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Heavyweight: 2015, Feb 16-22

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Akhror Muralimov, Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, David Price, Derric Rossy, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko on May 11, 2020 by danboxing

Saturday in Queens, credible journeyman Derric Rossy pulled out a unanimous decision over Uzbekisatan’s Akhror Muralimov in a see-saw fight that frankly could have gone either way. I personally had it a draw, with Rossy winning the last two rounds to even it up on my card. Rossy was the more active of the two fighters, and kept the jab going enough to nick some close rounds, for me. Muralimov missed many an opportunity by not jabbing his way in, as Rossy tended to back straight up anytime Muralimov threw. Muralimov appeared to hurt Rossy multiple times in the fight, but never really doubled down on his advantage.

In the end, judges Perez and Roldan had it 96-94, while Pasquale saw it 97-93. I thought there was room for a couple toss-up rounds to be flipped in both directions on my card, so I have no particular complaints about the individual scores, though honestly I thought Muralimov deserved better than to lose unanimously, at the very least.

It’s a tricky result to unpack. Boxrec, I think, had Rossy ranked about #49 going in, with Muralimov at around #47. Muralimov hadn’t fought any top-50 opposition yet, so he wasn’t eligible. Rossy had a long resume, though, and I have to say that for me, he was pretty clearly outside the top 50 going in. I personally had him at #57 in my unofficial background rankings, which doesn’t include any rising prospects who might legitimately be ranked higher, but who do not yet qualify by having had success against the top 50 as Rossy has done. The disparity may be due to Rossy’s prizefighter outing against Ian Lewison in particular- a fight I had him clearly losing, though he was the official winner.

In any case, both guys showed themselves to be competitive on the fringe of the top 50, and as the official winner Rossy probably creeps his way barely into my unofficial top 50, while Muralimov still needs to do something against a bona fide top 50 fighter to get his name on my ledger at all.

No changes this week.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (295-508-508)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant Jennings

Klitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.

1) Tyson Fury (53-53-53)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)

Christian Hammer is a very beatable gatekeeper, but did look good in his last fight, and is probably about a class better than you’d expect a guy with a mandatory championship shot coming his way to stay busy against.

2) Alexander Povetkin (38-382-382)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

Negotiations are underway for a potential May 22 clash with Mike Perez in Moscow, with the winner to get a mandatory shot at Wilder’s belt.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (38-49-113)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #10 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (46-46-46)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected- while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (53-146-223)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Despite his knockout loss to the Champ, Pulev and Sauerland have recently extended their promotional contract, and Pulev is set to begin working with Uli Wegner, who is essentially Sauerland’s house trainer.

6) Carlos Takam (12-37-57)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Deontay Wilder (5-5-95)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- UD12 #8 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

With an alphabet belt under his…um…belt….Wilder will have plenty of suitors.

8) Dereck Chisora (5-168-231)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

Chisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.

9) Bermane Stiverne (5-41-103)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- L (UD12) vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Next Fight: Unknown

No word just yet on what’s next for now former beltholder Stiverne.

10) Steve Cunningham (5-113-113)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

11) Tony Thompson (5-247)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 2/27/2015 – vs. #12 Odlanier Solis

It looked for a couple days that the Solis fight was going to be postponed for a 4th time due to problems with the local Hungarian promotion, but Solis’s promotional team appears to have rescued the February 27 date by moving the fight to Turkey.

12) Odlanier Solis (5-247)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: 2/27/2015- vs. #11 Tony Thompson

See Thompson’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (15-76)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: 3/13/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Arreola’s return has now been set for March 13 in Ontario, CA. No opponent yet.

14) Malik Scott (15-24)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (15-77)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. Johann Duhaupas (UNR)

Teper-Duhaupas has a new date: March 14 in Stuttgart.

16) Antonio Tarver (10-10)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (9-30)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Jennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.

18) Artur Szpilka (9-15)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 4/24/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Now advised by Al Haymon and trained by Ronnie Shields, Szpilka will debut his new team against an opponent to be announced on an April 24 Showtime card in Chicago.

19) Mike Perez (9-30)

Last Fight: 2/5/2015- TKO2 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown
See Povetkin’s notes, above.

20) Alex Leapai (9-9)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

On the Abraham-Smith undercard in Berlin, 31 year-old David Price looks to keep his comeback on track against decent Brazilian journeyman Irineu Beato Costa Junior. I would call it a step up from recent opposition, except I think he’s on a similar level to Ondrej Pala, who was Price’s opponent two fights ago.

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Heavyweight: 2015, Feb 9-15

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Akhror Muralimov, Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, Kubrat Pulev, Mike Perez, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko on May 11, 2020 by danboxing

#19 Mike Perez took care of 40 year-old journeyman Darnell Wilson in two rounds in Costa Mesa, CA on Thursday, in non-televised action.

No changes this week.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (294-507-507)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant Jennings

Klitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.

1) Tyson Fury (52-52-52)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)

2) Alexander Povetkin (37-381-381)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

The WBC has ordered a final eliminator between Povetkin and Mike Perez, with the winner to get a mandatory shot at Wilder’s belt.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (37-48-112)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #10 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (45-45-45)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected- while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (52-145-222)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Back to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.

