Heavyweights. Barley a pulse.

[pound per pound]

The Heavyweight division is barely alive.

Fury is retired or waits for another payday to fight a bum. Lots of guys in history were undefeated in 33 fights. His resume of wins won't age well.

Wilder is retired...I think. Or he will have one more fight and lose.

Usyk is skilled, but he's busy fighting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And he 35. Who knows when he'll be back.

Chisora hangs around, at age 38. He's a spring chicken compared to Ortiz who is 43. At least that's what Box Rec says.

Who knows what Ruiz weighs and will he fight next?

The young talent? Joyce, oops, he'll be 37in September. The Young talent is Hrgovic, who won't take an easy fight with Zhang, Jalolov, who is only 10-0, and Makhamudov who might lack the promotional ties. Yoka is there but he's hiding a glass jaw and was bused for PED's. Twice. The American's? Well Morrison beat Rhaman. There sons that is, neither of which is very good. There is Sanchez if you believe in him. I don't.

This is the weakest collection of heavyweights in my lifetime. Weak as in era which is several years ( 6-12 ) not a two year break between champions.

[fanman]

Is this current ... usyk is about to fight Joshua in a rematch in summer, should be a great fight, entertaining no matter what happens ... of course fury will fight the winner, will just want a very good payday for it. That will be the culmination of this whole heavyweight era.

Hopefully fury can retire after that, but he'll probably be too addicted to stop. The rest will probably go on as well, with Joyce, dubois, hrgovic coming through.

[KiwiRider]

Joyce should face Parker this year, that is a great matchup. HW fight of the year potential candidate.
Anderson is one to watch.
Also a couple of Olympians have turned pro.
Sanchez I like, but I'm not confident he can cut it at the top, and has that Cuban minimalist punch output, which means he loses any decision where he isn't the A side.
But yes it is dull in the premiere category, and I have no qualms about Fury getting stripped if he keeps on about being retired. The last thing I want is that twat holding everything up again, he has had more than his fair share of chances.

[Enlightened-One]

The Heavyweight division is barely alive.

Wrong!

The bouts between Fury-Whyte and Usyk-Joshua will inevitably be classed amongst the top-four revenue generating boxing events of 2022.

Fury is retired or waits for another payday to fight a bum. Lots of guys in history were undefeated in 33 fights. His resume of wins won't age well.

Fury and the WBC promise to make an announcement this week on how things will progress in the short-term. Apparently the announcement will be exciting.

But regardless, within his last nine bouts, Tyson Fury has faced Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder three times, Dillian Whyte and Otto Wallin.

None of those guys are "bums".

Wilder is retired...I think. Or he will have one more fight and lose.

He isn't retired and we don't know who his next opponent is.

Usyk is skilled, but he's busy fighting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And he 35. Who knows when he'll be back.

Oleksandr Usyk is currently in training camp preparing for July's rematch against Anthony Joshua.

Chisora hangs around, at age 38. He's a spring chicken compared to Ortiz who is 43. At least that's what Box Rec says.

Dereck Chisora definitely has one or two event headlining marquee bouts to go until he retires. One of his opponents could be Chris Arreola, Deontay Wilder or even Luis Ortiz.

Who knows what Ruiz weights and will he fight next?

It was confirmed a few weeks ago that Andy Ruiz Jr. will be facing Luis Ortiz next.

I don’t care about his weight or physique because I’m not attracted to other men’s bodies. All I care about is how he performs inside the ring.

The young talent? Joyce, oops, he'll be 37in September.

It doesn’t matter what his birth certificate says. He looks and fights like a young fighter. He’ll be facing Joseph Parker next.

The Young talent is Hrgovic, who won't take an easy fight with Zhang

Filip Hrgovic's fight against Zhilei Zhang will be an easy victory fo the Croatian.

Nobody should criticise him for withdrawing from that fight because of the death of his father.

Fighters shouldn't compete or train if they're not mentally "right" or inadequately prepared for battle.

Jalolov, who is only 10-0

Bakhodir Jalolov appears to be a very decent fighter.

