves a KO and heavyweight boxing knows how to provide that. The division currently has good fighters in the ring and great talkers outside of it. That is only a good thing for the sport. People spoke about the death of division but no more, heavyweight boxing is back!
– Thomas Flower / @ThomasFlower
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