By Joe Harrison
In 2008, the heavyweight division had some interesting developments. To begin with, Wladimir Klitschko defeated Sultan Ibragimov to unify the IBF and WBO heavyweight belts. He is the first heavyweight to become a unified champion since Lennox Lewis [who officially retired in 2004]. Wladimir brought hope to the boxing fans everywhere who were dreaming of an undisputed heavyweight champion. At the time, the other title-holders were the WBA champ Ruslan Chagaev, and the WBC champ Samuel Peter. Many wanted Wladimir to face either of them, and attempt to unify three of the major world titles. Unfortunately, this would not happen.
To further complicate things, former champion, Vitali Klitschko, would come out of retirement and face Samuel Peter for the WBC title. Not only was it interesting to see Vitali defeat Peter to win back his belt, but we were reminded that there was absolutely no chance for a "single" champion because the Klitschko brothers will never face each other. Crowning an undisputed champion may not happen in the near future, unless someone is able to defeat one or both of the Klitschko brothers.
The term "two-headed Klitschko monster" is commonly used now by boxing analysts such as Jim Lampley and Max Kellerman to describe the Klitschko brothers as if they were a single boxer since the fighters will clearly never fight each other. Perhaps Wladimir could make things interesting by winning the WBA belt at some point, unifying three of the titles while his brother holds the fourth. Could that happen?
At this point, the WBA title may not be up for grabs for at least a year. The WBA champion, Nikolai Valuev, has gotten Evander Holyfield out of the way, but he now has to focus on Ruslan Chagaev, the WBA "champion in recess". Chagaev is finally returning after healing from his injury and will take face Carl Davis Drumond on February 7th. Unless Valuev is willing to take another fight within the first few months of '09, he will most likely face Chagaev in his next bout.
Even if the WBA title was available for either of the Klitschko brothers to go after, they have already made their intentions known. Wladimir is interested in getting his IBF mandatory obligation out of the way, and that obligation is named Alexander Povetkin. As for Vitali, it was recently announced that he and David Haye intend on facing each other in June. Vitali has an obligation to defend the WBC title against Juan Carlos Gomez, but it is becoming more apparent that Vitali will face Haye with or without the WBC belt.
For now, we are stuck with this "Two-headed Klitschko monster" and two WBA champions. Perhaps 2009 will make for another interesting year. As we end the year 2008, let us take a look at each of today's top heavyweights.
1. Wladimir Klitschko (IBF/WBO) – Now that "Dr. Steelhammer" has annihilated Hasim Rahman, he will most likely face his IBF mandatory challenger, Alexander Povetkin, in the early part of 2009. If by some circumstance he chooses to face a hand-picked opponent first, he has until September of '09 to face Povetkin. The only other name being spoken of was former undisputed cruiserweight champ David Haye, but it appears that Haye has chosen to face Vitali Klitschko instead.
2. Vitali Klitschko (WBC) - After retiring from the sport of boxing three years ago, and being inactive for four year, "Dr. Ironfist" returned to the ring and scored a lop-sided victory over Samuel Peter to win back his WBC title. So what is next for Vitali? It was recently announced that Vitali and David Haye verbally agreed to face each other in London in June of '09. If they do indeed face each other, one can only wonder of Vitali will stay inactive until then.
3. Ruslan Chagaev (WBA champion in "recess") – After canceling his rematch with Nikolay Valuev due to an injury, the “White Tyson” will finally return to the ring on February 7th when he faces undefeated and relatively unknown Carl Davis Drumond. After Chagaev defeats Drumond, he will surely push for that rematch with Valuev to determine the true WBA champion.
4. Nikolai Valuev (WBA champion) – When Chagaev stepped out due to an injury, the seven-foot tall Russian was given a rematch with John Ruiz. Upon defeating Ruiz, Valuev became the WBA interim champion. Recently, Valuev successfully made his first defense by decisioning Evander Holyfield. Next up, we may finally see the Chagaev-Valuev rematch to determine the actual WBA champion.
