For all those who were counting the days until Klitschko lost or retired...

[rampage]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

[Tanzio]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

Tyson Fury is the world's heavyweight champion, period. That is no joke.

[Mr Icaman]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

Still salty about Wlad looking stupid against Fury. Don't worry he will get a re match..

[Andrew]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

Tyson Fury is the world's heavyweight champion, period. That is no joke.

This is all.

[Gnome]

I In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far)

Are you kidding me? That fight is gonna be awesome!

[caldo2025]

I'm one of those guys that was counting down the days Wlad lost and i'm more than happy to have several champions within the heavyweight division, than one boring ass, emotionless, robot with zero charisma defending his title once a year in Germany at 4pm in the states.

Wlad single handedly killed the heavyweight division in boxing and we'll be feeling the effects of that for years to come. You can probably count the number of young kids hitting a heavy bag today, emulating Wlad, on one hand. This guy hijacked the division and hid it in a snowbank in the Ukraine for 8 years. This idiot didn't fight in the United States for 8 years. 8 damn years? He should have been stripped of the title for that alone. Not saying USA is the best or anything but to not defend the prize title in boxing in the capital city (Las Vegas) of boxing is ridiculous.

Good riddance. Anything and anyone will be better for the sport. I don't care who.

[sucracristo]

wilder is fighting szpilka because povetkin just fought and said he wouldn't be ready
for his mandatory against wilder until the spring. in the spring we will get wilder-povetkin
and a fury wlad-rematch, with an eventual fury-wilder match down the road and then
whoever has the ibf next year will also be in the picture, and there are few guys in the
top 20 who look like they could become promising contenders in that time. anyone who
looks back nostalgicly on the wlad days can just o.d. on nyquil and get the same feeling.

[HomicideHenry]

I think unlike the Lewis era where the title was fractured and fell into the hands of Ruiz, Byrd, Jones, Briggs, etc. or the Larry Holmes era where the title was fractured and fell into the hands of Tate, Weaver, Coetzee, Dokes, Witherspoon, etc. that this era has a good chance at seeing an undisputed champion. Sure the IBF made a horrible decision, and you also have Chagaev claiming to be the WBA champion, etc. but the two men who really matter (Fury and Wilder) I believe are more than willing to fight and unify following their perspective title defenses, provided that they win. With Fury having the WBO and WBA and RING, and Wilder having the WBC a unifier would only solidify who the true champion of the world is. And if the Klitschko fight is any indication, then I would say Fury is THE only true champion that matters because he's the lineal one as well.

I can only see the IBF and WBA regular eventually joining suit again. I think the winner of the Martin-Glazkov fight, will hear too much negativity in the press, and will know down deep that their title win is meaningless. Glazkov, I am positive, wanted to fight Fury and Fury only.... but he was forced into this position... I think if he defeats Martin, or Martin defeats him... that they will go either after Fury directly, or Wilder directly. Why? Because that is where the only substantial money is. Maybe not for the IBF, but for the fighters it is. Give it no less than two-three years (imho) the title will more or less be unified again.

[Rexob]

I'm one of those guys that was counting down the days Wlad lost and i'm more than happy to have several champions within the heavyweight division, than one boring ass, emotionless, robot with zero charisma defending his title once a year in Germany at 4pm in the states.

Wlad single handedly killed the heavyweight division in boxing and we'll be feeling the effects of that for years to come. You can probably count the number of young kids hitting a heavy bag today, emulating Wlad, on one hand. This guy hijacked the division and hid it in a snowbank in the Ukraine for 8 years. This idiot didn't fight in the United States for 8 years. 8 damn years? He should have been stripped of the title for that alone. Not saying USA is the best or anything but to not defend the prize title in boxing in the capital city (Las Vegas) of boxing is ridiculous.

Good riddance. Anything and anyone will be better for the sport. I don't care who.

Hilarious Try staying up until 4AM! to watch a boxing match in the UK, Pillock!

