Now lets re-assess the Oz heavyweight scene

i dont think any serious threats on the world scene either unfortunately.
Heaps of good local matchups could happen tho...leading to perhaps the best of the lot being a fringe contender.

 

Though he's getting on, Kali Meehan is probably still our best IMO.

Then you've got the potential of Mark De Mori, and even though we've only seen 2 rounds of explosiveness from Ben Edwards, they've resulted in Hoppa and Leuii being put to sleep. So he's one to watch if he chooses boxing ahead of his so far preferred, kick-boxing.

Overall our talent is thin on the ground in the heavies, pretty much as usual really.

 

Australia has always struggled on a world scene for heavyweights

Reminds me of that double page spread in the Daily worker ...... oops i mean telegraph that had Les Mason as a future HW champ atsch

 

les mason still has time on his side.

don't give up yet beaver!

 

The Way I See It:

- Best Heavyweight : Kali Meehan (The title shot seems another year away and he may retire by then?)
- Best Prospect : Ben Edwards

- Contenders :
John Hopoate
Solomon Haumono
Alex Leapai

At the current rate Haumono seems to be on the decline. Leapai put in a dissapointing last performance. All 3 are very close to each other at this stage. Although Hopoate has improved a fair bit in the past two years and i think he would account for both of them. And i would also tip Edwards to beat Leapai, Hopoate and Haumono, considering he fought another 4-5 fights before taking them on.

 

Agreed MM.

It'll be a real pity if Edwards doesn't give the kicking away and have a real crack at boxing. He said on another thread that he can make more kicking, and unfortunately he's probably in that situation where he needs rounds boxing but the money isn't there to entice him to do them.

Until he proves otherwise Edwards is an awesome prospect.

 

U think Ben Edwards is a better prospect than Mark De Mori? Or just think Mark no longer fits into the "prospect" category?

 

Ben caught Hoppa sweet....lets not get too hyped on this just yet.

If he takes a few more fights against top 10 aussies and wins then we can jump on the train.

I still think Alex and Mark are our best bet....only time will tell if they can make a dent on the world stage.

 

thats all i've got to say

 

Aussie Heavyweights -

On the local scene there could be some good matchups against each other. Most of them would win some, lose some against each other.

On the world scene they would all get badly found out even against average opposition. They are no better than journeymen on the world scene i'm afraid unless you see things differently like that deluded fool Johnny Lewis.

 

They would provide really good entertainment fighting each other though, but that's about as far as you can expect them to go.

 

My Top 6 list

1.Kali Meehan-he's probably our closet OZ we've had to a heavyweight world title shot. Hopefully we get to see him against Valuev soon as time is running out for him.

2.John Hopoate-Although he lost to McCall, I think the fight gave him a wake up call and where he stands in regards to experienced boxers. I Still consider him a brawler who will be troubled by a experienced skilled fit boxer, but a well deserved win over veteran Mirovic (even though it was a ugly fight). Has progressed well for someone who hasnt been in the game long.

3.Solomon Haumono-Apart from his freak KO from Royce Sio, I think he is still a threat to local top 5 heavyweights. The Kirby fight coming up will be a good test.

4.Alex Leapai-I like his aggressive pressure style. Was a bit surprised by his draw with Masataka but in saying that, Masatakas reminds me of a Japanese version of David Tua. Big left hooker, big legs, which probably troubled Alex. Or maybe Alex was not mentally prepared...no excuse really.

5. Mark De Mori-He's had enough fights now to step up to some more experienced fighters. Personal I feel Hoppa, Solo, or Kirby would be a good matchup locally

6. Michael Kirby-Not a fan but a tough cookie who keeps coming forward.



Ben Edwards-Too early to give an opinion, but I think he is a good up and coming prospect. I'd like to see him fight someone who can box and with a bit more experience. Must remember Ben is a former kickboxer World Champ, not sure if its sanctioned by a world rated body or not but he obviously has the killer instinct. Would like to see how he goes over 4-6 rounds.

Les Mason-I don't think he really wants to box. Not committed

Others to also watch, Sosaia Funaki (big Hitter), ****** Whitehead (big test with Solo), Pieter Cronje, Adam Forsyth (don't knw whats happening with him)


You cant expect too much good quality matchups happening locally at the moment because there's just not enough heavyweights to go around unless you start bring in overseas opponents or head overseas as Mark, Kali and Bowie did.

 

I think if Edwards dedicates 100% to boxing he will be in the US soon. The guy has pop in both hands. From what i have seen he has a solid chin. Hes reasonably quick. And he brings the fight. He didn't get a fluke shot against Hoppa. he dropped Hoppa twice.

Im not sure how there is more money in kick boxing for Ben. He could sell thousands of tickets in Canberra fighting monthly against some decent heavies.

I don't think anyone has it to cut it on the world stage. Meehan will struggle to hang with top 15 world rated fighters. The rest will also struggle. Conditioning and aerobic ability is against the contenders. They can hit. But the top heavies hit harder, take a better punch, and also give back 3 times the punches.

We can still have some exciting domestic match ups though.

P.S De Mori is good. But im part of the Ben Edwards fan club!

 

Its a forum. Please share your view.