Comments Thread For: Search Continues For The Heavyweight Throne Contender

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Jake Donovan - The greatest complaint that came with Vitali Klitschko’s return to the ring two years ago was that it would present a scenario in which a true heavyweight king could never be established as long as he and younger brother (and current lineal champion) Wladimir were at the top of the heap.

The only way for that matter to be decided would be for the siblings to break a promise made to their mother that they would never face each other in the ring.

Given his familial situation, Vitali can be forgiven for his reluctance to challenge for what was once regarded as the sport’s highest prize. You don’t have to like it, but at least respect it.

But what the hell is everyone else’s excuse?

An ugly trend has developed in recent years, with heavyweights reaching a certain point in the rankings where they are presented with two choices: fight a Klitschko, or sit on your ranking?

Far too many have been choosing the latter, which only further contributes to the already waning interest in the land of big boys. The result has been a reshuffling of the heavyweight deck, where top fighters are losing their lofty rankings based on their refusal to accept the challenge, leaving less desirable pretenders to take their place in what ultimately becomes yet another Klitschko mismatch.

It’s the reason why Shannon Briggs is challenging for a heavyweight belt this weekend, despite having done absolutely nothing of merit since winning a strap four years ago. It’s also the reason why by this time next year, Denis Boytsov will most likely remain undefeated, but no further along in his career than he is at this present time. [Click Here To Read More]

[PRBOXINGCOTTO]

the bros clean out the hw division of fat not committed fat guys

[FloydTBE]

War Chisora

[j69madrox]

My Heavweight Thoughts

Lets hope Solis beats Austin. I'd hate to see Austin get another shot. I don't think Solis would beat Vitali but atleast someone new would have a shot.

I like this four man tournament, if I'd actually get to see the fights, but unless they pop up on youtube I won't get a chance to see them. Like the idea though, although everyone in it is used up and undeserving, but I guess thats what you get when everyone else is too much of a ***** to face the best.... I cringe at the thought of Klitschko Fat Eddie 2.

David Haye better knock Harrison out and fight one of the Klitschkos by next summer. Even if he has to go through Chagaev first. I hate to say it but I think he's the only one in the division with a shot at either brother, and as crazy as it may sound I think he has a better chance of beating Vitali. He should fight Vitali first, because IF he were able to beat him he could face Wladamir for the true Undisputed title.

As far as Derek Chisora goes, I wish him the best. Atleast he has the balls to fight him. But what is the catch in that fight? Chisora is unbeaten? Hell if thats the case, put Tyson Fury in with the Klitschkos. Atleast he prevents something the Klitschko's havn't had to face in a size disadvantage. Still Wanna see Valuev against one of them.

[Evil Abed]

Chisora does not impress me in the least.

I'd favor Povetkin, Arreola, Thompson and Chambers over this dude.

Good luck to him.

[Dave Rado]

About time a boxing journalist not named Rafael told it like it is regarding Haye's pathetic behaviour and the impossible position the Klitschkos are in. Good article, Jake. It's getting extremely boring how many idiots are blaming the Klitschkos for the fact that none of the top contenders have any desire to fight them; and Haye's pretence that he does want to fight them, when he clearly doesn't, and the fact that so few journalists are willing to clearly call him on it, is simply appalling.

I think Haye's strategy is obvious. Vitali has noticeably slowed down in the past year and is starting to show serious signs of ageing. Haye is planning to finally fight Vitali late next year, by which time he thinks Vitali may have slowed enough for Haye's speed to be decisive. He knows he has no chance against Wlad, and if he fights Wlad at all it won't be until he has (a) fought Vitali and he hopes, beaten him; and (b) cashed out some more with a few defences of a by then unified title, against lesser fighters, which will make him a lot of money in the UK if he has beaten Vitali by then.

And he'll pretend that, in fighting Vitali first, he's taking on the tougher brother, whereas in reality he'll have cherry-picked Vitali because he thinks that's the only fight he has a hope of winning, and even then, only because he had managed to spin it out until Vitali had slowed down. And the British boxing press will go along with his pretence that he's taken the tougher fight.

It's a deeply cynical game he's playing (because it's good for his bank balance but very bad for the sport, and because it relies on the gullibility of boxing fans and the connivance of boxing journalists in order for it to work); but I wouldn't mind so much if it weren't that hardly anyone is calling him on it.

[Dave Rado]

As far as Derek Chisora goes, I wish him the best. Atleast he has the balls to fight him. But what is the catch in that fight? Chisora is unbeaten? Hell if thats the case, put Tyson Fury in with the Klitschkos.

Chisora is ranked #14 by boxrec and has convincingly beaten a couple of British fighters who are leagues above Tyson Fury. He's certainly not elite but he's the best fighter who had the balls to step up.

