State of the Heavyweight Division Today
An undeniable fact about the state of boxing today is that the heavyweight division is hardly packing a heavyweight punch in terms of quality, talent, and excitement. In the States, the division has arguably never looked so weak, and analysts have been trying to grasp the reasons why for the last five years. They’re quick to point out the sad possible-truth that it’s been 20 years since the emergence of Evander Holyfield, and that the world has already seen its great American heavyweight.
No wonder Stallone can’t seem to quit with the production of the Rocky films. Even he’s mourning the regrettable state of affairs.
Of course, as soon as one considers the division today, fingers point to the achievers, the Klitschko brothers, who’ve dominated formidably if not attractively for the past few years. The problem in part is that these fighters don’t want to be the next Muhammad Ali any more. For one, they’re getting close to being past their prime; their combined number of fights is close to 100. For two, with the lack of competition taking up board in the heavyweight division today, the Klitschkos can’t be Alis—the opportunities don’t seem to present themselves any more.
At the same time, the brothers can be blamed for the fact that HBO and Showtime are barely interested in boxing any more. Vitali and Wladimir employ an efficient and sometimes cold style that leads to easy, drama-free victories. But nobody, especially audiences, likes drama-free victories. Good boxing has to be like a popular TV series—full of anticipation, plot twists, excitement. But without plot arc it fails to hold up even its own gloves. And while the Klitschkos win, they never win compellingly. They routinely look sloppy, due to their size, and become about as fun to watch as a group of slow motion road workers.
There would be hope if they would fight each other. That would be drama. But because that won’t happen, we’re left with mediocrity and dullness.
In the last while, Wladimir has taken out No. 5 heavyweight Rulan Chaaev, and No. 6 Eddie Chambers, both of whom were stopped by the champion. Vitali TKO’d No. 10 Chris Arreola, and decisioned Kevin Johnson, also both top ten guys. But while the brothers continue to dominate and generate good business for Germany, it rubs the shine off up-and-coming American heavyweights.
The best that can be hoped for is more exciting heavyweights with fresher status and currency fight each other regardless what titles are at stake. That list includes No. 4 Tomasz Adamek and Arreola, who was outpointed in an entertaining 12-round bout in April, titleholder and No. 2 David Haye, and the undefeated Alexander Povetkin, No. 3. Povetkin, who is being trained by Teddy Atlas, will take on Wladimir on Sept. 11th in Germany. While we can’t call any shots, conventional wisdom says Klitschko will prevail, having the experience and fuel to take the younger fighter out. But it won’t do anything for the business of boxing — just uphold a measly status-quo.
Aside from those guys, excitement remains in the distant future. Chambers is a skilled guy who’d probably do better at cruiser weight. Veteran Sam Peter and older veteran David Tua seem destined to let us down, despite the latter’s insistence to the contrary. Chagaev and Valuev can be utilized in their own ways, but finding a better verb to describe their action proves difficult.
But just because the TV networks have lost some interest in the heavies, doesn’t mean that we all should. Klitschko and Povetkin is the biggest match maker for the time being, until the Americans get with the program.
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