Full disclosure, I think the 1990’s was the most talented era of heavyweight boxing. It happened for me at a time when I was a participant in the sport, and fans had shell out money to see boxing as the internet was in its infancy. The talent level of the times is undeniable as we will eventually we will see 8-9 heavyweights active in the decade enshrined in the boxing Hall of Fame. Looking back at the 1990’s in addition to the talent, the diversity of the times was outstanding. Shorter punchers - Tyson, and Tua. Such breeds are gone today. Southpaws - Byrd, Sanders, and Moorer with Moorer becoming the first lineal heavyweight southpaw champion. Prior to the 1990’s, ranked southpaws were uncommon. Defensive specialists – Byrd Top Boxer’s / counter punchers – Holyfield Super heavyweight with skills - Lewis, and Bowe, later the Klitschko’s Spoiler types that won too often – Ruiz Memorable Upsets – Douglas over Tyson, Foreman over Moorer, Unforgettable and crazy moments. The fan man in Bowe vs Holyfield II. Golota vs Bowe 1, The bite in Tyson vs Holyfield 2 International competition - Lewis, Sanders, Golota, Maskeav. Ranked active legends – Foreman and Holmes Brutal knockouts – Mercer over Morrison, Ibeabuchi over Byrd Fantastic fights that were not for the lineal title. Morrison over Ruddock, Ibeachichi over Tua
Talking of the talent, here is Ring Magazines Top 10 in 1991: 1. Holyfield 2. Tyson 3. Bowe 4. Ruddock 5. Mercer 6. Foreman 7. Witherspoon 8. Tucker 9. Lewis 10. Moorer
I would say less diverse and the fights are not as good. The top talent is all super heavyweights. The shorter punchers are gone. The defensive specialists, gone. There aren't any more older active legends. We don't even see compelling re-matches. The best news is there is a good amount of talent on the rise.
I mean like there's gonna be Russians, Ukrainians, Brits, Americans, Croatians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Cubans, in the top 15. Who bring different styles/ different schools of boxing.
I agree. I think as even more time passes the 90's will be looked upon even more fondly as far as heavyweights are concerned.
Nah, there's no real diversity there if you're talking in ring styles compared to the 90's, now they're mostly just upright, one dimensional and one paced boxers who can't infight and are afraid to get hit - Whyte and Chisora are the exceptions.
True, you have tubs of lard, fat pieces of ****, walking disgraces, burger munching slobs, guys with no skill, obese guys with no skill, and blatant drug cheats.
6 of the 8 super heavyweight Quarter finalists from the 2016 Olympics have turned pro, plus plenty of other good amateurs. Give it time.
Great post, except Fan Man occurred during Bowe/Holyfield II in 1993. Sad that Ike flamed out. I think he could have beaten some more contenders and possibly won at least one alphabet strap.
Herbie Hide deserves a mention. Such a shame that de didn´t have durability. He looked at times like an Ali with lightning quick powerful artillery.
^^^THIS. I can't name 25 great heavyweight fights from 2010-2018. The 1990's were loaded with action.
In addition the following fighters from the 91k division ( Heavyweight ) in the 2016 Olympics have gone pro Evgeny Tishchenko - Gold 2-0. A 6'5" speedy and quick footed Russian, who's a pain to out box. So-so power Vasiliy Levit - Silver 0-0, but I think he's going pro. Listed at Box Rec. A true pound for pound talent, best at cruiser weight due to his height. Rustam Tulaganov - Bronze 1-0 Yamil Peralta - Bronze 2-0 at cruiser weight, but at 6'3 1/3 tall, could move up. I agree, by 2020-2021 the talent will be much better in the top ten.