Boxing 2006: The Heavyweight Scene

There’s Still Hope!

After a quiet 2005 on the world heavyweight boxing front, what can we look forward to in the new year both domestically and internationally?

The retirement of former WBC kingpin Vitali Klitschko for some people meant the division would fall into an even bigger state of depression but I think it opens up a window of opportunities. Currently, our champions are Hasim Rahman, Chris Byrd, Lamon Brewster and Nikolay Valuev. The first big fight of 2006 happens at domestic level and could find a challenger to one of the four above champions.

On February 25 at London’s ExCel Arena, Danny Williams finally faces British Champion Matt Skelton in a match previously canceled from the previous July when Danny complained of flu. This I feel will be a great domestic matchup. Both men, if needed, will go to the trenches. Williams in the past has won with a dislocated shoulder and Skelton, although not as technically sound, has a will to win matched by few.

Also Skelton at 37 doesn’t have time on his hands and has to be commended on taking this risky matchup. For the winner though could come the spoils or at least an opportunity at world level. When the matchup was originally made, I fancied Skelton and I stand by that decision. Although Williams is coming off a win over Audley Harrison, I think he will find Matt a totally different proposition.

In a matchup that I’m looking forward to, newly crowned WBC champion Hasim Rahman makes the first defence of his crown against the enigmatic James Toney. Rahman was awarded the title after the forced retirement of Vitali Klitschko. Toney for me is a throwback to the old time fighters technically and in his four fights at this weight has certainly looked the part. He had four heavyweight starts and is unbeaten. The only blemish was a no contest after winning the WBA title from John Ruiz. Rahman’s right hand will be a danger but I can see Toney’s smarts being the difference maker.

The big surprise in the division could be the WBO champion Lamon Brewster. A champion since 2004 when he knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in an upset, I think he will want the big fights and could shock some people. A matchup I would love to see is Brewster v. Toney, if “Lights Out” is successful in March.

Back in December, in a shock and somewhat contentious decision, John Ruiz was again dethroned as WBA champion by giant Russian Nikolay Valuev. After losing the title in such controversial circumstances, a rematch must be on the cards. Ruiz by decision anyone?

So what of IBF champion Chris Byrd? Yes, ok, I hear you say “so what?” We’ve mentioned the other champions. but surely he must figure in some unification fights sometime. 2005 was a quiet year for “Rapid Fire” but strangely enough he is currently the heavyweight division’s longest reigning World Champion. Amazing! The man has to be respected as on countless occasions he’s defeated men much bigger than himself. Again for me. that man Toney begs a mention. A matchup between two similar size technicians could produce a masterclass.

So we’ve mentioned the champions. On the fringe we have men who feel 2006 could be their year. Wladimir Klitschko has just resurrected his career with a brave win over Samuel Peter in a crossroads matchup. Peter himself could come again. Williams and Skelton are fighting in a big domestic matchup with the carrot of a possible world title match for the winner. Other names of mention include Juan Carlos Gomez and Calvin Brock, both highly rated in the WBC ratings.

Call me crazy but I think 2006 could be a great year for the heavyweights. The division is at its most open and anyone could take over.

Call me even crazier but I believe Audley Harrison could still shine!