[caldo2025]

I'm one of those guys that was counting down the days Wlad lost and i'm more than happy to have several champions within the heavyweight division, than one boring ass, emotionless, robot with zero charisma defending his title once a year in Germany at 4pm in the states.

Wlad single handedly killed the heavyweight division in boxing and we'll be feeling the effects of that for years to come. You can probably count the number of young kids hitting a heavy bag today, emulating Wlad, on one hand. This guy hijacked the division and hid it in a snowbank in the Ukraine for 8 years. This idiot didn't fight in the United States for 8 years. 8 damn years? He should have been stripped of the title for that alone. Not saying USA is the best or anything but to not defend the prize title in boxing in the capital city (Las Vegas) of boxing is ridiculous.

Good riddance. Anything and anyone will be better for the sport. I don't care who.

Hilarious Try staying up until 4AM! to watch a boxing match in the UK, Pillock!

The day I lose a minute of sleep over anything British related, i'll kill myself.

[armageto]

Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it)

I noticed a few people on the board with this thought process. Why do people think Martin can't fight? I'm not saying he's the second coming of Lennox Lewis, but he is pretty good at this stage of his career, IMO...

[Rexob]

I'm one of those guys that was counting down the days Wlad lost and i'm more than happy to have several champions within the heavyweight division, than one boring ass, emotionless, robot with zero charisma defending his title once a year in Germany at 4pm in the states.

Wlad single handedly killed the heavyweight division in boxing and we'll be feeling the effects of that for years to come. You can probably count the number of young kids hitting a heavy bag today, emulating Wlad, on one hand. This guy hijacked the division and hid it in a snowbank in the Ukraine for 8 years. This idiot didn't fight in the United States for 8 years. 8 damn years? He should have been stripped of the title for that alone. Not saying USA is the best or anything but to not defend the prize title in boxing in the capital city (Las Vegas) of boxing is ridiculous.

Good riddance. Anything and anyone will be better for the sport. I don't care who.

Hilarious Try staying up until 4AM! to watch a boxing match in the UK, Pillock!

The day I lose a minute of sleep over anything British related, i'll kill myself.

Oh well, at least we have the Real Heavyweight Champion, good night. ;;-)

[Lackeos]

OP is right that the people who always prayed for Wlad to lose or retire are sh*tty excuses for boxing fans. OP is wrong about claiming that there are numerous people with legitimate claims to the heavyweight championship. There is only one champion, it is Tyson Fury. If anyone tries to dispute that, I say we form a mob and rip that person to shreds.

[rampage]

Lackeos, I don't mean to say that there is any question who the legitimate champion is. Of course that's Fury. He is the man who beat the man, so he is the champ. No question. However, I think it's quite debatable who the best fighter in the division is now. You could argue for Fury, Wilder, or Povetkin, and frankly, Glazkov will have a shot as well I think. That isn't a bad thing in and of itself--it's nice to have matchups where the winner isn't already obvious--the problem is that I am skeptical of them actually fighting each other to determine a clear best.

Armageto--I find Martin to be very amateurish. I'm just not sure I can find anything he does well. Reminds me of Zuri Lawrence, which isn't exactly a compliment. He may be just fine for this stage in his career, if "this stage" meant undefeated young prospect still fighting guys ranked in the top 50. However, if this stage of his career is challenging for a world title, that is bad. The only heavyweight title challenger I can think of that was worse may be Carl Davis Drumond, but I think even he was a little savvier and sharper. Maybe a few from Larry Holmes' crew? Scott Frank or Lorenzo Zanon?

Admittedly, with Klitschko just being dethroned it is to be expected that there won't be a clear number one (again, I believe that we have a clear champion, but not clear best) immediately and many will claim to be the best--again, that isn't a bad thing. It's just that, with the modern boxing trend, I highly doubt that we will get an answer any time soon, and I fully expect these titles to change hands with high frequency as they did in the post Ali/post Holmes/post Tyson/Post Lewis eras. Hopefully, someone like Anthony Joshua can fill the void and become the Holmes/Tyson/Lewis/Klitschko to clean things up, and hopefully he can be appreciated while he's active, unlike Holmes/Lewis/Klitschko.

