Why have there been so few southpaw heavyweight champions?

You ask why ? because there are more right handed people better odds

I understand that, but if you look at the lower weights southpaws seem to be much more successful. LHW recently has had Stevenson and Dawson. SMW has had DeGale, Calzaghe, Bute and Andre Dirrell. MW has Lee and Sergio. So on and so forth. Heavyweight to me, seems a division in which southpaw have historically had less success. I think those are the exception, rather than the rule.

There are many more right handed people in general. Only one person in 8 is left handed. how many southpaw champions are their in general? we would probably struggle to name more than a few per era in other divisions as well I understand that, but if you look at the lower weights southpaws seem to be much more successful. LHW recently has had Stevenson and Dawson. SMW has had DeGale, Calzaghe, Bute and Andre Dirrell. MW has Lee and Sergio. So on and so forth. Heavyweight to me, seems a division in which southpaw have historically had less success.

ruslan chagaev

how many southpaw champions are their in general? we would probably struggle to name more than a few per era in other divisions as well

There are many more right handed people in general. Only one person in 8 is left handed.

Pretty basic question really. If I recall correctly, Michael Moorer was the first even southpaw heavyweight champ and that was in 1994. The only other guy I can think of is Corrie Sanders. Any thoughts on why this is? You forgot Chris Byrd. My assumption would be that southpaws are on average lesser punchers than orthodox fighters. If you start counting, of course you will find examples of big lefty punchers. But I said on average. And at heavyweight being a big puncher probably has more importance than in lower weights. Being "slick" does not quite cut it at heavy.