Boxing Perspective: A Fire’s Brewing At Super Middleweight

“Renaissance” would be the wrong term to describe what’s happening in the super middleweight division right now. That implies a “rebirth,” but never before has the division seen this depth of talent, and more importantly, a group of talent who actually show interest in fighting one another.

Remember the Roy Jones Jr./Frankie Liles/Steve Little days?

When Joe Calzaghe left the division in late 2007, he left a gaping void at the top. In retrospect, this was something of a blessing—the absence of a champion created a carrot for the line of highly-capable contenders in tow.

What’s beginning to transpire is a novelty at 168. From the amorphous jumble of challengers, some clarity has been gained, namely because they’re starting to get in the ring together.

Showtime is looking to settle the fascinating ambiguities that remain in the super middleweight ranks—more on that later. Let’s take a look at where the division stands at present and where it might be headed. First, a look at the top fighters:

1. Mikkel Kessler (41-1, 31 KO) – “The Viking Warrior” has been out of action for about nine months now and has only taken on two fairly pedestrian foes since losing to Calzaghe in November, 2007. Nonetheless, he still has a belt, is the most accomplished, and his set of skills is the most complete of anyone campaigning at 168.

2. Lucian Bute (24-0, 19 KO) – Title-holder Bute was lucky to get out of the 12th round against Librado Andrade in October, but was in control through most of the fight. Lucky for the rest of us, Andrade and Bute will go at it again sometime this fall.

3. Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KO) – Froch’s come-from-behind stoppage of Jermain Taylor set the tone for the rest of the division. The Brit’s also got an alphabet strap. Froch is one-dimensional, but he’s always in peak physical condition and is a competitor of the highest degree.

4. Librado Andrade (28-2, 21 KO) – Andrade’s losses came in hard-fought decisions against the two top super middles in the world. Like Froch, he’ll never be an easy out. Andrade is a punishment machine, both in terms of taking and giving.

5. Allan Green (28-1, 20 KO) – In light of what Edison Miranda has done since beating Green in a close, but clear, decision in 2007, the single loss on Green’s ledger has grown a little more disappointing. But Green is as level-headed as they come, and he has the kind of weaponry that make him a dangerous foe against anyone in the top 10.

6. Karoly Balzsay (21-0, 15 KO) – The Hungarian southpaw scored an upset win over previously undefeated Denis Inkin in January and has stayed busy as a titleholder. His third fight of the year will be next month against the tough Robert Stieglitz. Balzsay’s energy and palpable power should make him a player for the next few years. Let’s hope Universum lets him jump into the fray in the near future.

7. Jermain Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KO) – If Taylor’s career were marked by his performances in the first halves of his biggest fights, he’d be a budding all-time great. But regrettably for the former middleweight kingpin, he couldn’t close the deal against Froch—as he couldn’t with Kelly Pavlik—and he paid the price. But he’s got a big heart and deserves another shot.

8. Sakio Bika (27-3-2, 18 KO) – Just when he built up all that momentum after winning “The Contender,” Bika disappeared. He showed up to destroy Peter Manfredo Jr. in November, but has been MIA since. The exciting Bika just turned 30—time won’t wait for him.

9. Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KO) – Want to know just how deep super middleweight is? After the most impressive win of his career over Edison Miranda, the undefeated former Olympic gold medalist is all the way down at number nine. Finally, he’s arrived. His speed and boxing repertoire make him a dangerous opponent.

10. Andre Dirrell (18-0, 13 KO) – Dirrell has shown increasing power in the past year, which should worry the top of the division. If he gets his power to match his exceptional hand speed (the best of anyone above 147), he’ll be a pound-for-pound caliber champ. However, he hasn’t yet taken the big step up in competition (as Olympic teammate Ward has), and there are still questions about how well he handles pressure fighters.

The most noticeable omission from this list is current middleweight titleholder Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KO), who will likely move up to 168. Abraham fits in perfectly with this collection of gritty, high-octane boxer-punchers.

Also consider that because of the dearth of competition in their respective weight classes, light heavyweight champ Chad Dawson (28-0, 17 KO), who started his career at 168, and Pavlik may make the jump as well.

Talk about explosive. Showtime, as previously hinted, is working on the ultimate fan fantasy—a super middleweight tournament involving Abraham, Kessler, Froch, Taylor, Ward and Dirrell. According to published reports it is plausible that it could come off, as Showtime execs want to make an announcement sometime next week.

Given the vagaries of boxing negotiation, fans should be advised not to hold their collective breath. But at least Showtime is invested in the division. As a result we’ll probably get some dream matchups in the next year and a half. With that in mind, here are some of the best potential fights:

Most Important Fight: Kessler vs. Abraham – Despite the fact that Abraham is new to the 168 scene, the winner of this showdown would be considered the guy at super middle.

Best Fight: Froch vs. Andrade – Two guys who like to go to war, throw power shots and have no concerns about taking some back. What more is there to ask?

Crossroads Fight: Green vs. Taylor – While this wouldn’t be the best fight to make, it would go a long way in answering some lingering questions about these two veterans.

Futures Match: Ward vs. Dirrell – Many have been said that these two are the future of the division. Let’s see who gets to lead the way.

Best Potential Finish: Bute vs. Bika – Bute can be a slickster, but he puts the pedal to the metal when he gets pressed. Bika even made his contest against Calzaghe exciting. This one would have a simmering build-up to what one can only imagine would be a riotous finish.

To contact Aaron King, email him at aaronkingme@gmail.com.