Boxing’s Changing of the Guards: A Reason to Keep Watching.

Lately, there has been much talk about the declining state of boxing, and why it’s losing the popularity it once held for decades, but whatever the case maybe, there are many reasons to keep watching. For one, the heavyweight shuffle. Who will ultimately be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world? Will Roy Jones, Jr. again come back and stake his claim as the light heavyweight champion? And we cannot forget the comeback kids in Kostya Tszyu and Felix “Tito” Trinidad, both coming off extended layoffs; dominating their opponents with relative ease, how long will their stars shine? Well, if that’s not enough reason to stay tuned, let’s take a look into the future with Jermain Taylor and his impressive win over veteran William Joppy. Also, we have super middleweight champion, Jeff Lacy, the first of his 2000 Olympic team to fight for and win a major title in four years, with only nineteen pro fights.

Even the merging of two of boxing’s great fighters, Oscar de la Hoya, and Bernard Hopkins, challenging the promotional regime of Don King, Bob Arum and the likes. There’s even the hip-hop influence, from endorsing boxing apparel, to managing such fighters as “Winky” Wright, and even rising star, Andre Berto. The reasons to watch are enormous! So what more is there to say about the ever changing and growing sport of boxing? Nothing, but stay tuned. Know this, one fight can change the course of a boxer’s life, whether it’s going from merely being a contender, to becoming world champion. Or having your career halted by a devastating left hook that lands flush on the mark. The uncertainties of an outcome of a fight alone are enough to have a fan on the edge of their seat.

Just this month alone, the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions could possibly change. It’s a great possibility that contender Danny Williams could win the title and be added to the shuffle of heavyweights. Glen Johnson could turn the tables on Antonio Tarver, and take the light heavyweight crown back to Miami. These are not predictions, just mere speculations, as to what changes can occur in the careers of these boxer’s and the boxing world. This is all happening by the end of this month. Also keep in mind, all of the upcoming bouts and the exciting match-up’s between fighters like Arturo “Thunder” Gatti, and Jesse “James” Leija and Cory Spinks versus Zab Judah.

There has even been talk of Mike Tyson planning a come back in March, and Evander Holyfield continuing his quest for another world title. If there has never been a time to tune in, and stay tuned, the time is now! Boxing is setting up for a spectacular ride from the U.S to the world, and 2005 plans to be promising for fighters and fans alike.

Katrina Walters can be reached at wsteve555@aol.com