Whether you’re a fan or not, there’s no denying the utter dominance of the Klitschko brothers over a rather pedestrian heavyweight division. They are, without a doubt, the kings of the big men.
Although the top two spots are taken, there is complete parity in the ranks below them. And parity always affords the possibility of quality competition. So, given the right circumstances and matchmaking efforts, there’s actually a chance the division could once again get interesting.
Here’s a look at the current heavyweight Top 10:
1. Wladimir Klitschko (58-3, 51 KOs)
The current kingpin of the heavyweight division, Wladimir Klitschko has shown nothing but dominance over his top-ranked opposition. Granted, this is by no means a golden era for heavyweights, but Klitschko has taken on all comers and has done what’s to be expected of a three-belt champion in an era of fighters who simply can’t compete. However, new contenders are emerging– Some just as big and as strong as him. It should be interesting to see how a Klitschko, approaching his late-30’s, will respond to a younger and bigger set of challenges.
2. Vitali Klitschko (4-2, 41 KOs)
The reigning WBC heavyweight titlist, Klitschko’s dominance is second only to his younger brother’s. Undefeated since his 2008 return from a four-year retirement, Vitali has done it all and has executed flawlessly against some young challengers as well as a crop of heavyweight mainstays. At 41 years of age, the end is near for the two-time champ, but he’s really shown very little sign of slowing down so far.
3. Tomasz Adamek (47-2, 29 KOs)
The popular Polish battler was crushed in a bid to unseat WBC heavyweight champ, Vitali Klitschko last year, but activity has kept him high in the rankings. Since his TKO loss to Klitschko in September of 2011, Adamek has scored victories over Nagy Aguilera, Eddie Chambers, and Travis Walker.
4. Alexander Povetkin (25-0, 17 KOs)
Russia’s undefeated contender has been on the scene for quite some time and has faced a fairly solid level of competition. However, management decisions have kept him from immediately throwing himself at either of the Klitschko brothers. It was, perhaps, a good long-term move, but Povetkin is reaching the point in his career where he’s being expected to challenge one of the division’s two best fighters.
5. David Haye (26-2, 24 KOs)
Exciting and controversial, Haye can still generate headlines and make social media buzz– despite a horribly dull and tepid performance in his long-awaited showdown with Wladimir Klitschko last year. A TKO 5 victory over Dereck Chisora has revitalized his career and partially rebuilt his good name. A challenge of Vitali Klitschko would make the most sense right now, although there are a few other bouts that could be solid match-ups for the boisterous Brit.
6. Tyson Fury (19-0, 14 KOs)
Big, strong, and blessed with the gift of gab, Fury has the makings of a real star– provided he can take a shot from a main stage heavyweight and/or not self-destruct with sloppy training habits. The 6 ft. 9 slugger is only 24, so he has the luxury of waiting and developing before he decides to fully step up his level of opposition.
7. Robert Helenius (17-0, 11 KOs)
The Nordic Nightmare” is recovering from shoulder surgery, but provided he can come back with the same power and confidence he had pre-surgery, there’s no reason that the 6 ft. 6 slugger can’t do well against almost anyone in the division.
8. Chris Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs)
Charismatic and powerful, Arreola frustrates with a wavering dedication to training and a resistance to developing an improved skill set. Still, even an out of shape, crude Arreola can handle most heavyweights.
9. Kubrat Pulev (17-0, 9 KOs)
The Bulgarian has flown under the radar, but his recent resume indicates a fighter who deserves a Top Ten ranking and one who may be legitimately on the rise. On his list of recent conquests are solid fringe contenders such as Alexander Dimitrenko, Alexander Ustinov, and Travis Walker.
10. Franklin Lawrence (17-2-2, 12 KOs)
One of only two Americans in the Top Ten, Lawrence has been active against a low-level of opposition, but has performed well enough to get rankings consideration.
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Paul Magno was a licensed official in the state of Michoacan, Mexico and a close follower of the sport for more than thirty years. His work can also be found on Fox Sports and The Boxing Tribune. In the past, Paul has done work for Inside Fights, The Queensberry Rules and Eastside Boxing.
Source:
Boxrec, Boxing Records and Stats