6) Carlos Takam (11-36-56)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Deontay Wilder (4-4-94)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- UD12 #8 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

With an alphabet belt under his…um…belt….Wilder will have plenty of suitors.

8) Dereck Chisora (4-167-230)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

9) Bermane Stiverne (4-40-102)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- L (UD12) vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Next Fight: Unknown

No word just yet on what’s next for now former beltholder Stiverne.

10) Steve Cunningham (4-112-112)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

11) Tony Thompson (4-246)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 2/27/2015 – vs. #12 Odlanier Solis

Yet another delay for Thompson-Solis II, with a 4th date now scheduled for February 27 in Hungary, of all places.

12) Odlanier Solis (4-246)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: 2/27/2015- vs. #11 Tony Thompson

See Thompson’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (14-75)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

Arreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.

14) Malik Scott (14-23)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (14-76)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. Johann Duhaupas (UNR)

Teper-Duhaupas has a new date: March 14 in Stuttgart.

16) Antonio Tarver (9-9)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (8-29)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Jennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.

18) Artur Szpilka (8-14)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 4/24/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Now advised by Al Haymon and trained by Ronnie Shields, Szpilka will debut his new team against an opponent to be announced on an April 24 Showtime card in Chicago.

19) Mike Perez (8-29)

Last Fight: 2/5/2015- TKO2 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown
See Povetkin’s notes, above.

20) Alex Leapai (8-8)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

Undefeated Houston-based Uzbek prospect Akhror Muralimov tests himself on Saturday against tough journeyman Derric Rossy in a mid-level crossroads fight in Queens, which is being carried on CBS Sports Network.

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Heavyweight: 2015, Feb 2-8

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, Carlos Takam, Kubrat Pulev, Mike Perez, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko on May 11, 2020 by danboxing

Nothing to report from last week.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (293-506-506)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant Jennings

Klitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.

1) Tyson Fury (51-51-51)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)

2) Alexander Povetkin (36-380-380)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

Nothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (36-47-111)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #10 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (44-44-44)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected- while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (51-144-221)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Back to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.

6) Carlos Takam (10-35-55)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Deontay Wilder (3-3-93)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- UD12 #8 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

With an alphabet belt under his…um…belt….Wilder will have plenty of suitors.

8) Dereck Chisora (3-166-229)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

9) Bermane Stiverne (3-39-101)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- L (UD12) vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Next Fight: Unknown

No word just yet on what’s next for now former beltholder Stiverne.

10) Steve Cunningham (3-111-111)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

11) Tony Thompson (3-245)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 2/27/2015 – vs. #12 Odlanier Solis

Yet another delay for Thompson-Solis II, with a 4th date now scheduled for February 27 in Hungary, of all places.

12) Odlanier Solis (3-245)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: 2/27/2015- vs. #11 Tony Thompson

See Thompson’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (13-74)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

Arreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.

14) Malik Scott (13-22)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (13-75)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. Johann Duhaupas (UNR)

Teper-Duhaupas has a new date: March 14 in Stuttgart.

16) Antonio Tarver (8-8)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (7-28)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Jennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.

18) Artur Szpilka (7-13)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 4/24/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Now advised by Al Haymon and trained by Ronnie Shields, Szpilka will debut his new team against an opponent to be announced on an April 24 Showtime card in Chicago.

19) Mike Perez (7-28)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)

Next Fight: 2/5/2015- vs. Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Perez will stay busy on February 5 against Darnell Wilson in Costa Mesa, California.

20) Alex Leapai (7-7)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

#19 Mike Perez takes on half-decent but likely overmatched journeyman Darnell Wilson on Thursday in Costa Mesa, California.

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Heavyweight: 2015, Jan 26- Feb 1

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, Carlos Takam, Deontay Wilder, Kubrat Pulev, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko on May 11, 2020 by danboxing

No action or changes to report for the division this week.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (292-505-505)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant Jennings

Klitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.

1) Tyson Fury (50-50-50)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)

2) Alexander Povetkin (35-379-379)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

Nothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (35-46-110)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #10 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (43-43-43)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected- while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (50-143-220)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Back to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.

6) Carlos Takam (9-34-54)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Deontay Wilder (2-2-92)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- UD12 #8 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

With an alphabet belt under his…um…belt….Wilder will have plenty of suitors.

8) Dereck Chisora (2-165-228)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

9) Bermane Stiverne (2-38-100)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- L (UD12) vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Next Fight: Unknown

No word just yet on what’s next for now former beltholder Stiverne.

10) Steve Cunningham (2-110-110)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

11) Tony Thompson (2-244)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 2/27/2015 – vs. #12 Odlanier Solis

Yet another delay for Thompson-Solis II, with a 4th date now scheduled for February 27 in Hungary, of all places.

12) Odlanier Solis (2-244)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: 2/27/2015- vs. #11 Tony Thompson

See Thompson’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (12-73)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

Arreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.

14) Malik Scott (12-21)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (12-74)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. Johann Duhaupas (UNR)

Teper-Duhaupas has a new date: March 14 in Stuttgart.

16) Antonio Tarver (7-7)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (6-27)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Jennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.

