So, after a decade, we finally have a new undisputed champion. Tyson Fury became the first man to defeat Wladimir Klitschko in 11 1/2 years, and the first man ever to do so on points. Big Wlad's previous losses came by running out of gas against two durable fighters (Brewster and Purrity), as well as getting caught cold by one of the fastest starters, and biggest punchers of the modern era (Corrie Sanders). Fury, whose mouth is incredibly undisciplined, showed that his boxing can be disciplined. he was willing to fight a long, dull, monotonous affair, doing just enough to keep the big man off his game.
True, Klitschko looked awful, but he has looked bad before, and still came away with victory. Tonight, he was beaten, almost as clearly as he used to win. There is a rematch clause, but to be honest, I am hoping Klitschko doesn't enforce it. He will be 40 in march, has new family obligations, and is already the second longest reigning heavyweight champion, with the third most consecutive defenses. What is left to do? Fury vs. Deontay Wilder is considered much more of a toss-up fight than is/was Klitschko-Wilder. Wilder may lose to Povetkin, who no one wants to see tackle with Klitschko again.
Klitschko is in the Mayweather-like position of boxing being better off with him gone. Not that his dominance and education and comebacks weren't a welcome shift from the ghetto-like atmosphere that the Yanks and Brits often bring to the game. However, as he aged, his scintillating performance became fewer and fewer. Fury may be undefeated, but he is not the kind of fighter who is likely to finish his career that way. He may lose, and win back the crown a few times. He may be involved in as many snoozers as outright brawls, but will always say or do something interesting. You never know with him, in the ring and out, so that is the fun.
Side note for the weekend: Lucien Bute fought like he used to. He was fighting in the super middleweight division, had home ring advantage, and was in perfect shape. he also looked like he had his old form back. None of the excuses applied that he had against Pascal or even Froch. He still lost. That's how good DeGale is becoming. If Groves can get himself a few decent wins in a row, that is a great revenge fight for him in the UK, for big money. DeGale, however, is more interesting in coming back to the USA, to unify belts against Badou Jack. Zurdo Ramirez would be another great unification, if the Mexican defeats Abraham as is expected. The sky is the limit for "Chunky".
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
