Throughout its history, the heavyweight division has been the dominant marquee attraction in the sport of boxing. It’s no secret that in recent years, what amounts to the best part of a decade in fact, the land of the giants has been to put it bluntly, more than a little dull. There has been plenty of action in the lower weight classes to keep us all entertained, but few would argue that boxing is at its most box office when the biggies go to war.
Thankfully this could be all set to change, and not a moment too soon. 2015 could yet transpire to be the year that marks the start of a return to the glory days of the heavy weight contests from years gone by. Following the announcement that a fight between Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury for the Ukrainian’s world heavyweight titles has been confirmed for October 24th in Dusseldorf, Germany, the world is eagerly anticipating what will be the sternest test the reigning champion has had in some time.
Unfortunately the Klitschko name is somewhat maligned outside of true boxing fans, with the prolonged dominance of the two brothers Vitali (now retired from boxing to pursue a career in politics as Mayor of Kiev, head of the Kiev City State Administration) and the younger Wladimir, often held out as the reason interest in heavy weight boxing has dwindled. In their defence, the two can only beat the opponents put in front of them, and although their fighting style may not be the easiest on the eye, or particularly explosive, it is very effective. The durability, consistency and extreme professionalism displayed by the Klitschko’s is something to only be admired; it is down to the rest of the professional ranks to find more credible opposition, and it seems the boxing gods may have answered.
Tyson Fury is by no means guaranteed to beat Klitschko on October 24th, but for the first time in a long while it is conceivable the Ukrainian could lose. Historically Fury has always entertained both inside the ring and out, which will provide a much needed tonic to the string of seemingly routine title defences we have witnessed in the recent past from Wladimir.
Optimism need not be limited to this one fight however, there are a number of other reasons to smile when looking at what the future of the division holds. Deontay Wilder, the reigning WBC world heavyweight champion, has brought with him an element of charisma and razzmatazz that has been sorely missing for so long. With an athletic physique and carrying knock out power in both hands, Wilder has kept the crowds entertained throughout his rapid rise to world championship stardom. The seemingly inevitable faceoff between Wilder and the victor of the Fury v Klitschko bout is really one to look forward too.
All the while there is a Super Star in the making, one Anthony Joshua, 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist and a man yet to be taken beyond a handful of rounds as a professional. Billed by many as the future of the division, the time is coming ever closer for him to be tested in deeper waters. David Price is an opponent many would like to see Joshua in with soon, and a clash with Dillian Whyte offers a grudge match that will certainly be explosive were it to be made. If Joshua remains on the charted course promotors Matchroom have set out for him, a collision with the Wilder’s, Fury’s and Klitschko’s of the world is enviable, if not this year then certainly next.
Also, bubbling away behind the scenes is the impending return from injury of former world champion David Haye. No official date has been announced as yet, however Haye has been in preparations for a return for some time and will undoubtedly add some spice to the mix, however his form in the ring shakes out. And finally, a mention has to go out to Shannon Briggs and his relentless pursuit of a shot at one of the aforementioned fighters; Wladimir Klitschko in particular. His shirtless antics and persistent stalking of the Ukrainian, all to the soundtrack of his now infamous chant of ‘Let’s Go Champ’ has been the source of much comedy for the public, if undoubtedly a source of equally great annoyance to Klitschko. It would seem a must that Briggs will secure a noteworthy fight in the near future, which could provide some of the most entertaining fight build up that we have seen in quite some time.
The return to form of boxing’s tree division is something we’ve all been waiting for. 2015 looks to be the year we start to get our wish. Whatever the future holds, there is no doubt the next ten years will be more exciting and action packed than the last ten that have passed us by. Watch this space!
- Matthew Lynch / @Matthew_Lynch_
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