Makhamudov who might lack the promotional ties.

Arslanbek Makhmudov is being progressed at a quicker pace than Filip Hrgovic.

Yoka but he's hiding a glass jaw and was bused for PED's. Twice.

Tony Yoka doesn’t have a glass jaw. And he hasn’t tested positive for PED’s twice.

For sure, we’ve seen him hurt in the amateurs, but he’s seemed fairly sturdy in the pros.

The American's? Well Morrison beat Rhaman. There sons that is, neither of which is very good.

Neither Kenzie Morrison nor Hasim Rahman Jr. are prospects that anyone should be excited about.

Deontay Wilder, Michael Hunter, Jared Anderson and Jermaine Franklin are American. Andy Ruiz jr. is Mexican-American.

There is Sanchez if you believe in him. I don't.

Frank Sanchez is Cuban, not American.

He apparently definitely has the skills and he already looks capable of beating fringe top-ten world-rated heavyweights, but he doesn't punch hard enough and his fighting style is tough to appreciate, which means it'll be very challenging for him to become a commercially-popular fighter.

He won't be given many opportunities if he doesn't generate money.

This is the weakest collection of heavyweights in my lifetime The weakest.

I don't know how old you are, but 1984 to 1986 was a very weak era during heavyweight history, as was 1994 to 1996 and also 2005 until 2008.

Other notable periods include: 1932 to 1937; 1938 to 1949; 1951 to 1952; and 1967 to 1970.

[littlepug]

There is actually enough decent guys about to make the division interesting but only if they consistently fight one another, make the fights and the division will be a talking point again rather than one big event per year.

[joshj909]

If we take out those who will likely be retiring or no longer be relevant within the next two years (e.g. Fury, Wilder, Pulev, Ortiz etc.) you'd still left with the following in about 2 years:

• Veterans: Usyk, AJ, Whyte, Parker, Hunter, Joyce

• Contenders: Hrgovic, Gassiev, Sanchez, Makhmudov, Dubois, Dychko, Kossobutskiy

• Next generation: Huni, Jalalov, Kadiru, Clark, Anderson

• Gatekeepers/middle of the pack: Bakole, Wallin, Kownacki, Kabayel, Hughie, Ajagba, Franklin, Arias, Ahio, McKean, Wardley

I think the division has gone very flat for now but if Fury is retired then there should be some good fights for the vacant belts. There should also be a good changing of the guard in a the next couple of years.

[Fightnight Scores]

I think the division is competitive rather than filled with talent, but it's never been stacked with quality for a long time.
It picked up once the Klits were dethroned and it became interesting and competitive again.
But I agree that once Usyk/Fury/AJ fight and retire, whats coming up behind them isn't all that exciting.
Fury vs Usyk/AJ winner is obviously THE big fight to make in the division.
Wilder vs Whyte could be a fun scrap if that was made. But the rest in and around the top 5-20 just aint all that intruiging.

A lot of guys been around forever and/or aging. Parker is an old 30 and don't think he has more gears to improve.
Frank Sanchez isn't all that exciting from the bits I've seen. That Cuban style isn't made to please crowds.
What's happened to Gassiev?
Of the other "up-and-comers". Dubois and Ejagba suffered losses to halt any hype trains.
Yoka is moving at a snails pace. Kabayal appears to be bound to Germany. Probably losses when he/if he steps up.

Zhan Kossobutskiy & Arslanbek Makhmudov are both undefeated of Uzbek and Russian origin. Never seen them fight, and they are hardly young (33 & 32), but maybe they are decent or tough. But I don't see them getting the cult following Usyk enjoys.

[pound per pound]

The Heavyweight division is barely alive.

Wrong!

The bouts between Fury-Whyte and Usyk-Joshua will inevitably be classed amongst the top-four revenue generating boxing events of 2022.

Fury is retired or waits for another payday to fight a bum. Lots of guys in history were undefeated in 33 fights. His resume of wins won't age well.

Fury and the WBC promise to make an announcement this week on how things will progress in the short-term. Apparently the announcement will be exciting.

