The HW Division making big comeback !!!

stfu. that sheits been deader than jose's libido. False. The post-Lennox 00's era seen enormous talent too. Sultan Ibragimov Samuel Peter Tony Thompson Ruslan Chagaev Eddie Chambers Chris Byrd Lamon Brewster Chris Arreola David Haye to name a sample. These were excellent boxers. What happened is the locally contested American boxing league was suddenly exposes to a global environment (especially with the opening up of Eastern Europe). The American hype machine was previously able to build a mythology surrounding the talent of it's fighters. Suddenly, some of the above American fighters who were every bit as good, for the most part MUCH better than previous American fighters, LOST to 2 European brothers in particular, they hype machine, turned into a HATE machine. American journalists and "authorities" like Bert Sugar etc make big money by maintaining the glory of times past. Even lesser elves like Ray Corso have vested interests in it too. By promoting this view they protect their own legacies and often line their own accounts too. The HW division has never slumped. Only in the minds of simpletons or bad losers!

It never really went away... People just hold it to mythical standards stfu. that sheits been deader than jose's libido.

The biggest problem with this era of HWs is that the top guys are not fighting each other on a regular basis. They wait out to 'earn' title shots and are inactive. That's not entirely true. At the beginning of their professional career, HW boxers, like the other divisions, all fight on a very regular basis. Prospects today like Wilder for example took a mere 4 years to compile 30 wins. Even the champ Wladimir Klitshko, fought over 20 times in 24 months! Of course, as the level of competition steps up, they fight less often. Because they need longer to convalesce after fights, because their is major business involved in these fights, and because much greater preparation needs to be put in to face these opponents. Previous eras fighters (pre Tyson) did not put in nearly the work to prepare for top opposition. That is not a good method for a blood sport. But I agree there should be some sort of HW tournament held every so often where all the top ranked big men must face off if elimination with a major prize, a bit like UFC has. That's a very good idea!

The biggest problem with this era of HWs is that the top guys are not fighting each other on a regular basis. They wait out to 'earn' title shots and are inactive.

Usyk will be a beast when he moves up

Another point to consider when we are talking athleticism comparisons of Haye and Norton... Haye at CW finished his opponents quickly. You cannot punish a boxer for knocking his opponents out, claiming stamina problems! But most importantly, like all these old time HW champs, they all LOVED to outweigh their opponents. The median opponent weight of Norton's was very low, approximately 200lbs (cruiser). When Haye stepped up to fight REAL HW's (200+), he was not only outweighed, but outweighed MASSIVELY. I shouldn't have to tell you that bigger guys sap the energy of smaller fighters. It's much harder to fight big men than small men. Hence divisions.

thanks for the laugh LOL! I think another fella captured it above. Not since the 90's have we seen so many tough big guys stacking the division. I stand by what I said resolutely. If you cannot see the strength of the division, it's your loss!

David Haye hasn't fought in years and was gassing after 4 rounds vs Chisora, he can hardly go 12 let alone 15. Steve Cunningham is in good shape, he's certainly ripped. Not sure I'd call him an established heavyweight since he's only fought at the weight a couple of times. and he also comes from a similar army type background as Norton. Norton looked pretty ripped to me. But from a guy who thinks Mormeck would beat Foreman I honestly don't care much for your opinion. So which others? Ironically Mormeck was more athletic too. Yeah sure, Norton was extremely athletic, that's what he had going for him exclusively. Haye gassed out after 4 rounds? Haye STOPPED Chisora, sorry but I can't blame him for that! Haye has gone 12 before, rendering your point nothing less than ridiculous. And it's been argued out completely many times before with you that the stamina requirements to go 15 rounds as opposed to 12 is very negligible firstly, and secondly takes no account of muscle weight and explosiveness of performance which Norton had less of and Haye has in abundance. And I never said Mormeck would beat Foreman. I said that Mormeck would be among the best opponents Foreman would have ever faced in the 70's, if not the best.

