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An old adage suggests that as the heavyweight division goes, so goes the sport of boxing. The heavyweight champion is generally perceived as being the toughest man alive. Former heavyweight champion James L. Sullivan once remarked "I can lick anyone in the house", a testament to the heavyweight championship being the greatest prize in sports. Similarly, Mike Tyson declared himself "The Baddest Man on the Planet", which is what the heavyweight champion has been interpreted as.
Historically, there have been heavyweight champions that transcended the sport, larger than life icons that became part of pop culture. Legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis captured the imagination of the public, inspiring the next generation of fighters and remaining in the hearts of the fans. We are sorely missing that kind of champion.
From 1999-2003, Lennox Lewis reigned as the heavyweight champion of the world. Save for a brief period in 2001, when Hasim Rahman upset Lewis and held the distinction, he dominated the division, gaining universal recognition for his status as a champion. It didn't matter if Ruiz or Byrd had belts, the public looked to Lewis as The Man in the heavyweight division. Then, in late 2003, he announced his retirement, thus ending the Lennox Lewis era.
So the search for a new champion began, and immediately the public looked towards Ukrainian giant Vitali Klitschko. In 2003, Vitali Klitschko impressed the boxing public with his brave performance against Lennox Lewis, giving the champ all he could handle for six rounds before Klitschko was stopped because of a horrid gash above his left eye. Following Lewis' retirement, Klitschko was considered the front runner to replace the former champion as the ruler of the division, a dominant king that would rule over all that he surveyed. After picking up the WBC title by dismantling Corrie Sanders in 2004 and dismantling Tyson-conqueror Danny Williams, Klitschko prepared to silence his detractors by facing off with the rejuvenated Hasim Rahman. After several postponements due to injury which ultimately led to the cancellation of the bout, Vitali Klitschko retired, leaving the sport once again without a legitimate heavyweight champion.
Following Klitschko's retirement, I analyzed Ring Magazine's heavyweight rankings, and for the first time since glancing at a list that posted Bruce Seldon and Frank Bruno as champions, a feeling similar to discouragement came upon me. However, my journalistic integrity resolved me to set aside the mild depression I experienced and break down the heavyweight division, perhaps adding some clarity, and optimistically find a successor to the heavyweight throne. As per the Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings, here is my analysis of the division.
1. Wladimir Klitschko, 46-3 (41): Prior to his 2003 encounter with journeyman Corrie Sanders, HBO commentator Larry Merchant remarked "Wladimir Klitschko seems so perfect, you almost wonder whats wrong with him." About ten minutes later, we found out what was wrong with him, as a series of left hand power shots dumped Wladimir onto the canvas a total of four times en route to a second round stoppage. After losing to Lamon Brewster by fifth round stoppage in 2004, most boxing pundits wrote him off forever as a contender. However, in such shallow heavyweight times, one big win can catipult you back to the top 10.
In 2005, Wladimir Klitschko faced off against the highly regarded slugger Samuel Peter. In that fight, Wladimir Klitschko was knocked down three times by the then undefeated prospect, but still managed to outpoint him. Off of the strength of that win, Klitschko earned a second fight with IBF titlist Chris Byrd. In seven brutal rounds, Klitschko dropped the champion twice on his way to a seventh round TKO. That fight is primarily the basis for Wladimir being ranked so highly on most heavyweight lists. Wladimir possesses an excellent jab and right hand, but his stamina and chin will remain liabilities that will make his bid to become heavyweight champion of the world a very exciting trip.
2. Hasim "The Rock" Rahman, 41-5-2 (33): Rahman is another fighter who had been written off by the boxing public, only to be called back into active duty to serve in the shallow heavyweight division. Rahman does bring a ton of experience to the division, which goes a long way in such dire times.
In 2001, Rahman stunned the world with a one punch knockout of heavyweight kingpin Lennox Lewis, lifting the title from the champion in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. However, later that year Lewis turned the tables, ending Rahman's reign with one violent right hand in the fourth round of their rematch. Following that loss, Rahman embarked on a puzzling downspin that included losses to Evander Holyfield and Ruiz, and a draw with David Tua on a night in which it appeared he deserved the better fate.
After signing with Don King, Rahman managed wins over no-hopers, which is sufficient credentials to earn you a title shot in the diminished state of the division. After waltzing with Monte Barrett, he signed to fight Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title. That fight fell through following Klitschko's abrupt retirement, awarding Rahman the WBC title. Seeking credability, Rahman squared off with James Toney in the first defense of his title. Over twelve rounds, Rahman appeared to outwork and outmuscle the smaller Toney, only to have the fight declared a draw.