5. Alexander Povetkin (IBF #1 contender ) – Povetkin was in line to face Wladimir Klitschko, but had to back out due to an injury. When he is ready to step back into the ring, Wladimir will be waiting. Klitschko has until September to face Povetkin, but we may not have to wait until then.
6. Samuel Peter (former WBC champ) – Thanks to Vitali Klitschko, the "Nigerian Nightmare" is no longer the WBC champion. It was a horrible way to lose, but Peter should not feel too much shame in losing to Vitali. After all, unless Vitali gets injured or cut, the Ukranian would currently be undefeated. Now the best thing for Peter is to stay busy in order to receive another title opportunity. Some believe that now would be a good time for a showdown between Peter and Chris Arreola.
7. Sultan Ibragimov (former WBO champ) – This former champion needs to get busy. Ever since his loss to Wladimir Klitschko, Ibragimov has been inactive. Taking into account his big wins over names such as Lance Whitaker, Evander Holyfield, and Shannon Briggs, Ibragimov is still a dangerous player in the heavyweight division if he chooses to continue boxing. As long as he stays active, he can be a problem for any of the other champions. Are you out there Ibragimov?
8. Juan Carlos Gomez (WBC #1 contender) – Upon defeating Vladimir Virchis, the "Black Panther" solidified his place as the mandatory challenger to the WBC champ, Vitali Klitschko. Thanks to David Haye, a Gomez-Klitschko match-up may not be happening. Apparently, Vitaly is willing to face Haye with or without the WBC title. There is still a purse bid scheduled for the Gomez-Klitschko bout next month, so we will have answers in due time.
9. Alexander Dimitrenko (WBO #1 contender) – Coming off knockout wins over Timo Hoffman, Derrick Rossy, and Luan Krasniqi, “Sascha” is now among the world's top heavyweights. Whether or not he is capable of defeating IBF/WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko is an entirely different story. What is next for Dimitrenko remains to be seen
10. Chris Arreola (IBF #2 contender) – When it comes to beating heavyweight prospects, “The Nightmare” is always up to the task. There was Thomas Hayes, Chazz Witherspoon, and most recently, Travis Walker. With all the victories, Arreola has gone from prospect to contender. Now he wants Wladimir Klitschko, but he would be wiser to face more experienced opponents before stepping into the lion's den.
Other Notable Mentions:
David Haye – With a knockout victory over Monte Barrett, “The Hayemaker” has finally made an impact in the heavyweight division. Now he only wants the best. He made it clear that he wants Wladimir Klitschko, but is willing to settle for Vitali Klitschko instead. There are already tentative plans for a match-up between Haye and Vitaly to take place in London this upcoming June. If it does take place, does 'The Hayemaker" stand any chance against "Dr. Ironfist"?
Oleg Maskaev (former WBC champ) – Since his knockout loss to Samuel Peter last March, “The Big O” stayed busy by scoring a decision victory over Robert Hawkins. If Maskaev continues boxing, he could be a tough challenge for any of today’s top prospects or contenders. The word now is that Maskaev may actually be in line for a shot at the WBC title?
Kevin Johnson - "Kingpin" continues his winning ways with recent wins over Bruce Seldon and Matthew Greer, both of which were knockout victories, only his seventh and eighth in twenty-two bouts. Still undefeated, the question has arisen; who is the best American heavyweight. Is it Johnson, or maybe Arreola? We may not know unless they fight each other.
Kali Meehan - After his big KO of DaVarryl Williamson last year, “Checkmate” won a tune-up over Jeremy Bates. Then there was talk of Meehan facing Andrew Golota, Nikolai Valuev, or even Ruslan Chagaev. Instead, Meehan went with little-known Dominique Alexander, winning by KO. Will Meehan take on a top contender any time soon?
Ray Austin - Inactive since his KO loss to Wladimir Klitschko in early '07, "The Rainman" won a tune-up against Domonic Jenkins and recently took a bout with Andrew Golota. Austin looked impressive as he knocked Golota down in the opening seconds and would win by a 1st-round TKO. Golota would not come out for the second round, saying he had injured his arm. There may be a rematch when Golota's arm heals, but in the meantime, Austin should stay busy. If Austin is looking to get back into the title scene, now is the time.
