Heavyweight division resurfacing with rising stars reviving reputation

The Alabama-born bruiser is one of the sport’s best-kept secrets, having somehow slipped under the boxing radar, despite 32 of his 33 wins incredibly coming by knock-out. Holding two of the deadliest hands in the sport, Wilder is targeting becoming the main man in his weight category, eventually eclipsing Mayweather as boxing’s star attraction.

“Floyd Mayweather seems to be coming to the end. Boxing needs me to take over. I believe I can be the exciting new face,” declared the unbeaten American.

“There is nothing better than the heavyweights to keep the boom going. The fans love the big men. Historically ours is the sport’s marquee division and it’s great for the game that it is coming back to life.

“It’s also time to bring back the undisputed heavyweight championship to America, where it belongs.”

Wilder’s comments hold plenty of truth, with boxing fans of the past holding the heavyweights in highest regard, but times have changed in recent years, meaning the smaller, more rapid guys are earning the big bout contracts and attracting worldwide audiences.

David Haye caused shockwaves when he impressively overcame Nikolai Valuev in Germany to become WBA world heavyweight champion, but a stuttering defeat to the division’s most clinical puncher Wladimir Klitschko dented the Briton’s applaudable efforts to make a lasting impact.

His fellow countryman Joshua now looks seemingly likely to be the man to step forward and become heavyweight king, whilst boosting the division’s once-esteemed reputation, with colourful characters Tyson Fury and David Price also set to have a say in the near future.

Experienced Wilder wants a piece of Klitschko, and could get his wish providing he topples Molina, but the sought-after Ukrainian holds Joshua as the division’s brightest star, meaning the promising Watford-born dominator could soon see his sensational showings earn an early title shot.

As plenty of attractive bouts lie on the heavyweight horizon, with Haye also calling for an all-British encounter with Joshua, the sport’s, quite literally, heaviest stars are bolstering the reputation of this rejuvenating division.