My apologies if I seem like I'm harping on this, but it's been on my mind recently. The 90's were an era of very big elite heavyweights--Bowe, Golota, Lewis, and, yes, Vitali and Wlad. So I wondered whether this was an anomaly. I ran across this post by Kirk in the General forum: And you know what stands out? Aside from the Klitschkos (who are both brothers, and therefore more likely to be comparable in athleticism and size than your typical boxers) and Valuev (who is not "naturally" tall, but has gigantism), everybody has the same size and frame as fighters from the 1970's. They're just more muscular and/or fatter. Well, Arreola's 6'4", but so was Foreman, more or less. And if you want to go down that route, Terrell was the same height as the Klitschkos.
A lot of heavyweights are out of shape these days, in fact there are more top heavyweights carrying more excess pounds that there ever has been. Most of them who are in shape, or would be in shape in the 205 - 225 range. But it seems the Klitschko brothers are the best at the moment and are in good shape at 6'6, 240, and 6'8, 250 .... and they certainly have styles that utilize the physical size advantages. So, that's a case for saying there's a "new breed" ..... but then again, it's based on two fighters from the same family, brothers, so it's not exactly solid evidence of a trend. Anything from 200 or 210 pounds upwards is a good weight for a heavyweight if he's in shape, but most at 230 or more are simply out of shape. Bigger isn't better, it depends on the individual.
Roids dont make people taller though. I think overall people are getting generally taller. Im not sure if its a fact, but it certainly seems to be the case in all sports in shape or not. On another note, it appears Valueav has gigantism. How many people with this condition are actually professional atheletes? They're usually clumbsy people with many physical problems that dont live as long as the norm. Andre the Giant had it, but cant think of too many pro atheletes with that condition??
Yes I work for the Mayo Clinic.. No really I didnt know they made you taller, but I would like to see some proof of it, I might do a cycle. :yep
Here is the answer I found... growth hormone can when it is administered in the right phase of growth. neither anabolic or androgenic steroids will cause growth of the human skeletal system. typically Dr's will only provide treatment for those that are not growing properly due to problems with the endocrine system. GH treatment is typically not covered by most health plans and is very expensive. at your current age and height no Dr would prescribe GH for that reason for you So these fighters starting doing Roids at 17 to be pro boxers?
I wouldn't say it is a myth at all. Foreman was the first 'superheavy' I can think of, followed later by Lewis, Bowe and the Klitschkos. However, one reason why they have been so successful is because the more normal sized guys (Tyson and Evander apart) have tried to make themselves as big, rather than using speed and movement to your advantage.
Right you are! :good The human race has been continually improved by genetic selection ever since Francis Galton and Herbert Spencer created a worldwide eugenic dictatorship in 1900... ...oh, wait...:huh
Im not sure if this is entirely to your point but whenever people say that old heaveyweights 'wouldnt be able to compete with modern superheavyweights' or would be at a huge disadvantage or whatever, i have to stop and think which modern superheavyweights exactly do they mean? I can only think of Bowe,Lewis and the Klitschkos and theyve all been beaten by smaller men.
Joe Bugner was a big heavyweight at 6'4" 230+ pounds. A lot of people talk as if guys who are 6'4, 6'5 and well over 220 pounds are only a modern creation. James Bonecrusher Smith was a big heavyweight in the 80's and he'd be a big heavyweight now. Tall, broad-shouldered, thick. Bonecrusher Smith I think had a more impressive physical presence than did 1970's George Foreman.