I am no longer the boxing expert I was in my youth. I have recently picked up watching the sport again and dont know a lot of the players.
But it seems to me that many of the top heavyweights dont deserve to be the top heavyweights anymore.
Usyk, who is generally recognized as the top heavyweight recently almost lost to Verheoven(spelling), a mixed martial artist with only 2 heavyweight boxing fights, vacated his Alphabet titles to fight basically anyone he wants. He was gifted the fight with Verhoeven. He was losing the fight but was able to get a stoppage miraculously. Pretty much everyone seemed to think it was stopped early and the fight shouldve gone on. He then vacated his belts, he said to give the “younger fighters a chance at it”, or something to that efffect.
Tyson Fury, who is probably the biggest name in heavyweight boxing today, doesnt even bother to fight for titles anymore. He also just pretty much fights whoever he wants. His next fight, today, wont even be broadcast on any major networks but will be aired on his reality tv show on netflix.
THen you have all the boxers who were “gifted” heavyweight titles because Usyk vacated. Not exactly a shining resume as to why you are a heavyweight champion.
Where are all the fighters who fight all comers to define their legacy?
Are Fury and Usyk afraid to fight the young up and comers like Moses Ituama? This is probably part of it. And part of it is probably money. THey are likely trying to maintain their fame and keep their records free from losses to make as much money as they possibly can.
Anyway, it seems to me the division is ripe for someone to step in and take all comers. To reunify the belts and take any challenge that comes their way.
I guess its ok to want to make money, but I would have more respect and would think it would make for a more grand legacy if they only fought the best in the division and took all comers.
SOmetimes when writing these long posts off the top of your head you forget some of the stuff you wanted to mention :
It also seems to me that Verhoeven shouldve been given another chance after the ridiculous stoppage Usyk was given. He seems to be ducking him. I hope someone gives Verhoeven a chance as he definitely deserves one after the fight he gave Usyk the first time around.
A rematch was definitley in order , but it seems he is not likely to get it.
I follow mma not boxing so I don’t know this, but I’m wondering if there are politics involved that are affecting calls and decisions during fights. I’m seeing it in sports in general. It’s very frustrating and it all relates to lining the “right” pockets. Grr! So frustrating!
I haven’t watched boxing for decades. I saw the fight where Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear on Pay Per View with my granddad. The last fight I saw was George Foreman, a fight he by all means should have lost but was granted victory by judges. It seemed crooked to me, like they gave it to him.
I consider myself a boxing fan. I was away for a couple of years so I don’t exactly know much of the current state of affairs in the heavyweight division.
I did manage to watch Tyson Fury’s most recent match up, he still looks to have the skills. Fury utilizes his range very well, he was able to stop his opponent’s onslaught.
As for Usyk, I have not seen much of him and so I cannot give an accurate opinion about his boxing ability. I did watch the replay of his fight with the kickboxer fellow and he didn’t look to be a dominant opponent. There were a few signs there showing that he is not invincible (which no one is anyway) in the form where his opponent was able to trouble him. Styles make fights and maybe the match up was not the best for Usyk’s form but from what I saw I feel Tyson Fury would outbox him unless Fury’s age catches up with him overnight.
I can see what you mean about heavyweight champions no longer placing as much merit on the titles. I suppose it has to do with money and having to pay part of their purse for the fees in regards to the sanctioning bodies i.e. WBC, IBF, etc. Another highly noticeable thing is that most world class fighters nowadays seem to take only a single fight per year, every once in awhile there will be a fighter that has two bouts, a bit different from before though it has become commonplace.
Honestly I am more familiar with other weight classes at the moment. I do very much enjoy talking about boxing. My most recent favorite fighter has been Terrence Crawford though I believe he is now retired.
I was really into boxing from the mid 1970s until around the early 1990s. Before my time, but Sugar Ray Robinson has to be in the conversation for greatest fighter of all time, especially pound-for-pound.
His record was 174 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws, and 2 no-contests. He started his career 40-0-0, and had a 91-fight unbeaten streak from 1943-51 (against tough fighters). His first year he had 20 fights, and he averaged over 8 fights a year during his 25-year career.
I dont discount much of your opinion but Usyk beat Fury twice, dubuois twice, and Anthony Joshua Twice. On paper, he looks like, up until recently to be the dominant force in the division. HIs poor choice of, and poor perfermance against, Verhoevan with record of like 2-0 and decision to vacate his belts rather than defend them greatly diminished my opinion of his current abilities and contributions to his legacy. I still think both him and Fury would lose to some of the younger talent, but seem content to try to keep their records (especially Usyk here, because he hasnt lost on paper) free from more losses. I will give Fury more credit in this area, because at least he’s facing AJ in his next fight whereas Usyk may fight Deontay WIlder who has seriously slipped from his prime IMO. Supposedly at the top of his career he is targetting opponents he , on paper , should have no problems with, instead of mandatory challengers.
As far as other divisions, I like the surgeon whitaker, David Benevidez, and I cant think of anyone else atm… I’m sure there are more, I’m just drawing a blank.
My issue isnt that they dont belong somewhere in the top rankings but both of them seem to coasting by on past victories and shouldnt be ranked number 1 and (whatever Fury was ranked, like 3?) (ring magazine rankings which are supposed to be more credible)without facing top opposition,.
Anyway…i got somewhere to be and cant elaborate atm.
I was unaware of that haha. Yeah Deontay Wilder is past his best, an entertaining fighter always swinging for the fences.
Benavidez looks like a dangerous opponent to everyone in his division. I think Bivol could possibly outbox him but Benavidez has handspeed, power, and throws quick combinations so who knows. I think Benavidez vs Beterbiev would be an exciting match up as well. I think Benavidez has a solid chance against either of them, I just feel unless Bivol is affected by age and surgeries, he should have enough experience and technique.
Another fighter I enjoy very much is Naoya Inoue. He is exciting to watch though I feel his recent opponents gave him a little more trouble than he had dealth with before them.
There are a number of exciting and skillful fighters, it will be nice to see how they fare against each other. I see your point about the heavyweight division.
People make a decision to risk this when they choose to participate in this sport. Some do indeed get some damage if they box too long in too many hard fights. Of course, famously Muhammad Ali. But this is hardly the only sport with risks. Look at American football.
But Football is so popular and important too many you dont hear as many people complaining about the risks.
I should also point out that they do tend to stop the fights these days and declare a “TKO” if the fighter appears to be taking too much damage or is not fighting back.
Lots of football players are dignosed with CTE after they pass away. Football is terrible for your brain. Having hundreds or even thousands of concussions leads to CTE (basically brain damage/disease) I love football but Its definitely not a safe sport. I like boxing too, also bad for your brain.
YOur’e right. I guess this is kind of depends where your position falls in the realm of personal choices. Everyone knows that cigarettes are bad for you, but I would prefer people were allowed to make their own choices, not made illegal.
Its the same thing with american football and boxing.
If you choose to risk your own health, I think thats your decision. As long as you arent hurting someone else, and you know the risks, I think its ok.
Thats where I believe in the “your rights end when your fist hits my face” kind of stuff.
Anyway, I am getting a bit political here and should stop.
I have to go finish watch “pinnochio” that @Agent101g mentioned and turned me on to.
