boxing fans - what is the future of the heavyweight division?

[k_jerome]

i remember when this was THE division. i couldn't tell you who the top young guys are now. what is going to happen with this division?

[H2O Man]

1. 2007

will be an interesting year in the heavyweight division. There are a number of good fights scheduled in January & February. The first important bout will be Samuel Peter vs James Toney II. In their first fight, Peter won a close, disputed decision. Boxing's politics resulted in a rematch. There are reports that Toney has trained very hard for this fight, harder than he has in a couple of years. Peter is one of the more exciting young heavyweights in recent times. Both men have flaws, and it is possible for fans to write the bout off. But they are both good fighters, and the winner of this match will beat Oleg Maskaev to win one of the "titles" in their next fight.

Though I do not like him, Wladimir Klitschko has shown that he is very serious about becoming the real heavyweight champion. His KO of Calvin Brock was impressive. He is looking to unite the paper titles, starting in 2007. He is capable of helping define the division in a way that the others are not. He will play the central role in clarifying who the real champion is.

Shannon Briggs has a tough defense of his "title" coming up. He will play an important role in the division if he wins this fight.

Nicolay Valuev is going to fight Jameel McCline. We'll see if the giant is a real contender. Though he has blown big fights in the past, McCline has been focused and dedicated in his last few fights. He has the ability to give anyone a tough fight.

It may take 18 months to straighten out the division, because of the politics involved. But the first 12 are going to be fun for fight fans.

[k_jerome]

2. do you see any one fighter coming...

that will unite the title?

[H2O Man]

3. Good question.

I think there are several who have the ability to do exactly that. Though I do not like him, Klitschko is probably the most likely to unite at least three of the titles in the short run. However, he has a less-than-sturdy chin, and can potentially be knocked out by several of the other fighters.

I like Samuel Peter. He is a work in progress. I am not discouraged by his loss to Klitschko: most people are not undefeated throughout their career. Losing can be a learning experience. I think he has learned, and is improving.

Shannon Briggs has all the tools to beat any heavyweight today. I think he would take Klitschko, though certainly Wladimir has the ability to flatten him, as well. But Briggs has a tough defense coming up.

It's hard to say how good Valuev might be. His huge size gives him some advantages. It would be strange if he were the guy to unite the titles!

I also think Calvin Brock will be one of the best in the division. He should have learned by his loss. I'm encouraged that he has hired Sweet Pea Whitaker to teach him the art of defense.