2019: The Heavyweight Year That Was

2019: The Heavyweight Year That Was

Throughout 2019 boxing continued to self-harm, politics are never far away from the surface and the fans continue to be treated as stupid and are expected to eat whatever narrative they are being fed.

More meaningless titles seem to spring up on a daily basis, I’ve long since stopped trying to work out what they all mean, in truth the majority mean very little.

The franchise champion is a little novelty belt the WBC has dreamed up:

‘A franchise champion is “a special designation and status” which the WBC may bestow to a current WBC world champion, who is also an elite boxer, and who has achieved and maintains the highest of statures in the sport.’

So in their own words they have reduced even further the achievement and value of being a world champion. Winning a world title should be the pinnacle of the sport, it’s already fragmented and devalued, and now the WBC see fit to inflict this extra particular bit of further nonsense on us.

2019 saw two YouTubers take centre stage, and world champions played a minor supporting role in their brand of showbusiness.

The event admittedly was viewed by millions, which is what the modern era deems so important, views over credibility and respect, but how many of those eyes have watched the sport since. Money was made but at what cost, expect more of the same.

On a similar note, Tommy Fury left Love Island, and returned to boxing as a co-main event against an opponent with two wins on his record, a reality that is an uncomfortable truth for many.

Floyd Mayweather continues to make an art of announcing plenty but saying nothing. The career of Mayweather ended in the most cynical fashion, few want to see more of the same.

The current crop of heavyweights constantly get compared to era’s of yesteryear, but while some of the comparison is fair, we should also appreciate what we have now.

After a decade or so of disinterest, there is real excitement and intrigue now. Talent may or not be lacking, but the big boys deserve credit for revitalising a division that was for so long deep into a coma of apathy.

Andy Ruiz Jr had his moment in June, he may not get another. Anthony Joshua regained his focus and desire, Ruiz lost his.

Joshua had his critics for the way he fought in the rematch, extremely harshly in my opinion. Joshua just needed to win, he had to win, and he did what he had to do.

We all know the way to beat Deontay Wilder, outbox him and avoid the power punches, sounds simple, but nobody has been able to execute it as yet. Wilder isn’t many things, but we should appreciate what he is.

Tyson Fury came the closest to solving the Wilder puzzle, most thought he did. The scheduled rematch in February will decide plenty. We all know how it will start, but how it will end not many can confidently predict.

Fury got a real scare against Otto Wallin, he knows he will need much better next time. You might get another chance in life, but sometimes your best chance is your first.

Dillian Whyte unless the titles become separated will not get a world title opportunity in 2020. Whyte had his chance, he turned it down, and you have to wonder if he will get another. Whyte has to stay undefeated through next year, a task that will not be easy, and then hope.

Oleksandr Usyk belatedly got his heavyweight career up and running, and will soon get his crack at Joshua. Usyk will be a problem for the newly re-crowned heavyweight champion, the sooner the better for Joshua, wait and Usyk becomes an even bigger problem in my opinion.

Daniel Dubois is the one to watch. He won’t get a title opportunity next year, but by the end of it he could be in a mandatory position. The Joe Joyce fight looks a natural, and the perfect next step for Dubois. Joyce is way too easy to hit, not ideal when you are facing a serious puncher like Dubois. Joyce could be a surprisingly easy fight for Dubois.

This time next year, the heavyweight landscape will look completely different to what it is now. Some of the old-guard will have gone, and there is every chance both Joshua and Wilder could be ex-champions.

Predicting what will happen in 2020 is near impossible, which is exactly the way it should be, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing