Birth of the Cruisers

dempseyfire · Post by **dempseyfire** » 20 Apr 2008, 23:53

Robinson wrote:Using Toney as an example.....

If he was a better fighter at say 190-200 and fitter, then why has he felt the need to bulk up to 230ish. Was it to be able to add those extra lb's on so he could absorb and bang with the bigger men....because he seemingly did add the weight intentionally,

And I sincerly do not believe he loves his food that much ?

In regards to RJJ at HW...who I was so excited about making the leap after other big men after the Ruiz fight.

What happened ? Why did he not pursue it and stamp his authority as a 185-190lb man in a big field of bigger money fights. I am curious to know, as I have read a few opinions on it.

Thanks again guys....

Toney has been a manic-obssesive eater since his middleweight days (he would literally hide junk food in his hotel room before fights). Everyone knew once he didn't have to make weight he would baloon up like a whale, which is what he did.

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 21 Apr 2008, 00:21

atletic mass is dangerous.

chuck in SOME skill and you have a risky man.

I love to see talented little guys beat a good big man. Would like to see
it happen more often.

I have read that about Toney. Is that also why he was caught taking steroids as well ?

Senya13 · Post by **Senya13** » 21 Apr 2008, 00:31

There were no big money heavyweight fights for Jones any time soon after the win over Ruiz. Lennox Lewis declined to negotiate with Jones, Holyfield didn't want to meet him, Tyson was semi-retired. No other big money fights were out there, so he went back to 175 pounds.

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 21 Apr 2008, 00:42

Can some one fight at HW these days who is not above 200lb ?
Say a talented fighter who weighs about 188-193lb in tip shape. Could they campaign as a HW ? is that allowed by the sanctioning bodies?

Collins2000 · Post by **Collins2000** » 21 Apr 2008, 01:47

Robinson wrote:Can some one fight at HW these days who is not above 200lb ?
Say a talented fighter who weighs about 188-193lb in tip shape. Could they campaign as a HW ? is that allowed by the sanctioning bodies?

Yes, there is no "lower" limit.

As long as someone is willing to promote it.

Robinson · Post by **Robinson** » 21 Apr 2008, 02:37

Ok cool thanks.

And if some one was willing to do it....these days.

yancey · Post by **yancey** » 21 Apr 2008, 13:43

Collins2000 wrote:I agree with the dude above who makes the case for a 176 - 200 pound division.

If a bloke weighs 190 - 200 pounds when totally fit why should he have to either dangerously dehydrate to make 175 or bulk up to be a fake heavyweight?

You guys who bleat on about too many weight classes, IMHO, are wrong.

It's the multiple champs at each division that is making a joke of boxing. E.G Clowns like Enzo Maccarinlli claiming to be a 'world' champ are the real problem. I remember a few years back over here on TV Joe Bugner was introduced as former British and European champ and he said, with a straight face, "former world champ too".

13 divisions is fine but one champ at each weight. And , here's one for you, if a bloke is gooed enough, and some are, then they should be allowed to hold multiple titles across the weight classes like in the ld days. Aslong as they are willing and able to defend them of course.

Agreed, the multiple champ crap and all these different alphabet "organizations" is really what made me lose interest in boxing way back in the '80s.

13 divisions, one world champ per division, one sanctioning body, seems right as rain to me. Most likely will never happen, I guess.

176-200 seems like a great division to me. I think there could be a better name than "cruiserweight."

As you increase weight classes, it seems natural to have a larger spread in weight minimums/maximums.

LightCruiser · Post by **LightCruiser** » 23 Apr 2008, 09:40

I know I'm going to be slated for suggesting this but here goes anyway,
how long before the emergence of light-cruiser and super-cruiser in the IBF/WBA/WBC divisions?
I think Enzo Mac is a definite case in point, probably better suited for "light-cruiser" .
Super cruiser weight would just mean increasing the cruiserweight div upto 210lbs anyway.
Light-cruiser < 185lbs
Cruiser <195lbs
Super-cruiser <205lbs

Sooner or later someone will realise more "titles" equals more money!
and they will divide the cruiserweight division.

I know most folks here will slate me, but to be honest the "purists" know that boxing has been sliding down the slippery slope of commercialism for years and this is an easy way of making more "titles" .

Ambling Alp · Post by **Ambling Alp** » 23 Apr 2008, 20:22

Sadly, it wouldn't be that surprising if that happened.

Birth of the Cruisers

"light" and "super" Cruiserweights !