Modern HW boxing: Weak era OR one of the strongest eras in reality?

[TitoFan]

Comparing eras in HW boxing is tough. Gotta be careful with the assumption that just because today's fighters are taller and heavier, that they're better. I admit to being one of the biggest critics of today's heavyweights, and I'll tell you why.

It seems like more than ever, washed-up, retired HW's are deciding to come back. Maybe just for the money.... maybe because they see what's out there and think "Hey, maybe I've got a shot." It's pathetic.

Just as pathetic, there are fighters out there who see heavyweight as a division they can bloat up to, without giving up the double-cheeseburgers, or without having to run further than the corner McDonalds. They think all they need is that one "haymaker" to get the KO and grab a piece of the pie (literally). That's the kind of thinking that results in blobs like Fat Ass Toney still hanging around and embarrassing himself and the sport. I think in the past, heavyweights generally at least gave the impression of wanting to be athletes. They were never all chiseled.... but at least they could climb into the ring without looking like sumo wrestlers with gloves.

"Klitschko-fear" has ruined the division. Never have I seen fighters come into the ring so meekly, just wanting to survive and collect their paycheck. In those rare occasions a fighter does come to fight, Wlad will grab and clinch and maul and just ruin a perfectly good fight. Even when George Foreman was terrorizing the division, fighters generally came to fight, even if they weren't very successful. Eventually, Foreman met Ali, and the rest is history.

So while it may be debatable as to what era has been better.... I think it's less debatable that today's heavyweights are a bore to watch, and have drained interest in the division.

[Max Power]

A very respectable opinion Tito and I am glad you took time to explain your position on the modern HW's.

I personally find modern HW boxing far more entertaining than that of the 60's or 70's or early 80's but from the rise of Mike Tyson to the end of Vitali Klitschko's first career which I feel to have been the most exciting I do see a decline in "excitement", not in all fights or fighters but in the general atmosphere. There are some exceptions. This I feel may be more to do with the fact that because I was always a fan of English and American commentary (particularly HBO) and now that championship fights are fought in Germany and have foreign commentary most of the time they lack the same atmosphere that the American based fights did. And of course Vitali's last few years have been not so explosive as his past days and Wladimir is now a kill joy for the division.

I do find it easier on the eyes than the 60's or 70's however. I just watched FOTC again this morning and I gotta tell ya, what a stinker! And also what weaklings they were. You certainly get the impression that any of us probably could have handled those punches and both men seemed absolutely blind to punches! And this was one of the BEST performances!

There will always be old timers and always have been who will return for comebacks. Boxing esp HW is one sport where a fatter, middle aged opponent with far greater experience can defeat his younger more athletic opponent with less seasoning.

I think you will find there were just as many out of shape fighters in the old days as now. A few guys like Chris Arreola has appeared in previous fights was not representative of the division as a whole. Imo there tends to be more of a "bodybuilder" type image going around at HW boxing today. James Toney is just an individual making a mockery of himself, not the sport.

Anyhow I am concentrating purely on their effectiveness here not their entertainment value. Were the Klitschko's or top contenders really to be threatened by the sort of opponents like were around in the 70's and 60's then they would be there now. Far too many have critiqued the modern era as being "weak" in light of zero evidence and plenty to suggest the contrary.

[ruthless rocco]

"one of the strongest eras in reality?"

[boyla]

90s was not the golden age.
Whatever the current age of boxing, it will always be criticized because the past is seen with rose-tinted spectacles.
Having two champions for past ten years who would not fight each other has killed heavyweight boxing.
Boxing greats have come from poverty, rap music has taken potential boxers and gave the false promise of a quick return in music business.
I see the current generation of heavyweights as one of the best ever.

[Master]

Calling Frazier a weak half blind dwarf with no chin, Foreman a big lug who could barely box and Ali a skinny kid who shoe shined his way through the 60's who later turned into a fat punch bag and hugged his way through the 70's means you are a prat.

[Max Power]

It could also mean that other thing too @Master ... Being "Objective"! Otherwise known as "realistic".