The Best Heavyweight Contenders of 2009
The Four Fighters Who Could Beat the Klitschko's
Oct 30, 2009
The Big Punching Old Stager
David Tua, 50-3-1 (43 KO’s) represents perhaps the most potentially dangerous future opponent for either brother. As the only member of the division’s old guard not yet to receive a title shot he represents the heavyweight scene’s current X Factor. Tua, who enjoyed his only tilt at the title against Lennox Lewis in 2000, possesses arguably the hardest punch in the division. His left hook is a devastating wrecking ball that has accounted for knockout wins over Hasim Rahman, Oleg Maskaev, Michael Moorer and John Ruiz. Yet for all his spectacular victories Tua has never held an alphabet belt, something all four of his aforementioned victims managed to capture.
Tua, weighing a svelte 237 pounds, recently returned to action with a devastating second round stoppage of local rival Shane Cameron and while this result has made little impact on the global stage it reminded everyone of Tua’s continuing ability to reduce opponents to impotent rubble.
Tua, with his managerial problems seemingly behind him, will have to remain active if he is to force his way into title contention. Should he manage to do so Wladimir, in particular would be vulnerable to the Kiwi’s swarming attack. Tua’s iron chin, resolve and power would surely allow him to be competitive against the two giant champions. Though critics point out that at only 5’10’’ he may be far too small to force the issue effectively. 2010 may be the year these suppositions are put to the test.
The Top Alphabet Contenders
David Haye, 22-1 (21 KO’s) has seemingly talked himself into title contention, despite having fought only twice at heavyweight. The former Cruiserweight champion is a natural athlete, fast, technically adroit and a big puncher with the right hand. That he is exciting is unarguable. What also remains beyond contestation is that he is vulnerable. Perceived as chinny and lacking in stamina he is something of a heavyweight Thomas Hearns, always exciting through virtue of the fact he brings a kill or be killed attitude into the ring.
Scheduled to face Wladimir in October, his eleventh hour withdrawal has led to a protracted period on the sidelines. Indeed he has not fought since March when he defeated Monte Barrett in five rounds, a fight that suggested Haye has successfully carried his power with him to the heavyweight division.
Haye is scheduled to challenge Russian giant Nikolai Valuev for the WBA title next month. A victory here might serve as a potential shot in the arm for the division, adding spice to the already bubbling pot that is the British punchers simmering feud with both brothers. Whether Haye, should he become the WBA champion, is capable of knocking either brother off their perch is a moot point; yet probability (and more importantly fiscal necessity) dictates that he will more than likely get his chance.
Alexander Povetkin, 17-0 (12 KO’s) is still patiently awaiting his chance after over a year as the acknowledged number one contender. The thirty-year-old Povetkin went 125-7 as an amateur, his unpaid career culminating in the 2004 Olympic Super-Heavyweight title. He is technically sound, defensively competent and hits with authority, though not a noted one-punch banger. He earned his title shot, defeating Eddie Chambers (who was 30-0 at the time) in the IBF Elimination Tournament. Whether he possesses the size (at 6’2’’) or the power to negotiate the problems either of the brothers would present him with remains to be seen. Certainly he is the consummate professional and always enters the ring in good shape. His all-round skills and stellar amateur background suggest he could remain competitive against either Klitschko.
The Rising Star of the Division
By far the most gifted of the rising contenders, Cuban former Olympic Champion Odlanier Solis, 15-0 (11 KO’s) has been making something of a name for himself in recent months; yet for contrastingly different reasons. The 6’1’’ Cuban stylist flaunts quicksilver skills and a bewilderingly diverse offensive repertoire. These gifts were on show in his recent second round stoppage of a somewhat shop-worn Monte Barrett.
Solis who fought at 201 pounds in winning the Olympic Heavyweight title in 2004 has recently ballooned up to 270 pounds. This lack of conditioning has been roundly criticised in the boxing media. Solis is perceived, possibly unfairly, as something of a partying dilettante, unprepared to put in the hard yards necessary to complement his obvious skills. Having fought in Germany, Italy and Turkey in the early days of his pro career the Cuban émigré appears to have settled a little too comfortably into life in Florida.
What cannot be denied is his pure talent and boxing brain. Solis defeated David Haye, Sultan Ibragimov and Cuban Legend Felix Savon among others in an unpaid career that landed him no less than three world amateur titles as well as the Olympic crown. Worryingly though Solis appears to have become enamoured of his power in recent fights, slugging more and neglecting his movement and ring versatility. Properly conditioned and utilising an approach that maximises his sublime skills Solis could be the next great heavyweight. Weighing a porcine 270 pounds the road to the scrap heap looks more likely.
The Future Holds Possibilities
While the division has been criticised for lacking depth, a closer perusal of the best of the rest proves that there is indeed life beyond the Klitschko’s. The best of the current crop possess between them power, poise, experience and mercurial boxing talent. The brothers Klitschko have made easy work of the recent pretenders who opposed them in the ring. The next few challengers, should the aforementioned fighters remain active and continue to win impressively, might well present a stiffer challenge. Whatever happens boxing fans at least have some interesting fights to look forward to.
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