Five Questions Surrounding the Heavyweight Division
by
Garth Weaver
3/25 - Recently, we received some questions surrounding the hardly discussed heavyweight division and TalkingBoxing writer Garth Weaver took the five questions head on. The e-mailer, who will remain nameless, asked, "I am just interested in the heavyweight division being sorted out." Number one, is WBC champ Vitali Klitschko really the best heavyweight? Two, can Andrew Golota unify the titles? Three, can IBF champ Chris Byrd unify the titles? Four, can James Toney unify the titles? And fifthly, can ANYONE unify the titles?
There you have it, the five most pressing issues surrounding the big men. The responses are taken in order, which maybe isn't a good idea since the division is totally out-of-order. I guess to keep with the theme, that the heavyweights are in disarray, I will start with three.
QUOTE | 3. Can Byrd unify the titles?
I find it highly unlikely. Byrd is starting to fight with more balls, which is good for us, but not for him. He has been loooking to trade with his opponents lately, and he is getting tagged alot. He is a small heavyweight who has soft hands. It is only a matter of time before he gets caught again, because he is getting careless. Many people feel like he lost his last 2 fights to Golota and McCline. I seriously doubt that he will be a champ for much longer. Unification: Highly Doubtful.
QUOTE | 1. Is Vitali really the best current heavyweight?
I think that right now, he is the best, or at least top 3. He has a good set of whiskers, he is very awkward, and he hits very hard. He does not have so much one punch KO power, but the power comes in the sustained beatings he gives. He is accurate, and when a guy is getting potshotted from outside for 8 rounds, it will eventually get stopped. If Klitscko gets by Rahman we will all have a better picture of where he stands.
QUOTE | 2. Can Golota unify the titles?
If it weren't for dubious judging, Golota would be holding 2 belts right now. He won against Byrd and Ruiz in many people opinions including my own. I think that he will beat Brewster, and finally win a title. From there, he just may get his rematch with Byrd, which I think that he would win. Then yes, he would unify the titles. I do think that Golota is rededicated to the sport, and I also think that he is one of the most skilled heavies in the division. He has always been skilled, and has a strong amateur Background. He won Bronze at the 88 Olympics. It is late in his career, but I think he can still make a lot of noise.
QUOTE | 4. Can Toney unify the titles?
This is a good question, and will probably be easier to answer after the Ruiz fight. I think that he has the skill, and the tools to pull it off, but there are too many questions surrounding his chin and his power. I think that he will win against Ruiz, for Toney is a crafty infighter, and on paper it looks like Ruiz is a ready made opponent for Toney. I think that Toney can beat Ruiz, Byrd, and Brewster, but I dont think he could beat Vitali, Golota or Rahman. I think that if he plays his cards right, he could end up with at least 2 of the belts. I would say he has a good chance. Better chance than Byrd, but equal or lesser chance against Golota.
QUOTE | 5. Can ANYONE unify the titles?
I think that a few people could. Vitali is a good candidate, as is Golota, Toney is a candidate, and even Rahman may be able to do it. You can never count out the Rock, and there is still Wladimir Klitschko, who could be a threat once he gets his confidence back, as he has great offensive tools. I think that the person who unifys the titles will end up in cahoots with Don King, and there are few that want to do business with him, but enough to where he can control 3/4ths of the titles. I think that we will have a multiple belt holder in the next year or year and a half.
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