Heavyweight - Shake it Up!

By Jim Amato

Wladimir Klitschko's gutsy decision victory over the feared Sam Peter proved three things. One, that Wlad could survive against a proven puncher. Two, that Sam Peter is not a fluke. He's just a little rough around the edges. Three, this fight was just the beginning of a series of upcoming heavyweight match ups that are sure to shake up and shape the heavyweight division going into 2006. Next up, Lamon Brewster defends his WBO version of the heavyweight title against Luan Krasniqi.. On paper big, bad Brewster should win but with heavyweights anything can happen. If Lamon does win, he's been called out by previous victim Wladimir Klitschko. After Wlad's win over Peter, this would be an attractive match up. What if Krasniqi pulls the upset? Wlad-Krasniqi would probably draw very well in Germany.

On October 1st IBF heavyweight titleholder Chris Byrd will defend against DaVarryl Williamson. Sorry...Williamson does not deserve this title shot. He can hit a bit so I'll give him a slim puncher's chance. Still byrd is much quicker and he should have little trouble retaining his "crown". A more interesting fight to me is the under card battle between James Toney and once highly regarded Dominick Guinn. Toney the most talented heavyweight out there. He may not be the best. Time will tell.

For boxing style, knowledge, etc... He's a master. I truly enjoy watching him ply his trade. When his fighting days are over, he should become a trainer. Old school...

Then on November 12th you have Vitali Klitschko defending his WBC crown against the respected former champion Hassim "Rock" Rahman. I was not impressed by Rahman in his victory over talented Monte Barrett. Still, this is a very stern test for Vitali. In this fight Vitali may need to bring every ounce of the inner toughness he always seems to bring to the table to defeat Rahman. He will only beat Rahman if he can out gut him.

Somewhere down the line there is talk of WBA title tender John Ruiz defending against Tyson Thumper Kevin McBride. My initial thought was, you have to be kidding. I would rather see Mike take on Ruiz. Mike has been reduced to a three round fighter but in that nine minute span he can be very dangerous. Ruiz is usually a slow starter. Also if he lays back and tries to jab at Mike, he has a very slow jab. Even the ghost of Tyson that we have today would be able to slip under that jab, counter and do
some serious damage. If Ruiz trades early, well it might be a replay of the Tua fight. Good night John...

Think about this one... Krasniqi upsets Brewster and Ruiz defends against McBride and loses. In a battle, an WBO and WBA
unification to boot. Luan Krasniqi-vs-Kevin McBride. Oh my...John L., Jack, Joe, Rocky and Sonny are doing some serious spinning in their graves.