Hasim Rahman is a very physically strong fighter, who's jab and right cross are his most effective punches. While he took up the sport at a late age, he possesses natural athletic talent that has enabled him to adapt to the sport's demands fairly well. Rahman's shortcomings involve his average chin, having been knocked out three times in his career. He also lacks a definitive left hook and the ability to counter punch, and those shortcomings contributed
Historically, there have been heavyweight champions that transcended the sport, larger than life icons that became part of pop culture. Legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis captured the imagination of the public, inspiring the next generation of fighters and remaining in the hearts of the fans. We are sorely missing that kind of champion.
From 1999-2003, Lennox Lewis reigned as the heavyweight champion of the world. Save for a brief period in 2001, when Hasim Rahman upset Lewis and held the distinction, he dominated the division, gaining universal recognition for his status as a champion. It didn't matter if Ruiz or Byrd had belts, the public looked to Lewis as The Man in the heavyweight division. Then, in late 2003, he announced his retirement, thus ending the Lennox Lewis era.
So the search for a new champion began, and immediately the public looked towards Ukrainian giant Vitali Klitschko. In 2003, Vitali Klitschko impressed the boxing public with his brave performance against Lennox Lewis, giving the champ all he could handle for six rounds before Klitschko was stopped because of a horrid gash above his left eye. Following Lewis' retirement, Klitschko was considered the front runner to replace the former champion as the ruler of the division, a dominant king that would rule over all that he surveyed. After picking up the WBC title by dismantling Corrie Sanders in 2004 and dismantling Tyson-conqueror Danny Williams, Klitschko prepared to silence his detractors by facing off with the rejuvenated Hasim Rahman. After several postponements due to injury which ultimately led to the cancellation of the bout, Vitali Klitschko retired, leaving the sport once again without a legitimate heavyweight champion.
Following Klitschko's retirement, I analyzed Ring Magazine's heavyweight rankings, and for the first time since glancing at a list that posted Bruce Seldon and Frank Bruno as champions, a feeling similar to discouragement came upon me. However, my journalistic integrity resolved me to set aside the mild depression I experienced and break down the heavyweight division, perhaps adding some clarity, and optimistically find a successor to the heavyweight throne. As per the Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings, here is my analysis of the division.
1. Wladimir Klitschko, 46-3 (41): Prior to his 2003 encounter with journeyman Corrie Sanders, HBO commentator Larry Merchant remarked "Wladimir Klitschko seems so perfect, you almost wonder whats wrong with him." About ten minutes later, we found out what was wrong with him, as a series of left hand power shots dumped Wladimir onto the canvas a total of four times en route to a second round stoppage. After losing to Lamon Brewster by fifth round stoppage in 2004, most boxing pundits wrote him off forever as a contender. However, in such shallow heavyweight times, one big win can catipult you back to the top 10.
In 2005, Wladimir Klitschko faced off against the highly regarded slugger Samuel Peter. In that fight, Wladimir Klitschko was knocked down three times by the then undefeated prospect, but still managed to outpoint him. Off of the strength of that win, Klitschko earned a second fight with IBF titlist Chris Byrd. In seven brutal rounds, Klitschko dropped the champion twice on his way to a seventh round TKO. That fight is primarily the basis for Wladimir being ranked so highly on most heavyweight lists. Wladimir possesses an excellent jab and right hand, but his stamina and chin will remain liabilities that will make his bid to become heavyweight champion of the world a very exciting trip.
2. Hasim "The Rock" Rahman, 41-5-2 (33): Rahman is another fighter who had been written off by the boxing public, only to be called back into active duty to serve in the shallow heavyweight division. Rahman does bring a ton of experience to the division, which goes a long way in such dire times.
In 2001, Rahman stunned the world with a one punch knockout of heavyweight kingpin Lennox Lewis, lifting the title from the champion in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. However, later that year Lewis turned the tables, ending Rahman's reign with one violent right hand in the fourth round of their rematch. Following that loss, Rahman embarked on a puzzling downspin that included losses to Evander Holyfield and Ruiz, and a draw with David Tua on a night in which it appeared he deserved the better fate.
After signing with Don King, Rahman managed wins over no-hopers, which is sufficient credentials to earn you a title shot in the diminished state of the division. After waltzing with Monte Barrett, he signed to fight Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title. That fight fell through following Klitschko's abrupt retirement, awarding Rahman the WBC title. Seeking credability, Rahman squared off with James Toney in the first defense of his title. Over twelve rounds, Rahman appeared to outwork and outmuscle the smaller Toney, only to have the fight declared a draw.
Hasim Rahman is a very physically strong fighter, who's jab and right cross are his most effective punches. While he took up the sport at a late age, he possesses natural athletic talent that has enabled him to adapt to the sport's demands fairly well. Rahman's shortcomings involve his average chin, having been knocked out three times in his career. He also lacks a definitive left hook and the ability to counter punch, and those shortcomings contributed
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