[toysale]

About time a boxing journalist not named Rafael told it like it is regarding Haye's pathetic behaviour and the impossible position the Klitschkos are in. Good article, Jake. It's getting extremely boring how many idiots are blaming the Klitschkos for the fact that none of the top contenders have any desire to fight them; and Haye's pretence that he does want to fight them, when he clearly doesn't, and the fact that so few journalists are willing to clearly call him on it, is simply appalling.

I think Haye's strategy is obvious. Vitali has noticeably slowed down in the past year and is starting to show serious signs of ageing. Haye is planning to finally fight Vitali late next year, by which time he thinks Vitali may have slowed enough for Haye's speed to be decisive. He knows he has no chance against Wlad, and if he fights Wlad at all it won't be until he has (a) fought Vitali and he hopes, beaten him; and (b) cashed out some more with a few defences of a by then unified title, against lesser fighters, which will make him a lot of money in the UK if he has beaten Vitali by then.

And he'll pretend that, in fighting Vitali first, he's taking on the tougher brother, whereas in reality he'll have cherry-picked Vitali because he thinks that's the only fight he has a hope of winning, and even then, only because he had managed to spin it out until Vitali had slowed down. And the British boxing press will go along with his pretence that he's taken the tougher fight.

It's a deeply cynical game he's playing (because it's good for his bank balance but very bad for the sport, and because it relies on the gullibility of boxing fans and the connivance of boxing journalists in order for it to work); but I wouldn't mind so much if it weren't that hardly anyone is calling him on it.

I completely agree with this post and do think that Haye's being as tactical as possible to ensure he's got a nice retirement fund. He wants to retire by the age of 30/31 (whatever it was, next year anyways) and seems to be in it for the money more than anything else.

The fight with Audley is a bigger split in his favor no doubt and should draw a fair audience (within the UK at least, not America). Then if Vitali (as you said above) is slow enough for Haye to be confident in winning, then he'll take that fight - in hope of being entitled to a draw of 40/45% at least against Wlad (should he get passed Vitali) so he can happily leave boxing with a lot of money regardless of the outcome.

If he beats Wlad/Vitali within 2011, he'll leave saying he cleaned up the division (?) and unified it which is all he set out to do. If he loses then the better man won and he'll retire with a decent bit of money from the fight. I can't see him taking a rematch if he loses the first fight IMO.

However, with a bit of luck, Chisora takes the titles from Wlad!! Got a lot more respect for Chisora than Haye considering how inexperienced he is and that he was willing to take so little money with rematch clauses in the contract. Good on you Del Boy!!

[Lacrimosa]

About time a boxing journalist not named Rafael told it like it is regarding Haye's pathetic behaviour and the impossible position the Klitschkos are in. Good article, Jake. It's getting extremely boring how many idiots are blaming the Klitschkos for the fact that none of the top contenders have any desire to fight them; and Haye's pretence that he does want to fight them, when he clearly doesn't, and the fact that so few journalists are willing to clearly call him on it, is simply appalling.

I think Haye's strategy is obvious. Vitali has noticeably slowed down in the past year and is starting to show serious signs of ageing. Haye is planning to finally fight Vitali late next year, by which time he thinks Vitali may have slowed enough for Haye's speed to be decisive. He knows he has no chance against Wlad, and if he fights Wlad at all it won't be until he has (a) fought Vitali and he hopes, beaten him; and (b) cashed out some more with a few defences of a by then unified title, against lesser fighters, which will make him a lot of money in the UK if he has beaten Vitali by then.

And he'll pretend that, in fighting Vitali first, he's taking on the tougher brother, whereas in reality he'll have cherry-picked Vitali because he thinks that's the only fight he has a hope of winning, and even then, only because he had managed to spin it out until Vitali had slowed down. And the British boxing press will go along with his pretence that he's taken the tougher fight.

It's a deeply cynical game he's playing (because it's good for his bank balance but very bad for the sport, and because it relies on the gullibility of boxing fans and the connivance of boxing journalists in order for it to work); but I wouldn't mind so much if it weren't that hardly anyone is calling him on it.

Very true!

[myau1]

I too think the press is rather unfair to the Klitschko's and all to fair and easy on David Haye. Haye talks and makes excuses more than he fights yet no one but Dan over at ESPN is tough on the guy. I'd like to see everyone be much harder on Haye, he's certainly earned it!

If anyone or anything is to blame its the sheer and shameful lack of talent, skill, dedication, experience, and fortitude in the heavyweight division that's responsible for piss poor matches as far as the Klitschko's are concerned anyway. In Haye's case he deliberately chooses the softest and safest route for reasons we're all to familiar with.

I think it will be many years before there is a wealth of talent and a willingness to take risks in that division.