by Niko Tricarico: With his second round knockout of Shane Cameron earlier this month the Heavyweight division seems to have a veteran prospect in David Tua. A sporadic fighter since 2003, he has suddenly reemerged and immediately been deemed a threat and viable challenge for the Heavyweight Title. Throughout his career Tua has shown himself to be a hard headed, bone shattering puncher, but one who lacks the technical skills needed to beat elite fighters. However, one thing the current Heavyweight landscape has proven is that hopes and dreams supersede and subsequently cloud judgment and reality in regards to making legitimate challenges.
Chris Arreola was touted as the fighter harboring the best chance to dethrone the Klitschko brothers. He was built up, nurtured by announcers and hailed as the best American Heavyweight prospect for months prior to the fight. Often criticized for his luxuriant waist line, he slimmed down, claimed focus and tenacity and managed to excite the masses into believing he posed a threat. Through no fault of Arreola’s it seems as though he was pushed into the limelight before his skills had the chance to fully develop as boxing fans watched yet another Klitschko technically outclass his opponent for a lopsided 10 round TKO victory.
There was a buzz about Samuel Peter. Then he fought a Klitschko. There was a buzz about Sultan Ibragimov. Then he fought a Klitschko. In fact, for all the up and coming fighters who have the unfortunate task of reinvigorating the Heavyweight division the Klitschko brothers have dismantled and ultimately disrupted the forward progression of each and every one. In a country that values flash more than skill, we seem to devalue the dominance of the Klitschko’s and especially that of younger brother Vladimir. He is simply not an exciting fighter.
Ironically, what could be called the last electrifying Heavyweight title fight actually did involve a Klitschko when older brother Vitali engaged a seemingly undertrained Lenox Lewis in a bloody and brutal 6 round war of attrition. But that was five years ago in 2004. Now, fighters like Tua and David Haye have incredible opportunities in that the Heavyweight division has murmurs of life again. Tua’s name alone is reminiscent of the great fighters and fights of the 90’s which was a fraternity he was actually once a part of, while Haye, with his loud mouth and impressive power could be just what boxing needs to jump start public appeal in the higher weight classes. Though, what does it say about the division when such high aspirations are placed upon a 36 year old part time fighter and a Cruiserweight with a questionable chin and only 23 fights on his record?
So, in times of desperation, in efforts to inject excitement and enthusiasm and most of all interest into what is supposed to be the most heralded division in the sport, we turn to question marks to hold the reigns. Where is the next great Heavyweight Champ?
Most likely somewhere in the NFL.
Comments are closed.