BoxRec

Light Cruiser,

yes, Carnera was the heavyweights champ. http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=012086
He fought between 238 and 284lb. Not sure how heavy he was as a champ. The idea with a 270lb+ class was at first a gag, but then I thought hey, maybe these lumbering basketball player and giants need a class of their own, as their chins are usually less strong then those of heavyweights or regular size. Then I thought, hey, throw als othe fatsos in it, just to make it more funny/weird, and to add more numbers to this class. In no way would it take away from the presige of the heavyweight class and it might be a good side show to attract marginal boxing fans who would want to see some circus.

If anything, it may force some short but fat guys to dump weight if they are serious about fighting real heavyweights.
I think the fans would like it (as a side show) and may add some color to card weak in competition. A little freak entertainment factor might be good for the sport.

Jab---I think the freakshow factor is part of what is wrong with boxing today. I noticed that Tyson has had hardly any coverage until the lasy press confrence when he said that he was going to gut McBride like a fish, now the mainstream media is all over it and can't get enough...unfortunately, that is the only time that boxing ever gets any attention, when there is a freakshow about.

Agreed, less freakshows please. Boxing is for skilled participants only, not fat porkers who can't fight their way out of a wet paper bag.

...sandy saddler ballooned up to 324 pounds between fights.

Jaclem wrote:...sandy saddler ballooned up to 324 pounds between fights.

That's what Cotto is planning on entering the ring at tonight now that he has completely re-hydrated himself after making weight.