But regardless, within his last nine bouts, Tyson Fury has faced Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder three times, Dillian Whyte and Otto Wallin.

None of those guys are "bums".

Wilder is retired...I think. Or he will have one more fight and lose.

He isn't retired and we don't know who his next opponent is.

Usyk is skilled, but he's busy fighting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And he 35. Who knows when he'll be back.

Oleksandr Usyk is currently in training camp preparing for July's rematch against Anthony Joshua.

Chisora hangs around, at age 38. He's a spring chicken compared to Ortiz who is 43. At least that's what Box Rec says.

Dereck Chisora definitely has one or two event headlining marquee bouts to go until he retires. One of his opponents could be Chris Arreola, Deontay Wilder or even Luis Ortiz.

Who knows what Ruiz weights and will he fight next?

It was confirmed a few weeks ago that Andy Ruiz Jr. will be facing Luis Ortiz next.

I don’t care about his weight or physique because I’m not attracted to other men’s bodies. All I care about is how he performs inside the ring.

The young talent? Joyce, oops, he'll be 37in September.

It doesn’t matter what his birth certificate says. He looks and fights like a young fighter. He’ll be facing Joseph Parker next.

The Young talent is Hrgovic, who won't take an easy fight with Zhang

Filip Hrgovic's fight against Zhilei Zhang will be an easy victory fo the Croatian.

Nobody should criticise him for withdrawing from that fight because of the death of his father.

Fighters shouldn't compete or train if they're not mentally "right" or inadequately prepared for battle.

Jalolov, who is only 10-0

Bakhodir Jalolov appears to be a very decent fighter.

Makhamudov who might lack the promotional ties.

Arslanbek Makhmudov is being progressed at a quicker pace than Filip Hrgovic.

Yoka but he's hiding a glass jaw and was bused for PED's. Twice.

Tony Yoka doesn’t have a glass jaw. And he hasn’t tested positive for PED’s twice.

For sure, we’ve seen him hurt in the amateurs, but he’s seemed fairly sturdy in the pros.

The American's? Well Morrison beat Rhaman. There sons that is, neither of which is very good.

Neither Kenzie Morrison nor Hasim Rahman Jr. are prospects that anyone should be excited about.

Deontay Wilder, Michael Hunter, Jared Anderson and Jermaine Franklin are American. Andy Ruiz jr. is Mexican-American.

There is Sanchez if you believe in him. I don't.

Frank Sanchez is Cuban, not American.

He apparently definitely has the skills and he already looks capable of beating fringe top-ten world-rated heavyweights, but he doesn't punch hard enough and his fighting style is tough to appreciate, which means it'll be very challenging for him to become a commercially-popular fighter.

He won't be given many opportunities if he doesn't generate money.

This is the weakest collection of heavyweights in my lifetime The weakest.

I don't know how old you are, but 1984 to 1986 was a very weak era during heavyweight history, as was 1994 to 1996 and also 2005 until 2008.

Other notable periods include: 1932 to 1937; 1938 to 1949; 1951 to 1952; and 1967 to 1970.

Wrong. Fury is just taking, not fighting, and White, who he meet, fought like a bum with a glass jaw. His performance was disgraceful. Beating a 39 were old Wlad means little, just like beating a hyped contender in Wilder...two times and being floored 4 times in the process. Who else did he fight, who?! My point. How will Fury look at 39 in the ring? Lets hope we never see it. It amazes me that British fans will Fury at the numbers he draws.

When the rest have a significant fight, you can talk. Fury vs. Usyk AND Joshua vs. Fury needs to happen. Will they?

1984-1986 had Holmes, Tyson, Witherspoon, Spinks, Tubbs, Thomas, et all. And that era has two hall of fame fighters.

2005-2008 was a little thin, but I'm talking about era's. Three years is not at an era. The Klitschko brothers, Ibragimov , Chagaev, Peter, Brewster, et all.

An era is a decade, not a three-year span. Okay, you listed one era. 1938-1949, few are alive to that saw it. Go fish again.

PS. My bad on Sanchez. The American talent is an all all time low, even you might agree.

