16/01/2016: What we learnt in the Heavyweight Division

This Saturday, on the 16th January, the boxing world was treated to three relatively big fights in the heavyweight division. 'The Hayemaker', David Haye fought Australian, Mark De Mori, PBC's Charles Martin fought Vyacheslav Glazkov and 'The Bronze Bomber' Deontay Wilder fought Pole, Artur Szpilka. Now that the dust has settled I want to take a look at what we learnt from Saturday and what potential fights could be in the making.

David Haye's 1st round knockout was predicted by many but it was none-the-less an impressive performance. Haye looked in unbelievable shape when he stepped on the scales and in the ring, his timing was still there for everyone to see as he showed with that thunderous right hand. Bookies favourite for Haye's next opponent is Shannon Briggs the 44 year old fighter who famously beat George Foreman in Foreman's last fight. Briggs is a good test for Haye and he is a stayer which is ideal for Haye who will still be looking to remove the cobwebs after this fight being his first in three and a half years.

The fight that everyone wants to see Haye in is a domestic bust-up with Anthony Joshua, however I don't think Matchroom and Eddie Hearn are stupid enough to make the fight with Haye until later this year. I just think Haye is all wrong for Joshua at this moment in time with his speed, timing and punching power he would have his work cut out.

'Prince' Charles Martin won the IBF title effectively by default when Glazkov twisted his knee in the third round. This fight made a laughing stock out of the IBF's decision to strip Tyson Fury of the belt. Charles Martin has said he wants Fury, however Al Haymon and PBC are unlikely to want to lose that belt straight away so he will probably get put in a few non-fights just like what has happened to Deontay Wilder.

There is no two ways about it, the Bronze Bomber, looked shocking against Artur Szpilka who put up a really good fight against the WBC champion. Deontay Wilder looked poor throughout, he did not control the range or the pace of the fight with Szpilka jumping in and out of range at will for the first six rounds, however fitness let the Pole down and the KO was the only impressive thing Wilder did all night. It will be interesting to see when Wilder starts mixing it at world class level as he is yet to do so in his 36 fights. I just think that the likes of Fury, Joshua, Parker and even Haye are all too good for the brash American at this moment in time. It is thought that Wilder will have to fight Povetkin as he is mandatory, however he could be put in a unification fight with Martin, as both he and Martin are under Al Haymon.

It is a fascinating 2016 we have lined up in the heavyweight division and a lot of questions that need answering.

Tom Eckett

@boxingguru44

https://twitter.com/boxingguru44