18) Artur Szpilka (6-12)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 3/?/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Szpilka was originally due back on January 31, but after signing with Al Haymon, it appears he’s pushed that back to a Showtime card in late March.

19) Mike Perez (6-27)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)

Next Fight: 2/5/2015- vs. Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Perez will stay busy on February 5 against Darnell Wilson in Costa Mesa, California.

20) Alex Leapai (6-6)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

A second straight week with no major heavyweights on the schedule.

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Heavyweight: 2015, Jan 19-25

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, Bermane Stiverne, Deontay Wilder, Eric Molina, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko on May 10, 2020 by danboxing

#12 Deontay Wilder made his long-heralded arrival in the top tier of contenders on Saturday, outboxing #8 Bermane Stiverne in a responsible, somewhat careful performance that, while impressive, cost him his career-long knockout streak. I think it was a pretty clear-cut 116-112 fight. The judges, apparently in the tank for Wilder for whatever reason, not only gave the winner too many rounds, but also uniformly awarded him a 10-8 round in a fight with no knockdowns. Stiverne did pretty clearly go down from a punch at one point, but it was 2 or 3 seconds after the bell to end the 2nd and required a flying tackle of Wilder by referee Tony Weeks. The biased scores were 118-109 (Adelaide Byrd), 119-108 (Jerry Roth), and 120-107 (Craig Metcalfe). The best of the judges I think was clearly two rounds off from reality, and all of them, perhaps mistakenly, in effect made themselves referees by crediting Wilder with a knockdown that not only wasn’t ruled by the referee, but which didn’t legitimately happen. The poor judging shouldn’t take away from Wilder’s clear and convincing win, however.

On the undercard, gatekeeper or perhaps fringe prospect Eric Molina nearly went the distance himself with decent journeyman Rafael Zumbano of Brazil before stopping his man on accumulation in the last round of a scheduled 8. Molina consistently landed a crushing uppercut that dominated the fight. Zumbano showed a ridiculous chin, but outside of a decent and aggressive first round or two, that’s about all the Brazilian was able to show.

Wilder makes his debut as a top 10 fighter at #7, while Stiverne slips behind Dereck Chisora and lands at #9. Cunningham, Thompson, and Solis each drop one rank.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (291-504-504)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant Jennings

Klitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.

1) Tyson Fury (49-49-49)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)

2) Alexander Povetkin (34-378-378)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

Nothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (34-45-109)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #10 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (42-42-42)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected- while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (49-142-219)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Back to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.

6) Carlos Takam (8-33-53)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Deontay Wilder (1-1-91)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- UD12 #8 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

With an alphabet belt under his…um…belt….Wilder will have plenty of suitors.

8) Dereck Chisora (1-164-227)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

9) Bermane Stiverne (1-37-99)

Last Fight: 1/17/2015- L (UD12) vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Next Fight: Unknown

No word just yet on what’s next for now former beltholder Stiverne.

10) Steve Cunningham (1-109-109)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

11) Tony Thompson (1-243)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #12 Odlanier Solis

Yet another delay for Thompson-Solis II, with a 4th date now scheduled for April 27 in Hungary, of all places.

12) Odlanier Solis (1-243)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: 1/24/2015- vs. #11 Tony Thompson

See Thompson’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (11-72)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

Arreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.

14) Malik Scott (11-20)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (11-73)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight:Unknown

Teper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.

16) Antonio Tarver (6-6)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (5-26)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Jennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.

18) Artur Szpilka (5-11)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 3/?/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Szpilka was originally due back on January 31, but after signing with Al Haymon, it appears he’s pushed that back to a Showtime card in late March.

19) Mike Perez (5-26)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)

Next Fight: 2/5/2015- vs. Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Perez will stay busy on February 5 against Darnell Wilson in Costa Mesa, California.

20) Alex Leapai (5-5)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

No significant action on tap for this week..

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Heavyweight: 2015, Jan 12-18

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Alexander Povetkin, Bermane Stiverne, Charles Martin, Deontay Wilder, Eric Molina, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko on January 24, 2016 by danboxing

Unbeaten prospect Charles Martin did what he had to do on the non-televised ShoBox undercard on Friday in Cabazon, California, dispatching 41 year-old fattened-up super middleweight Damon McCreary late in the first round. I was able to find a youtube video of the last few seconds of the fight, and it appears that Martin caught McCreary coming in reckless, with a southpaw counter left hand high on the head. Martin pretty much had to win by stoppage inside of 2 rounds to avoid negative comparisons to Deontay Wilder and even cruiserweight Jordan Shimmell, both of whom took care of McCreary within 2. No changes this week.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (290-503-503)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant Jennings

Klitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.

1) Tyson Fury (48-48-48)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)

2) Alexander Povetkin (33-377-377)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

Nothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (33-44-108)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (41-41-41)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (48-141-218)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Back to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.

6) Carlos Takam (7-32-52)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Dereck Chisora (7-163-226)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

8) Bermane Stiverne (32-36-98)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris Arreola

Next Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Stiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.

9) Steve Cunningham (32-108-108)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

10) Tony Thompson (32-43-242)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier Solis

Maybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.

11) Odlanier Solis (10-242)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: 1/24/2015- vs. #10 Tony Thompson

See Thompson’s notes, above.

