For the second time in a week, a heavyweight title fight has been called off.
On Wednesday it was announced that challenger David Haye was pulling out of his scheduled bout with unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, a fight that was scheduled to take place in a little more than two weeks in front of 60,000 plus at a soccer stadium in Germany.
Last Friday, a title fight between titleholder Nikolai Valuev and Ruslan Chagaev was called off for the following day after Chaegaev’s blood tests, analyzed by Finland medical authorities, allegedly showed that he came up positive for hepatitis.
In the case of Valuev vs. Chagaev, the bout was called off causing a colossal headache for all involved and leading to press releases from both camps firing back and forth over who ‘s to blame for the cancellation.
In the case of Klitschko vs., Haye, there’s still enough time to find a replacement for the ailing Haye and Klitschko says he still wants to fight on that date.
Let’s look at the options on whom this mystery opponent could be:
Nikolai Valuev
This is an obvious choice. Both fighters recently had opponents fall out and have been in the gym preparing for bouts that ultimately are not going to happen in the immediate future.
It would also be a unification bout, leaving the winner with 3 of the 4 major heavyweight belts.
On top of that, the venue is booked in Germany for June 20th. Valuev, a native of Russia, has fought 4 of his last 5 bouts in Germany. He’s probably more well known in that country than David Haye anyways, therefore the German fans who have already purchased tickets won’t feel like they’re getting a second rate fight.
And wouldn’t it be curious to see Klitschko in a fight where he’ll be the one looking up at his opponent?
Cristobal Arreola
The most exciting of the current crop of young American heavyweights might get his opportunity. Reports out of Russia indicate Arreola may be the guy Klitschko wants now that Haye is out of the picture.
Klitschko’s defense against Haye was originally penciled in to be broadcast in the United States on HBO. With Haye out of the picture, Arreola may be an opponent that would interest HBO in keeping their scheduled heavyweight title fight broadcast on that night.
Arreola has appeared on the network often lately winning impressively and being in entertaining fights. As opposed to Valuev, who has appeared on the network just once years ago and who struggled in his most recent outing against a faded Evander Holyfield.
Arreola has the power to crack Klitschko’s suspect chin. However, does he have the stamina to compete with Klitschko’s athleticism?
The one could be interesting while it lasts.
Kevin Johnson
Kevin Johnson is an immensely talented young heavyweight coming off his biggest win by scoring a TKO over former Olympian Devin Vargas on ESPN2 last month.
He also desperately wants a big fight. His name was mentioned as a potential opponent for David Haye’s heavyweight debut last year before Haye ultimately decided to compete against veteran fringe contender Monte Barrett instead.
Against Klitschko, Johnson most likely has the skills to compete. However, Klitschko would represent a massive step up in opposition in comparison to the fighters he’s faced in his career.
Unfortunately, Johnson’s probably not too well known to the German public and not even a household name to American fans due to his lack of exposure on American TV outside of a few ESPN fights.
Brian Minto
This one’s a total shot in the dark for Minto, who already has a fight scheduled in August against former titleholder Bruce Seldon. However, Minto and his team have expressed interest in the bout.
“I’m not only the best American heavyweight, but I have always interacted well with the German fans. If given the opportunity, I will display to the entire world the heart of a true champion.” Said Minto in a statement released by his team.
Minto does have a fanbase in Germany due to his TKO victory over former heavyweight contender Axel Schultz on German soil and has solid support in his hometown of Butler, PA and surrounding areas.
Minto has lost to lesser opponents than Klitschko in the past, but has drastically improved since his first defeat to former heavyweight titleholder Tony Tubbs in 2002 and his only other defeat was a bout the felt he won against Luan Krasqiqi in Germany in 2007.
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When all is said and done, I think a fight against either Valuev or Arreola will happen. That’s just my instinct and nothing more talking.
Pending victory of whomever he fights, I hope we see Klitschko vs. Haye rescheduled someday.
More Ponderings:
- Kimbo Slice’s involvement has lead me to once again take interest in “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show.
I stopped watching after last season showcased more juvenile pranks and urinating on other people’s food than actual fighting. That and the biggest star of the season gained notoriety for being a jerk and not for his fighting prowess.
However, considering that UFC President Dana White has repeatedly degraded Kimbo’s fighting ability in past interviews, it’ll be entertaining to see the both of them communicate and do business together.
Of course, when you look at Kimbo being KO’d by a jab from a guy who was throwing the punch while backing up and with one foot in the air in his last fight, I doubt Slice will go to far in the competition.
Still, I give Kimbo props for stepping up to the challenge and having the balls to try to prove his critics wrong.
- What title has a worse recent lineage: the IBF welterweight belt or WBA heavyweight?
- I wish they pumped out new seasons of “The Contender” as often as they do “The Ultimate Fighter”.
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