Remember when Heavyweight title/championship fights was something big

I don't see it as sad. Sure, being American, I wish the heavyweights were bigger news here, but it is what it is.

Boxing is going strong worldwide, and I'm a worldwide fan.

 

It is because the fight is in Europe. Money wise it still is huge the Klitschko's are making Millions and behind PBF and Pacquiao are the biggest earners in Boxing. Maybe you can put Cotto in that group too. Just because American Heavyweights suck doesn't mean it isn't relevant or there is no money being made.

 

The division will benefit from Vitali's retirement. He's too dull and given the lack of depth, having two world champions who won't fight each other means that the quality is even worse.

 

Even in the UK it's not getting a mention.

 

What's sad is that the networks can't differentiate between Vitali and Wlad. Vitali will actually engage his opponent and try for the KO. He is in a decent share of exciting fights.

Unfortunately, Wlad is such a waste of airtime that he has gotten them both banished from the airwaves. I knew putting him on against Haye was a mistake, but no way did I see such a horrible, boring performance (even by Wlad's standards) happenning.

I would like to see this fight. Never need to see another Wlad fight again. Wlad killed heavywieght boxing's excitement.

 

You're right about what you say but I think Wlad's fights are more exciting. I think he's more likely to knock his opponent out with one shot and he's also far more vulnerable. You can always see the possibility of Wlad getting starched with a single shot which makes his fights somewhat interesting. Vitali is boring too but, unlike Wlad, he's not likely to get hit with a flush shot which will change the fight altogether.

 

i remember when tyson or holyfield were fighting as champions they would have coverage all week on ESPN and newspaper would have have front page headlines the day before with weigh in, predictions. all that... after the fight it would be live coverage of news conferences and whatever was on, was interrupted to see what the champ had to say and what was next.... now , youre lucky to find a small article on a heavyweight title fight and if you do its on the next to last page.

 

:good

 

Wlad just refuses to engage. Even when Vitali is dominating, like against Arreola, he goes for the finish. Vitali actually fights, so is more exciting.

Wlad's performance against Haye was probably the worst I have ever seen by a heavyweight champion. He had every physical advantage and could have steamrolled him. Instead it went 12 horrible rounds.

 

Yes. And it had nothing at all to do with both being Americans did it??:yep

 

Yeah, I know what you mean, mate. Honestly, if I had to sit through Wlad/Ibragimov right now, I'd come back and argue Wlad is the most boring heavyweight I've ever seen

The thing which annoys me, is both Wlad and Vitali could be fun. Why can't they be like Pacquiao? They're as dominant as he is, they both have power and yet they won't risk it. I mentioned the Ibragimov fight above and Wlad could have finished him in any round beyond the 4th and instead, he put on a stinker. Vitali could have gone for the kill against Briggs or Johnson and yet didn't. That's the last thing that you want to see from a boxer.

If they were smaller men, not as skilled or didn't have the big punch, I wouldn't care. However, they're capable of knocking every opponent out and yet choose to prolong fights until either a referee stoppage or a points win. It's horrible for the entertainment value of the sport.