12) Deontay Wilder (10-90)

Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)

Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne

See Stiverne’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (10-71)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

Arreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.

14) Malik Scott (10-19)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (10-72)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight:Unknown

Teper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.

16) Antonio Tarver (5-5)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (4-25)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Jennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.

18) Artur Szpilka (4-10)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 3/?/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Szpilka was originally due back on January 31, but after signing with Al Haymon, it appears he’s pushed that back to a Showtime card in late March.

19) Mike Perez (4-25)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)

Next Fight: 2/5/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Perez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin, but will stay busy against an unknown opponent on February 5.

20) Alex Leapai (4-4)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

Saturday

#8 Bermane Stiverne vs. #12 Deontay Wilder; Las Vegas, NV; ESPN

In the first major heavyweight fight of 2016, two rising stars with plenty of knockout power compete for the alphabet belt vacated by Vitali Klitschko and picked up by Stiverne in his rematch with Arreola. It’s being billed as the return of heavyweight title boxing to basic cable. It’s an interesting matchup with plenty of potential for fireworks.

Eric Molina vs. TBA; Las Vegas, NV; Off TV

Molina has the distinct edge against TBA, who rarely wins, and never does so under his own name.

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Year-End Awards: Heavyweight, 2014

Posted in Heavyweight, Yearly Awards and Wrap Up with tags Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, Antonio Tarver, Deontay Wilder, Sergei Liakhovich, Steve Cunningham, Timur Musafarov, Wladimir Klitschko on January 24, 2016 by danboxing

Welcome to my 3rd Annual Year-End Awards and Wrap-Up. First, a list of awards for the division. Then, a look at the 20 fighters that did the best work in 2012 specifically, followed by a rundown of the year’s rankings history. Dig in!

Heavyweight Fighter of the Year: Wladimir Klitschko

Technically Glazkov beat a higher-ranked fighter (and Mansour should have), but #5 Pulev was probably more of a live body subjectively than were #4 Adamek and #4 Cunningham. Klitschko not only defended his Championship, but also his Heavyweight Fighter of the Year title, by being the only fighter to go undefeated on the year while beating two top 20 fighters- adding #16 Alex Leapai to clinch.

Prospect of the Year: Deontay Wilder

The winner of this award is the fighter to do the most during the year who has never been ranked in the top 10 and has fewer than 3 losses in his career. Wilder was the narrow runner up to Mike Perez for the award last year, but Perez didn’t manage to keep his momentum going, while Wilder has yet to find the ceiling of his talent. He earned the nod this year with his embarrassingly easy 1st-round KO of #19 Malik Scott, who is probably the runner-up despite the loss.

Most Important Knockout of the Year: Wladimir Klitschko KO5 Kubrat Pulev

This award goes to the fighter who knocks out the highest-ranked opponent to get stopped during the year. The best unfortunate contender blasted out of the ring this year was #5 Pulev, who fought more aggressively than most Klitschko challengers, but paid a heavy price, though it was actually during a brief lull in his own activity that he caught a mean left hook from the Champ that he seemed completely unprepared for.

Most Sensational Knockout of the Year: Alexander Povetkin KO10 Carlos Takam

This is one award where the video is going to say a lot more than I can. Takam had been doing well in the fight, to the point that I had it even going into the 10th, though Povetkin’s conditioning had led him back from well behind. Povetkin caught his tired opponent with a short left hook in an exchange that left his man sprawling and glassy-eyed on his back. The runner-up would probably be Klitschko-Pulev. And for those of you who are crying out for Mansour-Kassi, please note that to be considered for this award, the victim has to be a top 50 fighter. Kassi was nowhere near that.

Match-Up of the Year: Champ Wladimir Klitschko vs. #5 Kubrat Pulev

This is a simple recognition of the fight between the two fighters whose combined rank totaled the lowest number. Klitschko didn’t quite match the level he reached last year with #3 Povetkin, but he had a solid year with solid defenses, as opposed to the abysmal competition he fought in 2013. With an average rank of 2.5 (Champ’s rank is figured at 0), this was the clear winner. Runner-up was Fury-Chisora II, with an average of 3.5.

Fight of the Year: #4 Steve Cunningham Robbery UD10 W vs. Amir Mansour

This is perhaps my most subjective award. In choosing the winner, I attempt to balance importance, exciting action, and competitiveness. There were a lot of good candidates this year, but none could match the high drama of Cunningham-Mansour. Cunningham’s ridiculous display of guts after being twice dropped and nearly stopped in the 5th overshadowed the vicious display of power Mansour showed to put him in that position, and (unfortunately) won over the judges and TV commentators, whose cards not only indefensibly gave the fight to Cunningham, but did so by comfortable margins. He came back well and even capped it off with a knockdown in the 10th, but Mansour by all rights had built up too big a lead and deserved the nod. But that doesn’t change the fact that it was a great fight. Runner-up was probably Stiverne-Arreola II.

