It’s not the most dynamic of times in the heavyweight division. Though there is no lack of abundance of colorful characters and talents in all shapes and sizes from all regions of the globe, something is definitely missing in the heavyweight jungle.
What’s missing is two key match-ups which would tie up all the loose ends, which would draw the muddled picture into pinpoint focus. You know what I’m talking about.
Money talks in this world where anything is possible. So here is the idea. How about Vitali Klitschko and Wladimir Klitschko agree to box each other – if and only if Lennox Lewis accepts to honor his promised rematch to Vitali? If Lennox defeats Vitali, he can face Wladimir – or retire. If Vitali wins, he must face Wladimir in a 12-round unification bout. Even if it’s contested at less than full pace and intensity would be a whole lot better than Wladimir vs. Chambers or Povetkin.
Then everyone would know who the true king, the true world heavyweight champion is of this new century’s post-Lewis era.
You ask any sports fan on the street if they can name who the world heavyweight champion is today and they won’t be able to tell you. Because there is no one answer. That fact is beyond ridiculous.
Lennox, Vitali and Wladimir (among others) are the primary ones who are responsible for the current confusion and only they are the ones who can fix it. Valuev, the WBA, Haye, Ruiz, Sauerland, King are all irrelevant factors at this time.
Otherwise, what are the options? Does the sporting public really want to pay to see Chambers, Chagaev, Toney, Solis, Povetkin, Haye, Valuev, Ruiz or Kevin Johnson in alphabet heavyweight title fights? Does HBO or any network really want to televise these fights?
Vitali, Wladimir and Lennox are the three best heavyweights in the world today, that’s a fact. It is the obligation and responsibility of the sport of boxing to determine WHO is the best. Enough of the confusion and uncertainty, it must be solved now. The future of the sport – with MMA continuing to invade it’s territory and steal it’s credibility and wealth – may be in the collective six hands of Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko.
Lennox Lewis has nothing to prove and deserves to be retired, and enjoying the life he has earned. But if he truly did make Vitali a promise, that promise should be kept. For the sake of the sport.
