One look around the garbage-strewn heavyweight landscape is enough to know that Wladimir Klitschko will very likely retire unchallenged in any major way. Most of us will be left wanting that one epic fight that could’ve pushed Wlad up higher in the all-time rankings. Looking at some of the ranked fighters today, in no particular order…

Chris Arreola – Very inactive 2012. Already had his chance versus Vitali and came up short. Working his way back, but needs to step it up. And yet he’s already has had his upcoming fight with Stiverne rescheduled to April 27 due to bronchitis.

Bermane Stiverne – Fought only once in 2012 (common theme here). Record made up mostly of bums and losers.

Johnathon Banks – Smallish, no power, Seth Mitchell only good win on his record.

David Haye – Had his chance versus Wlad and blew it big time. Doesn’t want to pay his dues at heavyweight, demanding only a shot at Vitali. Ridiculous.

Ruslan Chagaev – Wlad “retread”, little squirt at 5’-11”, little power.

Bryant Jennings – Exciting American prospect, but with few fights (16-0, 8 KO’s).

Tomasz Adamek – Vitali “retread”, a bit smallish at 6’-1”.

Robert Helenius – Big at 6’-6”, but with few fights at 18-0. Only fought once in 2012. Now scheduled to fight “bum-of-the-month” Michael Sprott.

Alexander Povetkin – Next logical Wlad opponent, but Wlad is fighting the great Francesco Pianeta instead.

Deontay Wilder – Maybe they’ll start looking toward Wlad when the guy’s 50-0 with 50 KO’s, having fought every possible bum off the street.

David Price – A personal favorite to step up to the plate… and then he runs into Tony Thompson, the Wladimir punching bag.


It seems a recurring theme here is inactivity, and fight postponements due to injuries or illness. This further frustrates boxing fans who want to see good heavyweight boxing and someone to truly challenge the Klitschkos.

Another recurring theme is the periodic appearance of a “new and improved” heavyweight hope. The guy that is finally supposed to present a challenge to the Klitschkos before they collect their gold watch and go home. Just for grins, I thought I’d post this link from mid-2011. It was supposed to be the top 10 heavyweight prospects at the time. A couple of the names remain… but the others are probably out parking cars for a living now.

Boxing: The Top 10 Heavyweight Prospects in the World | Bleacher Report


Funny list, huh?

What the hell… we’ll just keep shuffling names around until the Klitschkos retire. It seems no one will ever give Wlad the test he sorely needs.