Upset of the Year: Sergei Liakhovich vs. #17 Andy Ruiz

You might think this is a stretch, since the ranked fighter actually technically won. But as always, I go by my own scores. Liakhovich earned a draw on my card, or more accurately, Ruiz allowed the draw. He had every bit the case for victory as did Ruiz, and the machinations of biased judges don’t change the fact that the ranked Ruiz embarrassed himself with exceptionally poor conditioning and effort, and lost his top 20 spot as a result. All to a guy who not only hadn’t been remotely relevant or good in years, but who also didn’t exactly dazzle in the fight himself. If you disagree with my call, I offer an even clearer scoring debacle in Musafarov-Boytsov as another contender, as well as both of Adamek’s losses as backup options.

Comeback Fighter of the Year: Antonio Tarver

This was a pretty easy call. After drawing with the apparently mediocre Lateef Kayode at cruiserweight in the middle of 2012 and the disgrace and suspension that resulted from his apparent need for steroids to even manage that result, you couldn’t help but assume the then-43 year-old Tarver was done as a player in any division. But out of nowhere, and having fought just one inconsequential opponent in 2.5 years, Tarver dominated and stopped a guy at top 20 level in a heavyweight division he’d barely visited before. The resurgence is remarkable, especially considering he appears to be a better heavyweight at 46 than he was a cruiserweight at 43. Maybe not even the worse for wear as compared to where he was at as a 175-pounder in 2009, though obviously a prime Chad Dawson was a much stiffer challenge pound-for-pound than today’s Johnathon Banks.

Robbery of the Year: Denis Boytsov W (UD10) vs. Timur Musafarov

Sadly, there were several solid candidates this year, including the aforementioned Cunningham-Mansour, Perez-Takam, and Ruiz-Liakhovich, to name a few. This one takes the cake, though. Musafarov was a clear winner, having earned a 97-92 nod on my card. I could see it as close at 95-94 if I really wanted to, but that was even after the equally awful referee Joerg Milke blatantly stole an undeserved point from Musafarov in the 7th for having his head a little too low for Milke’s liking. Or for being a good bet to win a decision at that point. Take your pick. Boytsov didn’t even come close to winning a round after the 6th of 10. Yet the famous German robbery machine had it thusly: 95-94 (Ingo Barrabas), 97-93 (Norbert Duernberger), and a truly despicable 98-91 (Alexander Plumanns), all for the clear loser. Not that Duernberger’s wasn’t truly despicable, but Plumanns put in that extra effort, and deserves recognition for it.

Now, for anyone that cares, I will rank the division based solely on the fighters’ 2014 accomplishments. I will use the same criteria that I use to rank them overall (with victories, draws, or should-be victories and draws over top 50 opposition making one eligible), but will completely ignore all fights prior to 2014.

1) Wladimir Klitschko

Significant Results: Apr 26- TKO5 #16 Alex Leapai. Nov 15- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Dec 31: Champion

2) Vyacheslav Glazkov

Significant Results: Mar 15- UD12 #4 Tomasz Adamek.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Feb 16: #18. Feb 17- Mar 9: #19. Mar 10-16: #18. Mar 17- Jun 1: #2. Jun 2- Dec 31: #3.

3) Amir Mansour

Significant Results: Apr 4- Robbery L (UD10) vs. #4 Steve Cunningham

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Apr 6: Unranked. Apr 7- Dec 31: #4.

4) Alexander Povetkin

Significant Results: May 30- KO7 Prospect Manuel Charr. Oct 24- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Feb 16: #1. Feb 17- Mar 16: #2. Mar 17- Jun 1: #3. Jun 2- Dec 31: #2.

5) Tyson Fury

Significant Results: Nov 29- RTD 10 #6 Dereck Chisora.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Feb 16: Unranked (Retired). Feb 17- Dec 31: #1.

6) Carlos Takam

Significant Results: Jan 18- Robbery Draw (W) vs. #11 Mike Perez. Jun 6- UD12 #9 Tony Thompson. Oct 24- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1-19: Unranked. Jan 20- Feb 16: #7. Feb 17- Mar 16: #8. Mar 17-23: #9. Mar 24- Apr 6: #10. Apr 7- May 11: #11. May 12- Jun 8: #12. Jun 9- Nov 30: #7. Dec 1-31: #6.

7) Bermane Stiverne

Significant Results: May 10- TKO 6 #13 Chris Arreola.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1-19: #7. Jan 20- Feb 16: #8. Feb 17- Mar 16: #9. Mar 17-23: #10. Mar 24- Apr 6: #11. Apr 7- May 11: #12. May 12- Jun 8: #7. Jun 9- Dec 31: #8.

8) Tony Thompson

Significant Results: Mar 22- Wrong W (SD12) vs. #8 Odlanier Solis. Jun 6- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1-19: #9. Jan 20- Feb 16: #10. Feb 17- Mar 16: #11. Mar 17-23: #13. Mar 24- Apr 6: #7. Apr 7- May 11: #8. May 12- Jun 8: #9. Jun 9- Dec 31: #10.

9) Deontay Wilder

Significant Results: Mar 15- KO1 #19 Malik Scott.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Feb 16: #12. Feb 17- Mar 16: #13. Mar 17-23: #12. Mar 24- Apr 6 #13. Apr 7- May 11: #14. May 12- Nov 9: #13. Nov 10- Dec 31: #12.

10) Odlanier Solis

Significant Results: Mar 22- Wrong L (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Feb 16: #6. Feb 17- Mar 16: #7. Mar 17-23: #8. Mar 24- Apr 6: #9. Apr 7- May 11: #10. May 12- Jun 8: #11. Jun 9- Nov 9: #12. Nov 10- Dec 31: #11.