The HW division is absolutely stacked atm... Wladimir Klitschko David Haye (assuming comeback) Bermane Stiverne Chris Arreola Kubrat Pulev Deonatay Wilder Tyson Fury Bryant Jennings Carlos Takam Alexander Povetkin Mike Perez Dereck Chisora etc etc etc Tell me when there has been a time when this many guys in the top 15 have been so good+tough+hard to beat at HW? Probably never! thanks for the laugh LOL!

David Haye, Steve Cunningham to instantly name 2 others. And the list could continue. Consider that Norton lived in the time before training specificity and "other things" And consider Norton doesn't "LOOK" as athletic as certain other HW's. Important^ Imagine what fans today would say about Norton would he bring such a record to our times! David Haye hasn't fought in years and was gassing after 4 rounds vs Chisora, he can hardly go 12 let alone 15. Steve Cunningham is in good shape, he's certainly ripped. Not sure I'd call him an established heavyweight since he's only fought at the weight a couple of times. and he also comes from a similar army type background as Norton. Norton looked pretty ripped to me. But from a guy who thinks Mormeck would beat Foreman I honestly don't care much for your opinion. So which others?

Which established fighter is more athletic than Norton today? :lol1: other than Wlad. David Haye, Steve Cunningham to instantly name 2 others. And the list could continue. Consider that Norton lived in the time before training specificity and "other things" And consider Norton doesn't "LOOK" as athletic as certain other HW's. Important^ Imagine what fans today would say about Norton would he bring such a record to our times!

Looking back, Povetkin could have carried the heavyweight division in the US if he had fought there.

To answer OP, i think it's picking up as well. Mostly because there's one champ now and people are willing to fight other people to get a shot. When the belts were spread across the globe, you didn't have to beat anyone to get a shot. There are a few good fights coming up and a few good up and comers like Joshua and Parker. I like it. I agree. its by far better now and matches are being made

To answer OP, i think it's picking up as well. Mostly because there's one champ now and people are willing to fight other people to get a shot. When the belts were spread across the globe, you didn't have to beat anyone to get a shot. There are a few good fights coming up and a few good up and comers like Joshua and Parker. I like it.

Norton started to box pro aged 20, was skilled but not very skilled. Was very athletic, but not as athletic as today even nearly. Was glassed jawed, got dropped by every serious punching HW he ever faced even by puncher bums like Shavers for instance. Frazier was JUST a joke. And I do mean JUST! Which established fighter is more athletic than Norton today? :lol1: other than Wlad.

Yeah, the HW is starting to create a good buzz. Good for all HW fans :boxing: I agree! Good for all fans of the sport seeing as the Heavyweight division is historically the 'glamour' division so to speak...Like they used to say, the greatest prize in sport was the heavyweight title! Hopefully the next few years can spark some excitement back into the division after a long noted period of it being at a very low point for many recent years. Personally I am very interested in the UK HW's at the moment and hope the rise of Joshua can bring something about at world level. Exciting times await us hopefully...

It never really went away... People just hold it to mythical standards Truth right here!

The HW division is absolutely stacked atm... Wladimir Klitschko David Haye (assuming comeback) Bermane Stiverne Chris Arreola Kubrat Pulev Deonatay Wilder Tyson Fury Bryant Jennings Carlos Takam Alexander Povetkin Mike Perez Dereck Chisora etc etc etc Tell me when there has been a time when this many guys in the top 15 have been so good+tough+hard to beat at HW? Probably never! Best since mid 1990's. Add Charles Martin,Braezale, Washington, Shimmell and Nate Heaven.

If the HW division had fighters like Norton and Frazier the division would still be huge. I want to see a HW ready to rumble at all costs. You DO have a HW division with guys like Frazier and Norton. They are called "journeymen" "tomato cans" or "amateur boxers" today ;)

Audley harrison is coming back TRUSS ! :boxing: