For boxing fans, the current heavyweight division is about as exciting as you can remember in recent years. No longer do the Klitschko’s rule the roost, after Tyson Fury’s excellent performance out in Germany to become the world heavyweight champion and bring all the belts back to England the division has had a much needed shot in the arm. When you add into the mix Anthony Joshua and his recent demolition of Charles Martin to claim the IBF heavyweight title then the future looks promising. There is also David Haye who has his eyes firmly set on reaching the pinnacle of the sport after his long break from the ring.
Quite simply, the Brits are dominating, and whilst Fury is still the main man, the hope surrounding Anthony Joshua only increased after his victory over Charles Martin in London last week. After beating the count after a quick flurry from ‘AJ’, Martin was finished when another big right in the second sent him down to the canvas again and Joshua was champion after a ruthless display. After showing signs of vulnerability for the first time in his pro career against Dillian Whyte, a fight against unbeaten southpaw Charles Martin was seen as a bit of a risk in some quarters, but having passed the test with ease, only mega-fights are on the agenda now for the man who has won gold at the Olympics. Of course, the fight on every fan’s wish list is Fury v Joshua. Coral provide some excellent boxing coverage and their latest boxing odds show Joshua as the slightest of favourites in a potential bout with Fury.
However, whilst that may be on the horizon, Fury will have his eyes firmly focussed on his rematch with Wladimir Klitschko, set for the 9th July in Manchester. It would be foolish to write the Ukrainian off, he was a superb champion for years, and Fury’s comprehensive victory in Dusseldorf may not count for much when the pair face-off again. Once that fight is over then a huge domestic fight looks inevitable. The prospect of Fury v Joshua would I’m sure have promoter Eddie Hearn on the phone to Wembley and tickets would sell in a flash. Meanwhile, David Haye has made his return to the heavyweight division and may be a more realistic future opponent for Anthony Joshua down the line. The Hayemaker steps into the ring against Arnold Gjergjaj on May 21st at the 02 in London as he continues his comeback. That shouldn’t be too much trouble for Haye who will then be in line to face Shannon Briggs after the loud American has managed to talk his way onto the undercard on the 21st and providing both men win, Haye has promised to fight the 44-year old – and knock him out.
All of this just makes for an exciting time to be a boxing fan, especially with the added British element to it. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have deservedly won the public’s acclaim with their world title belts and a collision between them two down the line probably would top off what is an excellent heavyweight scene.