11) Antonio Tarver

Significant Results: Dec 11- TKO7 Inactive Fringe Contender Johnathon Banks.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Dec 14: Unranked. Dec 15-31: #16.

12) Malik Scott

Significant Results: Mar 15- L (KO1) vs. #13 Deontay Wilder. Oct 31- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Feb 16: #19. Feb 17- Mar 9: #20. Mar 10-16: #19. Mar 17-23: Unranked. Mar 24-30: #20. Mar 31- Jun 22: Unranked. Jun 23- Jul 27: #20. Jul 28- Sep 7: Unranked. Sep 8- Nov 2: #20. Nov 3-9: #15. Nov 10- Dec 31: #14.

13) Bryant Jennings

Significant Results: Jan 25- TKO10 Undefeated Prospect Artur Szpilka. Jul 26- Wrong W (SD12) vs. Fringe Contender/Prospect Mike Perez.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Jul 27: Unranked. Jul 28- Sep 7: #19. Sep 8- Nov 9: #18. Nov 10- Dec 14: #17. Dec 15-21: #18. Dec 22-31: #17.

14) Artur Szpilka

Significant Results: Jan 25- L (TKO10) vs. Undefeated Prospect Bryant Jennings. Nov 8- UD10 #11 Tomasz Adamek.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Nov 9: Unranked. Nov 10-Dec 14: #18. Dec 15-21: #19. Dec 22-31: #18.

15) Sergei Liakhovich

Significant Results: Dec 20- Wrong L (UD10) vs. #17 Andy Ruiz.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Dec 31: Unranked.

16) Mike Perez

Significant Results: Jan 18- Robbery Draw (Loss) vs. Prospect Carlos Takam. Jul 26- Wrong L (SD12) vs. Undefeated Prospect Bryant Jennings.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1-19: #11. Jan 20- Jul 27: Unranked. Jul 28- Sep 7: #20. Sep 8- Dec 14: #19. Dec 15-21: #20. Dec 22-31: #19.

17) Ruslan Chagaev

Significant Results: Jul 6- Wrong MD12 W (Draw) vs. Gatekeeper Fres Oquendo.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Dec 31: Unranked.

18) Fres Oquendo

Significant Results: Jul 6- Wrong MD12 L (Draw) vs. Fringe Contender Ruslan Chagaev.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Dec 31: Unranked.

19) Anthony Joshua

Significant Results: Oct 11- TKO2 Gatekeeper Denis Bakhtov. Nov 22- TKO1 Gatekeeper Michael Sprott.

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Dec 31: Unranked.

20) Kali Meehan

Significant Results: Jun 4- KO1 Fringe Contender Michael Sprott

2014 Rankings History: Jan 1- Dec 31: Unranked.

Other fighters ranked during the year are detailed below. These guys, while members of the top 20 at some point, didn’t exactly have a top-20 quality 2014 for varying reasons.

Steve Cunningham: Jan 1- Feb 16: #2. Feb 17- Mar 16: #3. Mar 17- Apr 6: #4. Apr 7- May 11: #7. May 12- Jun 8: #8. Jun 9- Dec 31: #9.

Tomasz Adamek: Jan 1- Feb 16: #3. Feb 17- Mar 16: #4. Mar 17-23: #7. Mar 24- Apr 6: #8. Apr 7- May 11: #9. May 12- Jun 8: #10. Jun 9- Nov 9: #11. Nov 10- Dec 31: Unranked.

Kubrat Pulev– Jan 1- Feb 16: #4. Feb 17- Dec 31: #5.

Dereck Chisora: Jan 1- Feb 16: #5. Feb 17- Nov 30: #6. Dec 1-31: #7.

Chris Arreola: Jan 1-19: #8. Jan 20- Feb 16: #9. Feb 17- Mar 16: #10. Mar 17-23: #11. Mar 24- Apr 6: #12. Apr 7- May 11: #13. May 12- Nov 9: #14. Nov 10- Dec 31: #13.

Erkan Teper: Jan 1-19: #10. Jan 20- Feb 16: #11. Feb 17- Mar 16: #12. Mar 17- Apr 6: #14. Apr 7- Nov 2: #15. Nov 3-9: #16. Nov 10- Dec 31: #15.

Alex Leapai: Jan 1- Feb 16: #13. Feb 17- Mar 16: #14. Mar 17- Apr 6: #15. Apr 7- Nov 2: #16. Nov 3- Dec 14: #20. Dec 15-21: Unranked. Dec 22-31: #20.

Robert Helenius– Jan 1- Feb 16: #14. Feb 17- Mar 16: #15. Mar 17-23: #16. Mar 24- Dec 31: Unranked (Inactive).

Andy Ruiz– Jan 1- Feb 16: #15. Feb 17- Mar 16: #16. Mar 17-23: #17. Mar 24- Apr 6: #16. Apr 7- Nov 9: #17. Nov 10- Dec 14: #16. Dec 15-21: #17. Dec 22-31: Unranked.

