By Greg Harris: Over the past decade, there has been only one name worth mentioning when speaking about the heavyweight division. that name is, Klitschko. Whether speaking about Wladimir, or his older brother Vitali, you were speaking about the best two heavyweights in the division.
Some have stated that their talents exceed far beyond any other heavyweight in the division. Others have stated that their lack of quality opposition, and robotic boxing style has turned fight fans off from the once glamorous heavyweight division. But with the retirement of Vitali Klitschko, the surge of new, fresh, up and coming heavyweight prospects, and the reemergence of older veterans, could this be the breakout moment for Wladimir Klitschko?
This new chapter of his journey will begin on September 6th 2014, when he defends his championships versus the undefeated, highly ranked, Kubrat Pulev. Pulev is 6’4 with good boxing skills, and lateral movement. He is ranked number one in the heavyweight division, and some have given him a good chance of winning this fight. Will Klitschko maintain his dominance by defeating a young undefeated heavyweight? Or, will the reign of the Klitschko’s finally come to an end? We will have to wait on till September 6th 2014 to find out the answer. But, Assuming that Wladimir is victorious against Pulev. It’s going to be interesting to see how he handles the upcoming challenges that lie ahead for him. Below is a list of 5:
5. Shannon Briggs– this story alone hypes up the fight. A former world champion returns in top shape, and harasses the heavyweight champ into a big fight. Briggs has been on a winning streak since his come back, and is looking to fight a big name in the division. So, suppose Briggs was able to defeat a fighter like wba regular heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev, and have one or two title defenses against guys like Antonio Tarver, or Steve Cunningham, or maybe one of the young guys like Andy Ruiz Jr, or Hughie Fury, then a fight with Wladimir would definitely one that the boxing world would want to see.
4. Bryant Jennings– a young, undefeated, American heavyweight who has fought his way up the ranks to become the mandatory for the winner of the upcoming wbc heavyweight title fight. Jennings is a high performance athlete, with good offense, good defense, and a boxing IQ that would puzzle most competitors of the sweet science. However, we’ve been down this road with the champ before. Remember Calvin Brock? How about Eddie Chambers? They were fighters who were supposed to test the champions ability, but ended up losing one sided knockouts. The question is, is Jennings a different breed? Can he accomplished a task so many others before him have failed to accomplish? As a fight fan, I can’t wait to find out.
3. Tyson Fury– a 6’9 undefeated heavyweight who’s arrogant attitude, and rugged style has made him a top contender in the heavyweight division. His over-the-top antics, and heart, and bravery in the ring has made him must see tv. Fury has taunted the champ on numerous occasions, and a fight between the two could soon be on the radar. The thing that makes this an intriguing fight is not the size of both men, nor their power. It’s their heart, and determination that makes this fight intriguing. Fury has had his chin tested several times by previous opponents. However, fury was able to recover, on some occasions even pick himself up off the ground, and fight his way to victory. Remembering how Wladimir was ko’d years ago by a smaller aggressive fighter in Corrie Sanders. It will be interesting to see how Wladimir handles the aggressiveness of a 6’9 relentless contender.
2. Bermaine Stiverne– after being wbc mandatory for over two years, his 12 round unanimous decision over Chris Arreola, and his vicious ko of Arreola in their rematch. Stiverne has now emerged as the new wbc heavyweight champion of the world. Sporting a record of 24-1-1-21, Stiverne has now been thrust into the spotlight as the new face of the division, and a showdown between he, and Klitschko seems to be inevitable. However, there are quite a few obstacles in the way of making Klitschko vs Stiverne a reality. Stiverne will have his first test as champion when he faces mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder. If Stiverne is successful in this defense, he will then be faced with the challenge of Bryant Jennings, and the winner of the upcoming Takam vs Povetkin bout. Assuming that Stiverne emerges victorious in these fights. A fight with Wladimir Klitschko will be a fight that fight fans will crave for worldwide.
1. Deontay Wilder– although often questioned for his level of opposition, Wilder is never questioned about his skill, and power. The 6’7 undefeated American bronze medalist sports a record of 32-0-32 as a professional. Wilder has been hailed by the late Emmanuel Stewart as ” the next great American heavyweight,” called ” the hardest punching heavyweight ever,” by Jameel Mccline, and praised as the next big thing by former sparring partners David Haye, and even Wladimir Klitschko himself. However, as with Bermaine Stiverne, there a several obstacles that must be overcome before Klitschko vs Wilder can become a reality. As stated before, Wilder and Stiverne must first face each other, as well as Bryant Jennings, and the Takam/Povetkin winner. Assuming that Wilder is victorious, and emerges as the new wbc heavyweight champion. A fight between Wilder, and Klitschko would probably have the potential to be one of the biggest heavyweight title fights that the world has seen in a very long time. Wilder has the size, speed, and power to match Wladimir in most departments. As a fight fan, I would give Wladimir the edge in skills. But I would consider everything else 50/50 about a fight between the two. If Wilder is able to keep up his winning streak, and ko ratio. I personally see Klitschko vs Wilder as being the fight that brings the glamor back to the heavyweight division.
I feel it’s a little premature to add fighters like Anthony Joshua, or Gerald Washington to the list at this point. Being as though they are still fairly early in their careers. But, the five fighters mentioned above are ready to make history, and end the reign of the current champion. Will this be the end of the Klitschko era? Or will Wladimir rise to each occasion, and show this new crop of heavyweights why he has reigned as champion for so long? I guess the question is, is the great Wladimir Klitschko destined for greatness? Stay tuned fight fans. We’ll all find out soon.
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