The heavyweight division has been stale for many years as the Klitschko brothers have dominated. However, there is hope for the future and I predict within a year one of these guys will upset the Klitschko brothers. Vitali is showing signs of aging in his last fight against Chisora and don?t tell me about the shoulder as he did not need surgery according to his doctor. Wladimir looks good still but has had issues with his chin. These guys on this list are more prospect than contender. The only ones I consider contenders on this list right now are Helenius and Fury with Stiverne getting a shot despite not beating anyone really credible. But within a year these guys could be making some serious noise.
David Price 12-0 10 KO?s:
The 28 year old 6? 8? heavyweight provides a challenge to anyone with his height and reach advantage. Unlike many of today?s heavyweights, Price had a good amateur career and was a bronze medalist in the 2008 Olympics. He throws excellent combinations for a big man but needs to work on his jab a bit more as he tends to push with his jab instead of it being a snap.
Tyson Fury 17-0-12 KO?s:
Fury is one of the biggest heavyweights in the world. His height is 6? 9? and he has an 85inch reach. My good friend Chris Johnson worked with Fury for one fight and told me that Fury is ?the next heavyweight champion?. When I asked him why he said he is a quick learner and he has something you can?t teach which is heart. As evidenced in some of his fights Fury throws a lot of punches and has been in trouble at times but has bounced back. Fury needs to stick with a trainer and get in better shape as he is a little soft. If Fury can maintain discipline and stick with Emmanuel Steward there is not telling what the 23yearold can do.
Robert Helenius 17-0 11 KO?s:
The Finn has fought the toughest competition, his last 4 opponents have a record of 98-11. Helenius is recovering from shoulder surgery and should only be fighting in the fall. Helenius last fight ended with a controversial win over Dereck Chisora. Helenius is a good outside fighter with tremendous power but needs a bit of more work on his inside game.
Seth Mitchell 24-0 19 KO?s:
The 29 year old was a Linebacker for Michigan State in college. All throughout his life he has been athletic and despite having only 10 fights as an amateur he decided to turn pro and has not looked back since. He is small for the modern heavyweight at 6ft2 but has quick hands throws good combinations and has a tight defence. Mitchell is much more polished than a lot of the heavyweights on this list and his first appearance on HBO he did not disappoint; stopping Timur Ibragimov in 2 rounds. Up next is Chazz Witherspoon and if he continues, he could become Americas hope for a heavyweight champion.
Deontay Wilder 21-0 21 KO?s:
The 26 yearold is a bronze medal winner in the 2008 Olympics. Despite his amateur success he is a freak of nature in that he only boxed for a couple of years as an amateur before attaining success in the Olympics. Wilder is a raw talent with a lot of power and the thinking is to move him along slowly and get him a lot of fights to get him some experience. At this point in his career he will need to step up the level of opposition to see where he is at. But Wilder is 6ft7 and weighs only 220 and might need to fill out more in order to handle the power of some of the heavier Heavyweights out there. He should be ready in 2 years if brought along properly.
Bermane Stiverne 21-1-1 20 KO?s:
This Canadian might be a surprise selection but consider his amateur success of defeating the likes of David Price, Robert Helenius and the fact that he possesses a right hand that can knock out anyone. The Don King fighter is a mandatory for Vitali Klitschko. Although he has not faced the toughest competition his victory over Ray Austin was impressive. He will have to be more active as a fighter and within his fights by throwing more punches. Stiverne has not fought since defeating Austin 9 months ago. Obviously Don King will not have him fight until he fights for the title. Stiverne is an undersized heavyweight but always has a punchers chance.
