Ages ago, when boxing was at its peak in the sports world, everyone only seemed to talk and care about the heavyweight class. Back then, the heavyweight division was the “it” division. However, once Mike Tyson was proven to be human by receiving multiple opponent beat downs and Evander Holyfield lost his title strap, boxing seemed to fall by the wayside in professional sports…until now.
Side note: I do want to add that I think the heavyweight division in United States boxing is just as strong, if not stronger, now than year’s past due to the small amount of competitors stepping foot into the squared circle.
On February 25th, in Birmingham, Alabama, undefeated WBC World Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will be defending his title against late replacement and upstart Gerald Washington. Washington, who replaces a boxer who failed a pre-fight drug test, comes into the contest sporting an 18-0-1 record and heavy hands. 12 of his wins come by way of knockout. Wilder, who is three years younger and far more impressive, holds a record of 37-0 with 36 KO’s. WOW! Since Wilder started his professional career back in 2008, he has only gone the distance once, but he has gone to round 11 in September of 2015 with a TKO against Johann Duhaupas. This championship fight will be a heavyweight war in which both men will be looking for that homerun punch. If it goes the distance, which in my opinion won’t, it should be a good one.
Another fighter on the card on the 25th is Jarrett “Swift” Hurd. At age 26, Hurd comes in with a 19-0 pro career with 13 KO’s and is looking to make quick work of Tony Harrison. Harrison, 24-1, comes from the mean streets of Detroit, Michigan. The tale of the tape has these two pugilists even in height and reach. I don’t know much about Tony Harrison but I do know that Jarret Hurd throws a mean punch with bad intentions. I look for Hurd to score the KO by at least the eighth round.
The final boxer I would like to spotlight is Caleb Plant from Tennessee. At a young 24 years old, Plant has quickly climbed the ladder of the sport and is bringing an unblemished record of 14-0 to the event. He currently doesn’t have an opponent but whoever steps through those ropes against “Sweet Hands” will be facing a hot prospect with some power in that orthodox stance he wears. His last bout went all ten rounds in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania against Juan DeAngel. The judges at ringside all scored the same 100-89, for a unanimous decision.
Remember, this is my opinion and if I want yours, I’ll give it you.
Twitter: @stroudrounder