I think it's time that the Heavyweight division gets the respect it deserves

[dc6112]

The Heavyweights may not be the most eye pleasing group of characters, but I think it's time we stop selling this division short. There are alot of up and comers, as well as some very solid vets populating this division.

To name a few

Vitali Klitschko
Wlad Klitschko
David Haye
Alex Povetkin
Sam Peter
Nikolai Valuev
Tomasz Adamek
Chris Arreola
Ruslan Chagaev
Eddie Chambers


Now, granted, some of these names are not as good as the others, and the Klitschkos still stand above the rest, but there are alot of good matchups(skill wise) that can still be made within the division. There's also vets in the division who I didn't mention.

I'm not saying the heavies are the best division, or even top 2 or 3. But I think it gets alot more hate than it deserves because the majority of heavies are not American. That makes it harder to get interested in them, but it shouldn't be a reason to look down on them skill-wise. If you look at the names, this group is certainly better than some other lists of top heavies that have existed with the past 20-30 years.

As always, other opinions are more than welcome. Let me know what you think about this point of view.

[The Hammer]

Good thread.

The Klitschkos, Povetkin, Haye, Boytsov, Ibragimov, Glazkov, Pulev and several others are very good and would have been considered so at any other time in heavyweight history. But the real problem is, they are not American.

[THE REED]

Good thread.

The Klitschkos, Povetkin, Haye, Boytsov, Ibragimov, Glazkov, Pulev and several others are very good and would have been considered so at any other time in heavyweight history. But the real problem is, they are not American.

Why is that the real problem?

[Spray_resistant]

Other than the K-bros there are no real great fighters there but alot of good ones and Eddie Chambers would be exceptional at CW and maybe even a real big name in another HW era.

[dc6112]

Other than the K-bros there are no real great fighters there but alot of good ones and Eddie Chambers would be exceptional at CW and maybe even a real big name in another HW era.

Well thats my point. There usually are only 1 or 2 "great" fighters even in the best divisions in boxing. Super Middle has Ward and Bute, and below them are a bunch of very good fighters. But Super MW gets described as being one of the best divisions in boxing, and is said to be loaded with talent. So why isn't the same said about the Heavies. And even if it's not on par with the SMW division, why is it hated on as being one of the worst divisions in boxing right now?

[Spray_resistant]

Well thats my point. There usually are only 1 or 2 "great" fighters even in the best divisions in boxing. Super Middle has Ward and Bute, and below them are a bunch of very good fighters. But Super MW gets described as being one of the best divisions in boxing, and is said to be loaded with talent. So why isn't the same said about the Heavies. And even if it's not on par with the SMW division, why is it hated on as being one of the worst divisions in boxing right now?

Americans have this ideal view of the HW division and mild mannered technically skilled Vitali and Wlad don't fit that ideal but I am certain they will he given the respect they already have earned as ATG HWs once they retire.

dominating your era pretty much ensures that status, I remember Lennox being criticized in the same way Wlad is now when he was active, now look at how he is revered just a few year after he hung them up.

[ForemanGrill]

My opinion is this: Most heavyweights aren't in good shape. As athletes, I can't take them seriously. They're making a lot of money, so the least they could do is come into fights looking like guys in the lower divisions do.

Also, you've got two dudes at the top that no one can touch. Good fights are dramatic. The Klitschko fights are never dramatic because they're always so one-sided. And then you have the fact that the so-called top contenders don't want to fight the Klitschkos. Even worse, these two top dogs refuse to fight each other because they promised their mother that they wouldn't.

I know ducking and politics are part of other divisions, but we let it go because there are also a lot of really great fights as well.

I would love for the heavyweight division to regain its former glory. But that won't happen as long as you've got two good champs, and a bunch of fat bums who either won't fight the champs, or can't beat the champs.

Just my two cents. =D

[KickAzz]

the HW division is garbage. sorry.

[dc6112]

the HW division is garbage. sorry.

compared to what? Please post the 3rd or 4th strongest division in boxing, and it's rankings. I would love to see how the names stack up.

[sicko]

other then the Klitchko's, nobody will remember this ERA of Heavyweight Boxing

it is one of the least talked about divisions right now