By David Blair: Much has been written about the dilapidated condition of heavyweight boxing. Its true the division lacks the flair and charisma of an Ali. It also lacks the fierce unpredictability that a Mike Tyson brought to the ring. It can even be stated that it lacks the added dimension of having an American champion like bygone days. The big fights no longer take place in Vegas or under the glaze of the Garden in New York City. Heavyweight boxing is just not itself.

But if we look beyond this, for just long enough, it becomes clear that things are heating up. Love him or loathe him, David Haye (25-1) cannot be ignored. A match up with Wladimir Klitscho is obviously top of the agenda with recent news that he’s willing to do an even 50/50 split of the fight purse. A lot of harsh words have been spoken from both sides but 2011 it seems is the year for the fight the public wants to see finally materialize. Regardless of who wins, whether Wlad’s jab is too good, or Hayes speed and movement too efficient, its obvious the real winner here is boxing.

Asides from this fight it must be acknowledged that the rest of the division is not as ‘dead’ as many people suggest. Russia’s Alexander Povetkin remains undefeated (19-0) with notable wins coming over Chris Byrd and Eddie Chambers in recent years. A good opponent and challenge for such a fighter would of course be with Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Chagaev (26-1-1) whose only defeat came at the hands of Wladimir Klitscho mid 2009. This would give Povetkin the opportunity to show that he has what it takes to challenge one of the Klitscho’s further down the road if he is able to produce a comprehensive victory.

We would also do well to remember that Tomasz Adamek (42-1) is not a million miles away from a potential title shot. Throw into the mix the goliath of boxing Nikolai Valuev (50-2) and it becomes apparent that quite a few interesting fights can be made. The real issue lies in the fact that many of these top ten fighters seem unwilling to face each other and prefer the easier option of fighting nobodies to add to their impressive winning records.

Nevertheless 2011 promises big things, titles may or may not change hands and challengers may or may not step up to the mark. It may not encapsulate the electricity that filled the air when Tyson fought in Vegas or Ali in Manila, but it promises fireworks regardless.