They are training hard. Aiming and aspiring to reach the heavyweight mountain top, where fame and fortune await. These are the young heavyweight boxers, motivated and inspired with hopes and dreams to some day reign supreme as the Heavyweight Champion of the world. Let’s take a look at some of the best of today’s young heavyweight prizefighters…
Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev, 10-0, (5) – Illustrious amateur career. Bulgarian. Age 29. 6-4 1/2. Sound technical skills, fast jab, heavy hands, athleticism, advantageous height and reach, very good wheels for a big man. Amateur wins over Odlanier Solis and Vyacheslav Glazkov.
Denis Boytsov, 28-0 (23) – Another excellent prospect, fast hands, explosive power although perhaps a bit mechanical. Some of his early career KO highlights are comparable to the young Tyson. Reported to have hand problems. But former opponent Maddalone told me he was not overly impressed with Boytsov and said Holyfield was actually the harder to fight, even at his advanced age. Still, Boytsov has plenty of time to improve and could be a major force.
Tyson Fury, 13-0 (9) – Talented, charismatic, tall, strong, smart, deceptively effective. Has bested Helenius in sparring encounters, according to my sources. Emanuel Steward has proclaimed Fury to be a future champion. Youth on his side (he’s 22), has lots of time to build on his excellent foundation. Might need to change nutritional diet to create stronger physique.
Johnathon Banks, 25-1 (17) – Very experienced from many camps with Wladimir Klitschko and Emanuel Steward. Very intelligent individual. Average size, decent athleticism. Questionable stamina and chin since being knocked out by Adamek at cruiserweight.
Deontay Wilder, 14-0 (14) – Age 25, started boxing in 2005. Alabama native won U.S. National Golden Gloves. Has amateur win over future Olympic gold medal champion Rakhim Chakkhiyev in Russia. Has size and physical tools but his boxing athleticism looks raw and a bit sloppy at times. Must tighten up and sharpen his game. If he does, watch out.
Mariusz Wach, 23-0 (11) – Another giant. Physically strong, good boxing skills, intelligent. Currently training in America. Good record, unbeaten though being developed gradually.
Bermane Stiverne 20-1 (19) – 34 years old. 6-2. Power puncher, dangerous left hook. Conditioning and fitness are questionable. Amateur wins over Helenius and Price. Was 11-0 with 11 KO’s before being stopped by Demetrice King. Previously promoted by Don King. Defeated 20-0 Kertson Manswell in last fight in Pontiac, Michigan by TKO 2.
Robert Helenius, 14-0 (9): Deceptively effective. The Nordic Nightmare may not look the part, or come from a traditional boxing background but he is big, strong, fast, aggressive and throws vicious, damaging punches. Ask victims Lamon Brewster or Attila Levin.
Robert Helenius launching the assault that stopped former champion Lamon Brewster.
Seth Mitchell – 21-0-1 (14) – Started boxing in 2006. 28 years old. Played college football at Michigan State. From Brandywine, MD. Stands 6-2. Nickname is Mayhem. Signed with Golden Boy.
Oleg Platov – 28-1 (22) – Turned pro in Belgium in 2001. Fomer WBC World Youth champ. Ukrainian is now 27 year old. Hold spilt decision win over former titleholder Henry Akinwande. One points loss to Ludovic Mace was avenged by KO.
David Price, 8-0 (6) – 2008 Olympic bronze medal winner. Age 27. Stands 6-8. Currently sparring with Odlanier Solis who will take on WBC champ Vitali Klitschko next. Amateur win over Fury.
Rakhim Chakkhiyev, 8-0 (6) – Age 28. 2008 Olympic gold medal winner at heavyweight. 200 pounds. Nicknamed ‘The Machine.’ Technically excellent, smart, quick, sharp, appears to have all necessary fundamentals and assets except this very impressive Russian might be too small at an even 6-feet to win a world heavyweight title.