The rebirth of the Heavyweight division?

Let's get ready to rumble!

THE HISTORY:

The heavyweight division in boxing had faced what is infamously known as a dormant period for the past decade or so. For a period of 13 years post the retirement of heavyweight legend, Lennox Lewis, the division had continued to face quite some criticism. After a spectacular run that included 18 consecutive title defenses, Wladimir Klitschko looked to be the only heavyweight who absolutely dominated the division.

This inability to find good heavyweight prospects was a result of not just a lack of good trainers, but also, the lack of money available in boxing. However, for the past year or so, the division has seen some progress thanks to the likes of big names like Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and the "Gypsy King", Tyson Fury.

Anthony Joshua landing an uppercut during his fight against Wladimir Klitschko!

In April 2017, Anthony Joshua was set to face Wladimir Klitschko, who was then the WBA, IBF, and IBO heavyweight champion of the world. In a grueling fight that lasted 11 menacing rounds, rising star Anthony Joshua had finally met his match. Prior to the Klitschko fight, none of Anthony Joshua's previous opponents had seen anything more than the 7th round. After being dropped once by Klitschko in round 6, Joshua had to look deep within his boxing prowess to bring out the absolute best in him. The fight eventually ended in a technical knockout that came in the 11th round, with Joshua claiming all of Klitschko's belts.

Since this event, there has been a lot of talk about the future of the heavyweight division. Earlier this year, in March of 2018, Joshua was set to face Joseph Parker, a fight that many considered as the stepping stone towards the much awaited, Joshua - Wilder fight. Joshua technically broke down Joseph Parker and eventually stopped him in the 12th round.

Deontay Wilder, too, showed tremendous heart in his previous encounter with heavyweight giant, Luis Ortiz, who he beat via technical knockout. Wilder is known for his brutal knockout power and in the Ortiz fight, he showed that even if he was made to box rather than just entice fans with a slugfest, he could very well adapt and score the victory.

Post this win for either fighter, the stage was set for the ultimate, Joshua - Wilder showdown. But as anticlimactic as it sounds, it wasn't to be. Boxing fans were in for a shocker as rumors have it that last-minute negotiations did not come through. The contract was said to have not been returned by Wilder's camp and the fight was canceled.

THE PRESENT:

Deontay Wilder dropping Luis Ortiz to his knees!

With the Joshua - Wilder fight not coming to fruition, the WBA sanctioning body left Joshua and camp with no choice but to face mandatory challenger, Alexander Povetkin. A certain time limit was stipulated for the Joshua - Wilder fight, and since it failed to come to pass, Joshua was going to be stripped of his WBA title if he failed to fight Povetkin on immediate notice. The 38-year-old Russian, Alexander Povetkin, is a tough fighter and even though his reach and height are shorter in comparison to Anthony Joshua, he could prove to be a serious problem for the champ.

Alexander Povetkin was the WBA champion from 2011 to 2013. His only loss, since his debut in 2005, came in 2013 against a Wladimir Klitschko who was in his prime. Povetkin's last win came against heavyweight David Price, on the Joshua - Parker undercard in Cardiff. Anthony Joshua realizes that a win against Povetkin will give him the freedom to choose any opponent he wants. Invariably, that opponent will be Deontay Wilder. This is what Joshua had to say about his upcoming fight against Alexander Povetkin:

"I can't wait to get back in the ring - the end of March feels a long time ago now. Povetkin is a serious challenge that I will prepare meticulously for. He has serious pedigree and only a fool would underestimate what he brings to the table.

"It's not the height of the man, it's the fight of the man. He's fought people like me all his life. He's used to tall guys. He knows how to slip and throw punches, so I've got to make sure I give him no gaps or openings. It's not the height that's the issue - it's how willing and determined he is."

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn also faced quite some criticism when fight fans realized that the Joshua - Wilder fight was pushed to a later date. He believes that it is, in fact, a career smart move for Joshua to face Povetkin at this point in time. He firmly feels that Povetkin will pose a serious threat to Joshua. This is what Eddie Hearn had to say about the Joshua - Povetkin fight, scheduled for 22nd September 2018:

"I can't wait to return to Wembley for what I believe will be one of the biggest tests of AJ's career. Last time he was there he produced one of the most dramatic fights and endings in the history of the sport and I expect this fight to be full of energy and drama.

"Povetkin is a top-three heavyweight and extremely dangerous but in AJ I see the best heavyweight in the world today and I think we will see a major statement."

Anthony Joshua is on the road to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The only thing standing between him and this pedestal is the WBC belt strapped around the waist of Deontay Wilder. The most recent boxer to claim the honor of undisputed champ was Lennox Lewis, back in the year 2000. Deontay Wilder looks to cement his name permanently in the history books as well. He too realizes that a fight with Joshua is one for the ages. This is what he had to say about the situation:

"Most definitely he (Joshua) could have gotten an exemption for this (Povetkin) fight. That was the least of the worries right there because everyone wants it. When everyone wants it, then there's nothing that could stand in the way of a fight of this magnitude. No possible way.

"Even when he's announcing Povetkin, they're talking about me. Everywhere we go, they're talking about this fight.

"At the end of the day, me and Joshua don't need each other. Not to survive and live. We've been doing that before we even met each other, and we're going to do that after we've met each other.

"But for this fight to happen - for fans to see one of the biggest fights in world history and to see one champion, one face, one name - we definitely need each other."

Jarrel Miller and Anthony Joshua exchanging a few words!

THE FUTURE:

Another fighter who remains a viable opponent for Joshua is number 3 ranked IBF and WBA boxer, Jarrel Miller. During the launch of DAZN in New York, the American called out Anthony Joshua, to ignite the possibility of a fight against the champ. This is what Jarrel Miller had to say about the problems he will pose to Anthony Joshua, if and when he fights him:

“He has problems with shorter opponents. I'm a little shorter than him and bigger than him, and I throw more punches than him. Somebody like me that comes forward and doesn't take no for an answer - he's going to have a long, dangerous, terrible night.”

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will look to settle some unfinished business!

With so many promising fighters in the heavyweight division, fight fans can expect some fireworks in the coming times. Deontay Wilder is set to face Tyson Fury towards the end of the year and it will be interesting to see who among the two fighters, will crash to the canvas for the very first time in their professional boxing career. Wilder will defend his WBC belt against Fury in November or December, according to sources. All the terms seem to be agreed upon and Fury's promoter, Warren, told BBC Radio 5 live that they are working on the venue and date, at the moment.

For the time being, all eyes seem to be hovering over the Joshua - Povetkin fight. The odds seem to be greatly in favor of Joshua, who is predicted to win on points. The 38-year-old Russian seems to be in top shape and eager to fight. This will be a major obstacle for the Briton.

This fight will most likely go the distance!

What do you boxing fans reckon?

Leave your comments below!