Is anything under 6’4 too short to become a heavyweight champion these days?

Yeah maybe, but he still wouldn't be Tyson.

It wasn't just his ability to KO someone, it was his precision, his work ethic in training, his technical ability... his discipline to the sport in staying in prime shape. His intimidation factor/aura as a result of his early accomplishments. The effectiveness of his peak-a-boo style. He was gifted, and nurtured by a great trainer in Cus D'amato. Tyson was a sharpened, seasoned dog of war.

This entire package, I do not feel, can ever be replicated again.

 

Tyson, and Holyfield both whipped on bigger guys. I personally think you have an easier time of it if you are six two or six three but freaks like Tyson happen, and some of the top heavyweights in recent years haven't been that tall. Take Povetkin, wba champ as recently as 2013, six foot two and would probably destroy Wilder or Fury. Then there are always flukes like when Byrd picked the wbo title off of an injured Klitschko.

 

Parker is 6’3” and held a title, so no.

 

This. Steroids weren’t uncommon in boxing even as early as the 50’s and 60’s.

 

You oversimplify the part about having success. Times change, title holders change, the path to the belt changes too.

Usyk is more skilled and the better boxer. But it won't be enough to beat Joshua. I am being very realistic... far from deluded.

It is you who underestimates Joshua's abilities... he is also an olympian.

Usyk can beat many heavies... Joshua ain't one of them. And Wilder may have Usyks number as Usyk will have to slip nuclear missiles for 12 rounds.

 

That puny Usyk will be a perfect example, of what happens when a smaller fighter steps up to fight these huge behemoths. That 215lb fleabag, would be beaten to a bloody pulp when he fights a real heavyweight.

 

spilka did it for 9 rounds before he ended up in hospital.fighting for his life.... Fury was dropped twice and arose by way of miracle taking the whole 10 seconds... ergo Usyk will have to survive missing those bombs for 12 rounds... and guess what??? Usyk is VERY hittable or do you want to tell me he is a master of slips and dodges???

Fury dodges way better than Usyk and he got caught clean.. even if wilder.missed 90 per cent he only needs one.

AJ beat Parker by a hair??? Please show some honesty and share the scorecards with us... you'l seel AJ won wide UD.

I get your bias towards Usyk... I understand. But reality is... Usyk boxing prowess ain't gonna cut it this time.... fight is going to happen for sure and you'll see.

 

He was throwing hooks that were missing by a knats bollock, the ref was on it in close worried Parker might land, I was praying. Parker though, no doubt about it is far bigger naturally, more solid, maybe the toughest at Heavy imo, id say a good 20lb natural difference after Usyk bulking up a bit with weights etc.. The skillset is on another planet though, I also think if Usyk was worried, seriously worried, he would bite down and show massive venom and balls, like the same spitefulness I seen in Calzaghe. I think he let Bellew look good for a reason, hes played with better fighters imo

 

This content is protected

http://boxrec.com/en/boxer/811429

6'6, 250lb

 

Great footwork can negate the benefits of height and range (if a boxer is more skilled than his opponent in terms of movement and distance control a couple of inches are not going to be decisive) but not much can do the same for size and weight, so a shorter, lighter boxer starts at a disadvantage. But so does a less skilled boxer against a more talented one. Kinda sad because of recent huge advancements in physical training, nutrition (and yes, PEDs) etc we live in an era more defined by physicality than ability.

But there will be exceptions to this rule of form over function and because of this, to say a HW under 6' 4'' can't succeed is absurd. Harder, yes. Impossible. no. Talent bridges divides...

 

I wonder whatever happened to the greatest heavyweight of all time?

https://bit.ly/2DJ5Gce