By Adam Fillingham: Ukrainian super brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko have dominated the heavyweight division for years and now for the first time the brothers hold all the major belts. Last Saturday Wladimir defeated David Haye to claim the World Boxing Association (WBA) strap, the only belt that separated the Klitschko’s from full domination of the heavyweight division.
With David Haye now out of the way who is there for the Klitschko’s to defeat? Only a hand full of half decent challengers remain; none that will bring the excitement of Haye.
Tomasz Adamek (44-1) – Former Light heavyweight and Cruiserweight world champion is now looking to secure a third weight class to his resume. Adamek faces Vitali Klitschko later this year but few are giving the Pole much of a chance against the bigger brother. I cant see Thomasz doing much to secure a win against Vitali either but saying that he has a better chance than anyone.
Robert Helenius (15-0) -Robert Helenius shot to fame after the shock win over Nigeria’s ex world champion Samuel Peter. The “Nordic Nightmare” knocked out Peter in the 9th round in only his fifteenth fight. Other than that Helenius’ record is patchy with few notable wins, but a big defeat over Siarhei Liakhovich could push him to a world shot.
Alexander Povetkin (21-0) – Undefeated, highly ranked challenger Povetkin has had the chance to fight Wladimir before but unfortunately he was injured in training and has yet to be given the fight. Alexander has notable wins over Chris Byrd and “fast” Eddie Chambers but any other fighters on his record are below par. Hopefully we will see a Wladimir/Povetkin bout in the next year or so.
Derek Chisora (14-0) – Another undefeated prospect is Derek Chisora. Derek was meant to be fighting Wladimir Klitschko last winter before Wladimir pulled out through injury. Chisora now has a fight lined up with fellow prospect Tyson Fury which could end up being an eliminator for a world title shot.
Jean Marc Mormeck (36-4) – Ex cruiserweight world champion Mormeck has not looked like the same fighter since moving up to the heavyweight division. The thirty nine year old Frenchman hasn’t easily won a fight in his three bouts at heavyweight but with a desolate division Jean could get himself a shot.
David Tua (52-3-2) – Thirty eight year old new Zealander David Tua has been on route for another world title shot since he came back in 2009. David unfortunately hit a bit of a hurdle now after a draw with journeyman Monte Barrett which now brings an up hill struggle for the experienced veteran. Next up for Tua is a rematch with Barrett.
Also for the Klitschko’s are rematches with David Haye, Eddie Chambers, Chris Arreola and Tony Thompson but what is the point? If the Klitschko’s fight and train in the same fashion as the original fights these fighters will once again have no chance. Once the brothers have defeated a handful of the above fighters they should retire and bask in the legendary status.
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