Seth Mitchell– Jan 1- Feb 16: #16. Feb 17- Mar 16: #17. Mar 17-23: #18. Mar 24- Apr 6: #17. Apr 7- Sep 7: #18. Sep 8- Dec 31: Unranked (Inactive).

Alexander Dimitrenko: Jan 1- Feb 16: #17. Feb 17- Mar 9: #18. Mar 10- Dec 31: Unranked (Inactive).

Johnathon Banks: Jan 1- Feb 16: #20. Feb 17- Mar 9: Unranked. Mar 10-16: #20. Mar 17-23: #19. Mar 24- Apr 6: #18. Apr 7- Jun 22: #19. Jun 23- Dec 31: Unranked (Inactive).

Francesco Pianeta: Jan 1- Mar 16: Unranked. Mar 17-23: #20. Mar 24- Apr 6: #19. Apr 7- Jun 22: #20. Jun 23- Jul 27: #19. Jul 28- Dec 31: Unranked.

Eddie Chambers– Jan 1- Mar 30: Unranked. Mar 31- Apr 6: #20. Apr 7- Dec 31: Unranked.

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Heavyweight: 2015, Jan 5-11

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, Charles Martin, Kubrat Pulev, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko, Zoltan Csala on January 22, 2016 by danboxing

37 year-old whippersnapper Zoltan Csala won the battle of the Zoltans (sounds like a really bad sci-fi film, right?) in Budapest on Monday, lifting 48 year-old Zoltan Petranyi’s Hungarian title and halting the career momentum that remarkably had his ancient countryman in the top 50 for the first time in his career. Maybe it was as much opportunism as ability, but the 3rd round knockout gives Csala, at only 6-0, a real prospect and minor player on the world stage. No changes to the rankings.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (289-502-502)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant Jennings

Klitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.

1) Tyson Fury (47-47-47)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)

2) Alexander Povetkin (32-376-376)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

Nothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (32-43-107)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (40-40-40)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (47-140-217)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Back to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.

6) Carlos Takam (6-31-51)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Dereck Chisora (6-162-225)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

8) Bermane Stiverne (31-35-97)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris Arreola

Next Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Stiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.

9) Steve Cunningham (31-107-107)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

10) Tony Thompson (31-42-241)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier Solis

Maybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.

11) Odlanier Solis (9-241)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: 1/24/2015- vs. #10 Tony Thompson

See Thompson’s notes, above.

12) Deontay Wilder (9-89)

Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)

Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne

See Stiverne’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (9-70)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

Arreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.

14) Malik Scott (9-18)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (9-71)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight:Unknown

Teper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.

16) Antonio Tarver (4-4)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (3-24)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Jennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.

18) Artur Szpilka (3-9)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Szpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.

19) Mike Perez (3-24)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Perez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.

20) Alex Leapai (3-3)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

Friday

Charles Martin vs. Damon McCreary; Cabazon, California; Off TV

Martin is a rising prospect from St. Louis. McCreary has a decent enough record at 15-3, but it’s a very hollow 15-3. First, he’s really just a fattened-up super middleweight. He’s been in with Deontay Wilder and cruiserweight prospect Jordan Shimmell, but was blown out in 2 rounds by both. He did go the 6-round distance in an apparently competitive fight with unbeaten Ali Mansour, but Mansour hasn’t fought anyone before or since. At 41, he does have two decent wins in his career, but those were about 15 years ago and at light heavyweight or below. If Martin wants to make any kind of point with this fight, he’s gotta make a short night of it like Wilder and Shimmell did. Because of McCreary’s mediocrity, I am guessing this won’t make the ShoBox telecast.

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Heavyweight: 2014-2015, Dec 29- Jan 4

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, Carlos Takam, Kubrat Pulev, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko, Zoltan Petranyi on January 16, 2016 by danboxing

No action to report from last week, and no changes.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (288-501-501)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant Jennings

Klitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.

1) Tyson Fury (46-46-46)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)

2) Alexander Povetkin (31-375-375)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

Nothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (31-42-106)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (39-39-39)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (46-139-216)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Back to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.

6) Carlos Takam (5-30-50)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Dereck Chisora (5-161-224)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

8) Bermane Stiverne (30-34-96)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris Arreola

Next Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Stiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.

9) Steve Cunningham (30-106-106)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

10) Tony Thompson (30-41-240)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier Solis

Maybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.

11) Odlanier Solis (8-240)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: Unknown

See Thompson’s notes, above.

12) Deontay Wilder (8-88)

Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)

Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne

See Stiverne’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (8-69)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

Arreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.

14) Malik Scott (8-17)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (8-70)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight:Unknown

Teper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.

16) Antonio Tarver (3-3)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (2-23)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Jennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.

18) Artur Szpilka (2-8)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Szpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.

19) Mike Perez (2-23)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Perez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.

20) Alex Leapai (2-2)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

Monday

Zoltan Petranyi vs. Zoltan Csala; Budapest, Hungary; TV Unknown

The heavyweight year is capped off with a somewhat low-profile Hungarian Title fight between unproven 5-0 prospect Zoltan Csala and 48 year old Zoltan Petranyi, the ultimate late bloomer. And I’m not talking a guy who had a renaissance in his mid-30s and kept it going for a while. I’m talking a guy who did virtually nothing worthwhile in the sport until he was 47 years old and beat two consecutive top 100 guys to get into the top 50 himself. Csala is undefeated at 5-0 and probably the best available Hungarian, but marginally less proven than the last two. Csala, despite his record, is no spring chicken himself, coming in with 37 years under his belt.

