Define a natural heavyweight

Someone who, after going through a typical boxing training camp where they are trying to lose weight, would still weigh over 200 lbs. I'd argue that Haye IS a natural heavyweight, albeit a small one. He strained for years to make 200. If you have to push your body past its limits in order to make weight, then you naturally belong in a higher weight class.

 

Don't be fooled by the fat sloppy bunch that currently disgrace the heavyweight division. Haye is a good size for a heavyweight. 6ft 3, and he's not exactly thin, he has the right physique for his style which relies on speed and explosiveness

To make cruiserweight he trained harder and more regularly than any fighter today. He started his training camp months out to cut weight for Maccarinelli. Part of the reason he moved to Cyprus was for the heat to cut down to cruiser

He weighed 217 for his first fight at heavy. Once he's grown into the weight he'll weigh around 225 I expect. He wouldn't be putting on a huge amount of muscle mass to weigh this, he simply wouldn't starve himself. That tells you he is a real heavyweight. He could put on more weight, but its not really adviseable if he wants speed.

 

No, unless they were killing themselves to make 200 to begin with. Take Enzo Mac for example. With his frame, I'm sure he could bulk up to 220 or 225 if he tried, but he doesn't have to go above and beyond to get to 200, and he walks around near 200, so no way he's a natural heavyweight.

Under your example, Chris Byrd (who is the prototypical "not a natural heavyweight") would be a natural heavyweight, just because he was able to pack on 35 lbs of muscle to get up to heavyweight.

There aren't that many non-natural heavyweights in HW though. Eddie Chambers is one who jumps out at me. Some of the fat guys though are natural at HW, so it doesn't hurt them if they don't try to burn the fat off.

 

I think anyone who is 6-2 plus and 215 plus should be a natural heavyweight.

I feel personally that if i had to pick a perfect Specimen was Ken Norton who was 6-3 and always looked ripped and was always between 215 and 230.

Its a just a pity he wasnt more skilled. I hate the big big guys who are 6-6 etc 250 pounds plus. Id rather have them like Norton and Holmes height and weight.

For me heres a list of guys that were around 6-3 and betweent 215 to 230.

Muhammed Ali
Larry Holmes
Ken Norton
George Foreman In his Prime
Joe Loius was close 6-2 210
Evander Holyfield

Anyway i bet there are plenty more but for me 6-3 220 is perfect.

 

Anything over 240 is a too much. Should be banned.

 

James Toney

 

Pitiful post.

I would not lower myself to correct it.

 

We shouldn't put factors of height or even bodyfat levels in here, Confucius had a great post recently regarding this - some natural endomorphs like David Tua can be very fit while carrying a bit of fat, that still makes him a natural heavy, it isn't sensible for him to lose extreme amounts of fat as it will just hamper his performance.

Basically, a fighters natural weight class would be the one he can sensibly make while at peak fitness, maintaining strength and not have any ill effects.

Frame size is such a factor here, exactly why a 6'1 Diego Corrales can be a comfortable lightweight and a 5'10 Mike Tyson can be a solid heavy.

There is definitely a certain amount of "bulking" that fighters can do with positive results, again how much so depends on the individual, fight style being a major factor.
Obviously fighters who rely on strength and punching power often don't adapt as well when they climb divisions, while slicksters like Whittaker and PBF can still outdo guys when they are at a physical disadvantage.

 

Someone who walks around more than 200lbs most of the year. Vargas comes to mind.

 

6'3 220 pounds

 

WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT 6'1:huh :blood


he was 5'10 maybe 5'11 why has he suddenly added an extra 2 or 3 inches?


corrales came in to fights at aroudn 160. light welter would of been the limit he should make.

 

I thought he was at least 6'. I sure could be wrong though as fighters heights are very inconsistent. Corrales may have come into the ring at 160lb after fighting at 147lb, no way would he have got that heavy at 130 and 135lb's though.
He did fight at these weights for many years before making weight became an issue. He has a very small frame and is a perfect example of a lightly built guy that is tall.
There is an even better example that I have heard rumours about, a 122lb'er who is 5'11. Anyone know more about this guy?