[Enlightened-One]

This is the weakest collection of heavyweights in my lifetime The weakest.

I don't know how old you are, but 1984 to 1986 was a very weak era during heavyweight history, as was 1994 to 1996 and also 2005 until 2008.

Other notable periods include: 1932 to 1937; 1938 to 1949; 1951 to 1952; and 1967 to 1970.

1984-1986 had Holmes, Tyson, Witherspoon, Spinks, Tubbs, Thomas, et all. And that era has two hall of fame fighters.

We’ll agree to disagree on everything, except for this point…

Between 1984 to 1986, there was a period where the only fighters competing for the world heavyweight title were:

• Trevor Berbick
• Pinklon Thomas
• Mike Weaver
• Tim Witherspoon
• Greg Page
• Gerrie Coetzee
• Tony Tubbs

Not a particularly great line-up of fighters. They were fairly decent, from the perspective of being a contender, but they were all weak world champions.

The 1985 to 1986 iteration of Larry Holmes was past-his-prime, suffered two losses and also won one fight by robbery during that timeframe.

And whilst Michael Spinks was a great fighter at 175lbs, he didn't accomplish much at heavyweight.

[Bard of Boxrec]

I agree with the original post, but barley is more of a grain than a pulse

[Thomastearns]

The Heavyweight division is barely alive.

Fury is retired or waits for another payday to fight a bum. Lots of guys in history were undefeated in 33 fights. His resume of wins won't age well.

Wilder is retired...I think. Or he will have one more fight and lose.

Usyk is skilled, but he's busy fighting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And he 35. Who knows when he'll be back.

Chisora hangs around, at age 38. He's a spring chicken compared to Ortiz who is 43. At least that's what Box Rec says.

Who knows what Ruiz weights and will he fight next?

The young talent? Joyce, oops, he'll be 37in September. The Young talent is Hrgovic, who won't take an easy fight with Zhang, Jalolov, who is only 10-0, and Makhamudov who might lack the promotional ties. Yoka but he's hiding a glass jaw and was bused for PED's. Twice. The American's? Well Morrison beat Rhaman. There sons that is, neither of which is very good. There is Sanchez if you believe in him. I don't.

This is the weakest collection of heavyweights in my lifetime The weakest.

Yes, it's pretty bad, but then it often is isn't it?

It wasn't exactly bristling with talent in the Joe Louis era, nor the Marciano one.

It picked up in the 60s and especially the 70s, a truly golden age where virtually everyone fought each other.

The Holmes era was, to be honest, a bit of a lull after what preceded it, but then we entered the last great age when Mike Tyson exploded on the scene.

Since then it's been so so. The Klitschko's were great fighters but just a little too scientific for mass appeal.

I had great hopes that Anthony Joshua would light things up, and he has done. He's easily the most exciting HW of the modern era, but the lack of a fight with both Wilder and Fury means we've all missed out.

Fury has been the Mayweather of the division, a virtual parasite that's retired more often than Sinatra.

As some used to say about Floyd, the sooner Fury's gone for good the better. I'm sure he too can fill his pockets for a few years on the clown circuit.

It's a farce that Fury hasn't been stripped already so others can have a chance for glory. There's little worse in boxing than a cherry picker holding his belt(s) to ransom.

Nothing against Usyk, his achievements speak volumes, but for me Anthony Joshua was the heavyweight of this time, and if he comes in lean and quick for Usyk, there's still everything to fight for.

As for the next generation, well, Daniel Dubois is fighting Trevor Bryan on June 11th.

Let's see how that goes.

[Monzon83]

I agree with the original post, but barley is more of a grain than a pulse

[pound per pound]

The Heavyweight division is barely alive.

Fury is retired or waits for another payday to fight a bum. Lots of guys in history were undefeated in 33 fights. His resume of wins won't age well.

Wilder is retired...I think. Or he will have one more fight and lose.

Usyk is skilled, but he's busy fighting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And he 35. Who knows when he'll be back.

Chisora hangs around, at age 38. He's a spring chicken compared to Ortiz who is 43. At least that's what Box Rec says.

