Boxing in 2023 has been nothing short of thrilling. Fierce bouts and intense rivalries have kept fans at the edge of their seats. However, while the lighter weight classes have shone brightly, the heavyweight division seems to have dimmed. The coming months are crucial for the heavyweights to reclaim their lost grandeur.
Key Highlights of Boxing in 2023
- Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Ryan Garcia
- Terence Crawford’s domination over Errol Spence Jr.
- Naoya Inoue’s triumphant move against Stephen Fulton
- Anticipation of Canelo Alvarez taking on Jermell Charlo
The Heavyweight Division: Time for a Revival
The heavyweight class hasn’t quite matched the excitement of its lighter counterparts this year. The division’s salvation might lie in the series of matches planned for August, which could pave the way for some monumental encounters by the end of 2023 or early 2024.
Anthony Joshua: The Former Champion’s Return
Saturday promises a promising bout as Anthony Joshua, the two-time former unified champion, is back in action. The long-speculated match between Joshua and ex-WBC champion Deontay Wilder has fans eagerly waiting.
| Anthony Joshua | Deontay Wilder |
| Lost world titles to Oleksandr Usyk | Lost WBC title to Tyson Fury |
| Lost rematch to Usyk | Record against Fury: 0-2-1 |
With both fighters having faced recent setbacks, a match between them holds significant stakes. It’s not just about redemption; it’s about proving their worth in the heavyweight hierarchy.
The Dillian Whyte Twist
Joshua was initially set to take on Dillian Whyte. However, a failed drug test by Whyte threw a wrench in those plans. Matchroom Boxing, instead of opting for Filip Hrgovic or Derek Chisora, introduced Robert Helenius as Joshua’s new opponent. Helenius, fresh off a rapid TKO win, wasn’t on a high note when he faced Wilder, getting knocked out in the first round.
Given the history, Joshua’s match against an untrained Helenius becomes an indirect performance comparison with Wilder’s bout against a well-prepared Helenius.
The Ultimate Showdown: Fury vs. Usyk
If Joshua and Wilder promise excitement, the potential undisputed clash between WBC champion Tyson Fury and the WBO, WBA, and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk guarantees fireworks.
Negotiations between the two champions have been rocky. Fury’s demands were often termed excessive. At one point, he even proposed a 70/30 purse split in his favor for a match on April 29. What caught eyeballs was his claim that the offer would reduce by 1% every day Usyk stalled.
“Usyk needed to accept a 70/30 purse split for an April 29 bout and that the offer would decrease by 1 percent every day Usyk delayed.” – Tyson Fury
In a twist, Usyk agreed, but with a condition — Fury had to donate to Ukraine post-fight. However, less than a fortnight later, the discussions collapsed.
Upcoming Fights
Usyk is set to defend his titles on August 26 against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois. Given Dubois’ close call against Kevin Lerena, Usyk is favored to win.
On the other side, Fury is prepping for an October 28 fight with ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who will be making his boxing debut. An unusual choice for Fury, but the bout promises a hefty paycheck for the Brit in Saudi Arabia.
The Future of Heavyweight Boxing
The path ahead for the heavyweight division seems a tad uncertain.
“In this last year, I’ve tried two or three times. It’s always not happened for whatever reason… You can’t force someone to do something they don’t want to do. Unless both parties are willing then these fights don’t get made, as we’ve seen over the years.” – Tyson Fury
The immediate focus for both Joshua and Usyk should be their upcoming matches. A loss could derail the significant earnings for all involved. However, if they overcome their immediate obstacles, they could spearhead the resurgence of the heavyweight category.
Legacy at Stake: The Heavyweights’ Historical Dominance
Boxing’s heavyweight division has always stood out as the most iconic and revered weight class in the sport. From the legendary bouts of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman to the iron-fisted reign of Mike Tyson, the heavyweights have traditionally been the centerpiece of boxing’s global appeal.
A Look Back
Historically, some of the most memorable moments in boxing have come courtesy of heavyweight giants:
- Muhammad Ali’s poetic footwork and braggadocious personality captured hearts globally.
- Mike Tyson’s ferocious power made him the youngest heavyweight champion, instilling fear in opponents.
- Lennox Lewis’ tactical mastery and range redefined the essence of a modern heavyweight.
The charisma, power, and unique tales of rise and fall in this division have often been the heart of boxing movies, books, and folklore.
The Modern Era
However, while the past was dotted with captivating figures and tales, the recent decade has seen a shift. With the rise of MMA and other combat sports, boxing – and particularly the heavyweight division – has faced stiff competition in maintaining its mass appeal.
Nevertheless, in the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk, there’s a glimmer of hope. These modern-day gladiators have showcased glimpses of the same brilliance that once made heavyweight boxing the pinnacle of combat sports.
Nostalgia vs. The Present
While it’s tempting to be ensnared in the golden memories of yesteryears, it’s essential to appreciate and foster the present. For the heavyweight division to regain its former glory, fans, promoters, and fighters need to create an environment where iconic bouts aren’t just reminisced but recreated.
For that, marquee matchups like the speculated Joshua-Wilder and Fury-Usyk need to materialize. Not just for the fighters’ legacy but for the sake of heavyweight boxing’s glorious future.
