THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: A TIMELINE OF A SAD DECLINE

Story by Dennis Kweku Moore, boxing analyst writer and commentator

Quite recently the Heavyweight Division has become a complete empty circus full of drama and has lost the mean control of the then heralded 200ibs division.

Indeed, some of us have read about heavyweight greats in the likes of Joe Frazier, Joe Louis, Larry Holmes, Mohammed Ali, Soni Liston, amongst others whose predatory instincts in the ring portrayed fear, instilling respect in the “noble art of self defence”.

Our generation would however be abreast with boxers of the 1990s to the 2000s era who continued the Phobic ring legacies of the aforementioned. Names like Iron Mike Tyson, James Buster Douglas, Evander Real Deal Holyfield, George Foreman, Riddick Big Daddy Bowe, Lennox Lewis etc were electrifying in all spheres. Simply ruthless in their respective assignments. The names were there. The reign in that division was not like any California musical chairs for a kindergarten party. Never.

I recall watching this particular fight on three occasions: The Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield and Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe trilogy. That was apt. That was no joke. That was when the Americans endured true dominance in that division. The Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield ring battles could surpass every action we are seeing this time around. I stand to be corrected. But that is a fact.

So moving forward, I tend to ask: What is happening to these current crop of heavyweights? Why has the division turned into “an organized chess for juveniles at the Accra sports stadium? “

Andy Ruiz, Joseph Parker, Anthony Joshua, Oleksandar usyk,Robert Hellinius, and others are no more household attractions. The Klitchkos have sublimed into thin air.

I also do think the horde of santioning bodies is also preventing better fighters from fighting each other. And this is inevitably decreasing the ability of fighters to increase skills by better competition.

Can you imagine Tyson Fury’s stance now? He wanting to fight Usyk now to unify all titles? It used to be that the best fought the best but nowadays it is simply not the case.

Currently as we speak, Fury is the top dog. Unquestioned. He is a cagey, ring smart giant who uses his size and fundamental skills well, and not particularly fast. His body is waterlogged for a giant in the ring. His two nemesis Joshua and Wilder are downtown body builders.

Anthony Joshua perhaps has become the blooming petal now, the most wanted , and indeed commanding boxing eyeballs now. Notwithstanding his duo decision losses to Usyk, Joshua has received unbelievable offers from the Gypsy King which he cannot deny. He simply unless otherwise.

Usyk is playing laughable chess this time round, sarcastically ignoring the calls for a showdown with Fury. Meanwhile, the same person called the Gypsy King out. So what the heck are they toying this division with?

I have the belief that the current crop of heavyweights we have are more bigger and muscular than those past. The skill of the art is lost.

Compare current champion Usyk in the ring to Bowe or Holyfield, I wouldn’t mention Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis. Nothing is enjoyed.

Premiership heavyweight boxing needs to be fully enjoyed. We got to breath the agility, power, speed and control. Heavyweight Champions are unable to defend titles for not more than 5 years. Anthony Joshua had a swashbuckler with former champion Wladmir Klitschko. Good fight. But still ,none comparable to the Holmes / Ali or Real Deal/ Tyson tangos.

Dyllian Whyte is almost always unpredictable. His loss to Fury was very predictable. For me he showed no class of ability compared to Otto Walin who had a miniature statue but “served” Fury what he deserved.

Some new entrants also coming in for me would not be too a statement to predict a dominance in the division: Jared “Big Baby” Anderson, Joe Joyce,Frank Sanchez, Micheal Hunter and a few ones . Ortiz is gonner.

Nothing seems to be sumptuous in the 200Ibs if late. Absolutely nothing. The Eddie Hearns, Frank Warrens, should engage the best and flatten the comics for more action. Outrageous purses have eaten into the fabric of the division and stalling ring progress. The followers of the sport needs better spectacles. Better fights.

Some few months to end the year and there is still little emergence of a saviour who could ” deflate the clout” of Tyson Fury. None.

As a Ghanaian boxing writer, and a keen advocate of the Sport, and a firm believer that there is life after death, no one, I repeat,no one can beat Fury at this stage. That ends there.

Luiz Ortiz,when asked about his favourite boxer, mentions Lennox Lewis. Perfect. I miss Lennox.

I will pause here and forever dedicate my love for the sport to one special pugilist in this division who affirmed his contribution of power,speed and skills into modern day classroom tutorials: Riddick Big Daddy Bowe!!!

Email: moorecycling67@gmail.com