Who knows what Ruiz weights and will he fight next?

The young talent? Joyce, oops, he'll be 37in September. The Young talent is Hrgovic, who won't take an easy fight with Zhang, Jalolov, who is only 10-0, and Makhamudov who might lack the promotional ties. Yoka but he's hiding a glass jaw and was bused for PED's. Twice. The American's? Well Morrison beat Rhaman. There sons that is, neither of which is very good. There is Sanchez if you believe in him. I don't.

This is the weakest collection of heavyweights in my lifetime The weakest.

Yes, it's pretty bad, but then it often is isn't it?

It wasn't exactly bristling with talent in the Joe Louis era, nor the Marciano one.

It picked up in the 60s and especially the 70s, a truly golden age where virtually everyone fought each other.

The Holmes era was, to be honest, a bit of a lull after what preceded it, but then we entered the last great age when Mike Tyson exploded on the scene.

Since then it's been so so. The Klitschko's were great fighters but just a little too scientific for mass appeal.

I had great hopes that Anthony Joshua would light things up, and he has done. He's easily the most exciting HW of the modern era, but the lack of a fight with both Wilder and Fury means we've all missed out.

Fury has been the Mayweather of the division, a virtual parasite that's retired more often than Sinatra.

As some used to say about Floyd, the sooner Fury's gone for good the better. I'm sure he too can fill his pockets for a few years on the clown circuit.

It's a farce that Fury hasn't been stripped already so others can have a chance for glory. There's little worse in boxing than a cherry picker holding his belt(s) to ransom.

Nothing against Usyk, his achievements speak volumes, but for me Anthony Joshua was the heavyweight of this time, and if he comes in lean and quick for Usyk, there's still everything to fight for.

As for the next generation, well, Daniel Dubois is fighting Trevor Bryan on June 11th.

Let's see how that goes.

I agree. It a bad combination of lack of talent and the right fights not being made. Fury should fight Aj, and Usyk and prove he's better than the next generation, but it has not happened. These title fights vs. non top the contenders Box rec or Ring magazine ranked, or in the case of Whyte lots top ten contender who are only ranked because 1 ) lack of depth and 2) the younger fighter haven't had any significant fights stink. At least Joshua fights guys in their prime and ranked, well sort go. Win or lose he's solidly tested.

Again this era of heavyweights sucks. Nice post.

[Finkel]

I guess it depends what you are looking for. I have enjoyed watching this era far more than the previous one.

We just had Fury v Whyte

I was looking forward to Hrgovic v Zhang last weekend, and it's completely understandable why that fight didn't happen.

This weekend we have Yoka v Bakole, and a smaller, but still interesting fight in Pulev v Forest.

And in terms of bigger fights we also know the following are on the horizon:
Bryan v Dubois
Parker v Joyce
Ruiz Jr. v Ortiz
Usyk v Joshua 2

If Fury and Wilder retire it will be disappointing, but the division moves on

[milpool]

There's a plenty to offer in the heavyweight division, they just need to start fighting each other. We're not scraping the barrel as we were a few years ago when the Klits were having to fight the likes of Mahmoud Charr and Alex Leapai.

[Enlightened-One]

Here are the heavyweight rankings of The RING from the 15th August, 2021

Champion - Tyson Fury
1 - Anthony Joshua
2 - Deontay Wilder
3 - Dillian Whyte
4 - Joseph Parker
5 - Andy Ruiz Jr.
6 - Luis Ortiz
7 - Michael Hunter
8 - Oscar Rivas
9 - Joe Joyce
10 - Oleksandr Usyk

Since then, we’ve seen most of these fighters engage in the following bouts:
• Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III
• Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte
• Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk
• Joseph Parker vs. Dereck Chisora II
• Luis Ortiz vs. Charles Martin

These were pretty good contests to watch, with one of them arguably one of the greatest bouts in the history of the heavyweight division.