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Heavyweight: 2014, Dec 22-28

Posted in Heavyweight, Rankings with tags Alexander Povetkin, Amir Mansour, Andy Ruiz, Kyotaro Fujimoto, Sergei Liakhovich, Tyson Fury, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Wladimir Klitschko on January 16, 2016 by danboxing

Sergei Liakhovich seemed like fodder for the rise of #17 Andy Ruiz, a blue chip prospect despite his ridiculous obesity, but that didn’t really play out on Saturday in Phoenix. Ruiz was in terrible shape both in appearance and output. Liakhovich is not anywhere near the contender he was years ago. He was stopped by Helenius, then dominated and stopped by Bryant Jennings and knocked out in less than 2 minutes by Deontay Wilder in consecutive fights- his last three of any substance leading up to this. He didn’t necessarily look very good in this one either, often barely throwing any punches, but even when that was the case, Ruiz was visibly having trouble keeping up. Ruiz clearly won the first three rounds, and almost all of the rest of the fight was very close, but I scored it a draw personally. The judges were predictably slanted, with Gonzalo Valenzuela having it reasonable at 96-94, Chris Flores giving Ruiz every benefit of the doubt at 98-92, and Derek Zazuetta selling his judging soul to Ruiz at 99-91. Obviously it’s not a stretch to claim Ruiz won the fight, and it’s hard to feel too sorry for Liakhovich considering how little he did throughout the fight when just a simple consistent jab alone could have won it for him, but this is nevertheless the first dent in the Ruiz armor, and will seriously affect his standing here, if not elsewhere. For the record, if you gave either fighter all the debatable rounds, I think you could reasonably have had it anywhere between 98-92 for Ruiz and 97-93 for Liakhovich.

Backtracking to Thursday in Tokyo, a 5-8-2 fighter took Japanese Champion Kyotaro Fujimoto the 8-round distance on Thursday. That’s not a good look for a guy who theoretically is a prospect on the world stage, but it might not be that bad. First, he seems to have won every round. Second, his French opponent, David Radeff, appears to be one of those reasonably durable guys that only gets stopped by real punchers. Cruiserweight contender Youri Kalenga stopped him twice, and an unbeaten Armenian managed to get him out of there, as well. He’s at least gone the distance against everyone else.

Ruiz falls from the top 20 for the time being due to his poor performance. He’s still a real prospect in my eyes, but he’s just not as advanced as I once saw him. It may be that a little extra training is the only thing he’s lacking, but he was lacking it a great deal on Saturday. A clear win may have boosted Liakhovich back to prominence, but a debatable draw, not so much. He’s probably a low-30s guy at this point. Everyone ranked #18 and below last week advances (appropriately including Bryant Jennings, who himself easily handled Liakhovich), and Alex Leapai returns at #20 after only a one-week absence.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)

Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (287-500-500)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat Pulev

Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Klitschko is officially fighting on April 25, and while his opponent is not as official, it’s widely believed that it will be Bryant Jennings.

1) Tyson Fury (45-45-45)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck Chisora

Next Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Fury wants Klitschko and has a mandatory position for that fight at some point. He’ll be likely just staying busy on February 28 in London.

2) Alexander Povetkin (30-374-374)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: Unknown

Nothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.

3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (30-41-105)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve Cunningham

With Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.

4) Amir Mansour (38-38-38)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Mansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.

5) Kubrat Pulev (45-138-215)

Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir Klitschko

Next Fight: Unknown

Back to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.

6) Carlos Takam (4-29-49)

Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander Povetkin

Next Fight: Unknown

Takam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.

7) Dereck Chisora (4-160-223)

Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson Fury

Next Fight: Unknown

8) Bermane Stiverne (29-33-95)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris Arreola

Next Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay Wilder

Stiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.

9) Steve Cunningham (29-105-105)

Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)

Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav Glazkov

See Glazkov’s notes, above.

10) Tony Thompson (29-40-239)

Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos Takam

Next Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier Solis

Maybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.

11) Odlanier Solis (7-239)

Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony Thompson

Next Fight: Unknown

See Thompson’s notes, above.

12) Deontay Wilder (7-87)

Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)

Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne

See Stiverne’s notes, above.

13) Chris Arreola (7-68)

Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane Stiverne

Next Fight: Unknown

Arreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.

14) Malik Scott (7-16)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex Leapai

Next Fight: Unknown

After an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.

15) Erkan Teper (7-69)

Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)

Next Fight:Unknown

16) Antonio Tarver (2-2)

Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Tarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.

17) Bryant Jennings (1-22)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Jennings is once again said to be in the running for a Klitschko shot. After barely and perhaps undeservedly getting by Mike Perez, I’m not sure that’s a natural fit at this stage.

18) Artur Szpilka (1-7)

Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz Adamek

Next Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown Opponent

Szpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.

19) Mike Perez (1-22)

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)

Next Fight: Unknown

Perez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.

20) Alex Leapai (1-1)

Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik Scott

Next Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:

Merry Christmas!

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