BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
The 2000s heavyweight division witnessed the emergence of the Klitschko Brothers, Wladimir and Vitali, who were seen as super heavyweights in the size and vein of the champion Lennox Lewis. Wladimir, who was upset back in the 90s, returned to form with a remarkable win streak while Vitali entered the decade as the WBO titleist with several successful defenses under his belt. These two brothers had the highest expectations among the young crop of heavyweights looking to make their mark in the new decade.
The Roster of Heavyweight Contenders
Apart from the Klitschko Brothers, the 2000s heavyweight division also saw the rise of promising young fighters such as Shannon Briggs, John Ruiz, David Tua, Chris Byrd, Hasim Rahman, Andrew Golota, and more. The older faces of the division, including Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, continued to compete with some new names from the 90s making a comeback, such as Michael Moorer and Ray Mercer. There were also lower weight class fighters who moved up to challenge the heavyweights, following in the footsteps of Michael Spinks who proved that it was possible in the past.
Despite having a strong roster of contenders, the 2000s heavyweight division was marred by turmoil in the title scene. John Ruiz’s claim at a WBA title shot led to the stripping of Lennox Lewis, setting off a chain of events that would see multiple title changes and confusing routes for the lineage, RING recognition, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles. The splintered title scene did not see many of the fights that fans wanted, with the most notable being the Klitschko Brothers refusing to fight each other due to a promise made to their mother. This lack of willingness to see the best fight the best contributed to the division’s downfall during this period.
Looking back at the 2000s heavyweight division, it is clear that it was a turbulent time with shocks, heartbreak, and disappointment for fans expecting the best of times. Despite the challenges, the decade offered its own unique storylines and legacies, particularly with the Klitschko Brothers stitching together their own paths without having to face each other in the ring. While some may view this era as a hidden gem in its own right, others may see it as a questionable period in the history of heavyweight boxing.
The 2000s heavyweight division may not have lived up to the standards set by previous decades, but it still provided its fair share of memorable moments and narratives. As we reflect on this era with a new perspective, it is important to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of the fighters who competed during this time. Despite its shortcomings, the 2000s heavyweight division will always hold a unique place in the rich tapestry of boxing history.
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