The fighters above will be engaged in the following fights in the near future:
• Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk II
• Joseph Parker vs. Joe Joyce
• Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Luis Ortiz
• Michael Hunter vs. Hughie Fury

Therefore, why are people complaining about the state of the heavyweight division, because as far as I can tell, nearly all the top-ten world-rated heavyweights are either facing each other or are fighting very decent opposition?

Isn't that precisely what we want? The best facing the best?

[pound per pound]

The fighters above will be engaged in the following fights in the near future:
• Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk II
• Joseph Parker vs. Joe Joyce
• Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Luis Ortiz
• Michael Hunter vs. Hughie Fury

The re-match between Usyk and Joshua is good. 1 vs. 2 now that Fury has " retired and Wilder has yet to be heard from in a year.

You could say the same thing for old man Ortiz who fighting for just a pay day.

Parker vs Joyce is decent. Hunter vs Hugo Fury is not. And this is all the division has if the fights come off. With all the inactivity and politics we see if they do.

Like said poor talent.

[daz74]

Is the glass half full or half empty ? I prefer half full.
Let’s hope the best in the division fight each other, regularly

[joshj909]

I have noticed a few fairly competitive mid-tier heavyweight fights scheduled. Definitely a chasm in the schedule for the top 25 though.
- Kossobutskiy Vs Duhaupus
- Demirezen Vs Kevin Johnson
- Charr Vs Wallisch
- Fa Vs Browne
- Jalolov Vs Mulowayi
- Huni Vs Goodall
*- Rivas Vs Rozanski*

[gregregegg]

I have noticed a few fairly competitive mid-tier heavyweight fights scheduled. Definitely a chasm in the schedule for the top 25 though.
- Kossobutskiy Vs Duhaupus
- Demirezen Vs Kevin Johnson
- Charr Vs Wallisch
- Fa Vs Browne
- Jalolov Vs Mulowayi
- Huni Vs Goodall
*- Rivas Vs Rozanski*

These are decent fights that ill be interested in. Although, 1, 2,4,5 should not be close, and 7 isnt heavyweight.

[thereverend]

I don’t care about his weight or physique because I’m not attracted to other men’s bodies. All I care about is how he performs inside the ring.

Come on now, you're all over Tyson's body. Admit that fit men over 50 give you a thrill. Ortiz isn't old enough yet. Or is he...

Whatever Fury, Usyk, Wilder, and Joshua are doing is interesting. There's a few of the mid-tier young guys that could develop into something interesting. The rest of the field is weak, as it has been for a long time. Too many slow guys, too many fat guys, too many guys over the hill who haven't accomplished enough.

[Perkin Warbeck]

The division has enough talent, with very impressive up-and-comers like Anderson, Sanchez and Jalolov.

However I do wish some of the top 50 would be more active, and fight 3 times a year instead of once. Gassiev and Helenius should be scheduled by now. Wilder should soon decide whether to continue (I think he will not retire yet).

[pound per pound]

The division has enough talent, with very impressive up-and-comers like Anderson, Sanchez and Jalolov.

However I do wish some of the top 50 would be more active, and fight 3 times a year instead of once. Gassiev and Helenius should be scheduled by now. Wilder should soon decide whether to continue (I think he will not retire yet).

Yes, the top don't fight each other enough and the top 50 has some talent, but the top ten seem to be busy with the next tier of fighters. The matches with Jalolov, Hrgovic, Sanchez and company are not being made. A while back Hrgovic was looking for an opponent for the IBF eliminator. The winner get a shot at a world tilt belt. Parker, Ruiz, and Ortiz passed on him at Hunter pulled out of a fight with him! What's up with that?

Hrgovic is good and will fight anyone. That's their problem.

[margaret thatcher]

jalolov basically just restarted his pro career, give him a bit of time. i like his next fight as a test before moving to a higher level

[pound per pound]

jalolov basically just restarted his pro career, give him a bit of time. i like his next fight as a test before moving to a higher level

He fights in June. Boxing used to promote its Olympic gold medal winners. Not anymore. The fact that he won it vs. an American who recently went pro isn't helping much...yet it should.He needs 5 more fights. ( 2 years ) By that time, you tell me who's left in the heavy weight division. Nobody on top now. Its barren.