For the first time in over a decade, we have a new kingpin in the heavyweight division in boxing. The most prestigious honor in combat sports now belongs to Tyson Fury, the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of this world, after dethroning Wladimir Klitschko. It was a stunning performance in which Fury outclasses Wlad in just about every aspect of the fight, so the question remains now, what’s next? Luke and Nolan attempt to answer that very question.
Where does Klitschko and Fury rank on the all-time list of combat sports upsets?
Nolan Howell: I would be willing to rank it higher if the fight wasn’t so terrible. It was pretty unexpected for Fury to win this, but he had the physical tools that everyone believed could beat Klitschko. It was a matter of style and ring intelligence and Fury implemented a brilliant gameplan, no matter how ugly. I think it ranks up there just on the result alone, but history won’t look at it favorably because of the quality of the fight and the disdain most everyone in boxing seems to have for the Klitschkos.
Luke Irwin: Don’t get me wrong, it was an upset, but it wasn’t an extreme one. It wasn’t Buster Douglas over Tyson. Hell, it wasn’t even the biggest combat sports upset of the month. It wasn’t even Klitschko’s biggest upset loss, which belongs to Corrie Sanders. It was surprising to see the king fall, but it was inevitable. Wlad has looked beatable for years, he just lacked a true live opponent. Fury gave him that and ended his reign.
What’s next for Fury and Klitschko?
Nolan Howell: An immediate rematch is what is next for both, but it is hard to tell who will take that. Klitschko should be able to adapt this time around, but Fury proved that he is a lot smarter in the ring than most anticipated. Past that rematch, it will be the winner of Povetkin vs. Wilder. When it all plays out, I believe we will be seeing Wilder vs. Klitschko late 2016.
Luke Irwin: For Wlad, if he wants to make another go of it, a rematch with Fury in Great Britain at Wembley would be massive. Just look at what Groves vs. Froch can do in front of a rabid British audience. That being said, if Wlad wants to call it a career, it’s been a legendary one and nobody would blame him. Vitaly is retired, and Wlad going out on his shield would be fantastic to usher in the new breed of heavyweights.
Does this significantly impact the legacy of Wladimir Klitschko?
Nolan Howell: Regardless of whether he takes a rematch, I think this will hurt Wladimir Klitschko because many had already made up their mind on disliking him for using a style advantageous to his size and athleticism. I think this will be a big blow that will be pointed out for years to come because I don’t anticipate Fury being able to hold the titles for any lengthy period of time.
Luke Irwin: Nah, every heavyweight kingpin takes a fall late in his career. Time waits for no man. Ali did, Tyson did, Holmes did. It happens. Wlad is 39 and had a decade-plus run as the king of the hill. Ultimately, I think his legacy is safe. He might be remembered like Larry Holmes, a king in between eras of heavyweight greatness, as I believe the next heavyweight boom is coming soon.
If Deontay Wilder leads a resurgence in American heavyweight boxing, would Klitschko or Fury be a better opponent?
Nolan Howell: This is a question that racked my brain prior to the fight. Klitschko obviously has the name value and credentials, while Fury would be easier to root against with his prefight antics. Both could play the bad guy if the fight is held in the United States, but for different reasons. In this situation, I think Fury would be the more marketable option. Wilder could present problems to both, but bombastic promotion wins out over selling technique and credentials to casual boxing fans.
Luke Irwin: I understand the want and need to get Wilder a shot to become the undisputed heavyweight champion as soon as possible. American, Olympic-medalist, huge in stature. I’m an unabashed Bronze Bomber fan, but there might be money and development experience in a fight with Klitschko. That is, if Wlad even takes it; there’s not a ton in it for him. A loss to Wlad could seriously derail the Wilder hype train, so it’s a risky proposition for both men.
Where does the heavyweight division stand now?
Nolan Howell: I don’t think it really helps all that much. Perhaps more exposure will come to the division after the upset and the draw will lure more fighters to heavyweight, but the talent pool is top-heavy with so many prospects still floundering as they transition from other sports to boxing. We are probably a ways off from heavyweight boxing being a staple in the sport again, but I sense that some very exciting things could put that ball in motion in a year or two.
Luke Irwin: I think a heavyweight boom is upon us. There is both personality and talent on the way, which are the two aspects essential in boxing. Wilder, Joseph Parker, Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz, Jarrell Miller, and Sergei Kuzmin are all 30 or under and coming up through the ranks. Plus, we could have a whole new Klitschko situation with Fury and his brother Hughie! Not as militant, but much, much weirder!
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