Cruiserweight and Heavyweight thread.

I've thought about this, I don't think Washington sticks around long and I think Teremoana can beat Forrest and go some rounds. It's a step up for sure but it's not too much of a step IMO

 

He still has a lot of room to grow, so I want him to fight more journeymen. I do pick Teremoana over Forrest, but Forrest could kick his ass. The heavyweight division needs prospects like Teremoana to develop into strong champions or contenders. I think the highest level guy he can face right now is Johnny Rice, who beat undefeated Polite-Coffie and Vianello, but he’s still very beatable.

 

No need to rush him but no need to go the slow route either. He should be in a good position when the belts inevitably splinter off again in a couple of years or less. The division is going to be wide open very soon.

 

Rice hasn't been seen in over 3 years he's completely MIA

 

Pretty nicely planned out. I respect it.

Always good to take it slowly as long as you're actually active at this stage of career, rather than fighting once every six months like a certain someone.

 

I listen out for him on the Mannix/Mora podcast which might add some name recognition into the mix. I like that pathway above as long as it's spaced a couple of months apart, with none of these a near-year of nothing breaks.

I've got a question ... assuming not stumbles ... who are the around/under 30 emerging HWs he's likely to collide with who are doing the same from another direction?

 

I'm very wary about such prospects - I don't want to rush judgement on anyone. But, a lot of people are hyping up Moses Itauma obviously. Always natural for there to be hype around Olympic gold medalists such as Jalolov but Jalolov has shown no interest in a serious pro career so far.

 

I've been following Jalolov since early in his amateur days, as I knew Uzbeks in Korea when I was there. there's a district near the Russian district in Seoul believe it or not ... lots of night clubs etc round that area. He's a 'whatever' ... no-one bothers with taking interest in him, but he might turn up and make some waves, I don't really care as of now tho. Gurgen I liked but lost interest in. D Pero, looked like he was picking up the grade but might end up wasting years. Itauma at least is going to make or break over 2026 I think so at least we will know one way or another whether he's a real deal belt contender wise. Lot's of Russians and Ukrainians early in the pro game.

 

Talked to Rice on Instagram; he is still willing to fight for $100,000.

 

True, fighting every month against journeymen/low-level gatekeepers will be better for development than fighting every 6 months against the Dempsey McKeans of the boxing world. Moses is very talented, though, despite my criticisms, and he will bring more good than bad in the heavyweight division.

 

Interesting. I love this sport when you can randomly message HW gatekeepers and they say they'll be down to fight for XXX amount of money.

 

I'm really hoping Itauma will have a quick return to boxing after the Franklin fight - before summer peaks, even if its against a gatekeeper like Jarrell Miller. Hes still only 21, and Usyk isn't going to fight him before he retires.

 

Miller would take him the full 10 rounds. He has a much more proven chin than Franklin; in fact, I’d say he has the best chin in the division. I’d like to see that fight next, or a fight with Huni soon.

 

Not saying Rice wouldn't be a good pick but 3 years inactive at age 39 doesn't seem to bode very well

For what it's worth I want to see Teremoana continue to be active

 

I think Rice got blackballed for being too dangerous for mediocre prospects. Was a sure pick to give guys some rounds and test their chins.