[Monte Fisto]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

if you are correct, I'm not sure it will be less entertaining.

[macaca]

I am chuffed to bits he was beaten

People should happy as fornicate that the Heavyweight division is wide open now with some great characters like Fury, Wilder, Whyte, Haye, Scott, AJ, Parker ...... and that the Klit brothers could still be knocking about, great times ahead

[Chepppaaa]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

Tyson Fury is the world's heavyweight champion, period. That is no joke.

nobdy as unathletic like him should be #1 in any division.

wilder #1

[crusader]

Ya, some people have suggested that things are starting to get exciting again but I don't see it. Martin-Glazkov is hardly great stuff and it hasn't been shown that Klitschko's loss is going to lead to a marked boost in the frequency of good match-ups in the division. In theory it could, but I won't get excited until those fights actually start happening on a consistent basis.

[Tanzio]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

Tyson Fury is the world's heavyweight champion, period. That is no joke.

nobdy as unathletic like him should be #1 in any division.

wilder #1

He hasn't proven it, and defeating Szpilka (if Wilder succeeds) comes nowhere in the vicinity of what Fury just accomplished

[koolkc107]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

I just can't buy that the division will be worse off than having a robotic, methodical, overly holding champion dominating.

If the only thing Fury does is bring a little flair to the crown again, then well done.

But more important, what could be better than A beating B, B beating C, then C beating A forcing them to fight each other multiple times?

That's what I am hoping for.

A BTW, I bet we see a different Klitschko in the rematch no mateer what happens, something closer to what
we should have been seeing all this time.

Make no mistake, if Wlad wants his belt back, he is going to have to make Tyson rumble (and win said rumble) for it.

[davie]

To the OP

I was one of the people who enjoyed Wlads reign and gave him the utmost respect for how he dominated the division and in no way wanted to see him toppled

but at the same time, i'm thoroughly looking forward to the new era of heavyweight boxing and hopefully seeing some top competitive, evenly matched scraps (if they all agree to fight each other)

maybe I'm just easily pleased!

[Chepppaaa]

Tyson Fury is the world's heavyweight champion, period. That is no joke.

nobdy as unathletic like him should be #1 in any division.

wilder #1

He hasn't proven it, and defeating Szpilka (if Wilder succeeds) comes nowhere in the vicinity of what Fury just accomplished

rigo didnt beat anybody before donaire, donaire beat darchynian, montiel and nishioki. what was the outcome. skills and athletic ability wins fights, not resumes.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I hope you guys are happy now. In the next few months you have Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka for the WBC belt (joke of a title fight, yet somehow the best defense Wilder has made thus far), Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Charles Martin for the vacant IBF belt (possibly the most embarrassing matchup for a heavyweight belt in history--I'm not sure Martin can even spell the word "fight", much less actually do it), old-ass Ruslan Chagaev vs. Lucas Browne for the "regular" WBA title (originally it was even worse because Browne replaced an injured Fres Oquendo, who hasn't been relevant literally for a decade), and Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz (who got stripped of this same title like a year ago because he tested positive for PEDs) for the "interim" WBA title. And of course, Tyson Fury as any kind of champion is a joke.

Within the next year, you will have anywhere from 4 to 6 different beltholders. And all of these guys will have a legitimate claim to be the best in the division, which of course won't be proven because a) the beltholders won't fight each other, and b) these titles will change hands like most people change socks. All of this instead of, you know, one dominant champion who holds almost all of the belts and who routinely fights and beats the best the division has to offer, however strong or weak they may be.

Tyson Fury is the world's heavyweight champion, period. That is no joke.

Not for long I suspect - not sure Wlad will win a rematch, but Fury doesn't look like he has the tools to stay champ that long to me.

[man]

i am happy his reign has come to an
end. like him as a person, but almost
unbearable to watch. the only fight i
liked was pulev.

i was not counting the days, but i am
glad they are over.

[Counter-puncher]

There is only one champion, it is Tyson Fury. If anyone tries to dispute that, I say we form a mob and rip that person to shreds.