This Saturday, fight
fans were treated to two heavyweight clashes; Lucas Browne became the first
Australian heavyweight champion of the world when he defeated Ruslan Chagaev
and Luis Ortiz systematically destroyed Tony Thompson in Washington. This
article will take a look at what we learnt from these two fights and what
effects they will have on the heavyweight division.
Firstly we must deal
with Browne’s unbelievable win in Chechyna where all the odds seemed to be
stacked against him. Browne, who many view as just a bouncer, looked in the
shape of his life and he actually used his jab for the first time in his
career.
This was a fight that
Chagaev was supposed to win. When Browne was dropped by Chagaev, in round 6,
the round went on for an extra 20 seconds. However he somehow managed to
survive that round and re-grouped in the later rounds to score an impressive
knock-out in the 10th by dropping Chagaev and then finishing him off
on the ropes.
Some will claim that
Browne is not a real champion because of the fact that he is the WBA (regular)
champion and in my opinion as soon as he makes the step up to that world class
level he will be defeated soundly. However the Australian should enjoy this
moment as he has somehow come out of Russia as champion.
Luis Ortiz again
impressed when he took apart 40-7 fighter, Tony Thompson by knocking him out in
the 6th round. Thompson did have some success in the fight but he
did just look like a shot fighter. Ortiz was simply too strong for the now
retired 44 year old and he will be looking towards bigger and better
opposition.
The problem for Ortiz
is no-one wants to fight him. He is one of the most dangerous opponents in the
division but brings no money to the table. If the WBA tournament manages to
stay together then that will be perfect for the Cuban because being 35 years
old he needs big fights quickly.
Tom Eckett
@boxingguru44
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