(Photo by Friedemann Vogel/Getty Images for Laureus)
Vitali Klitschko was scheduled to meet David Haye on September 12th, in Germany. It was to be the beginning of Haye's quest for heavyweight dominance. It was also to be the fulfillment of Haye's prophecy that he would sever the heads of both Klitschkos.
If pressed, most fight fans would tell you Klitschko would have been the one to drop out of such a fight. His history with injuries during training is well known. Instead, for the second time in two fights, Haye pulled out of a potential Klitschko fight.
Instead of fighting Klitschko, Haye will now be facing Nikolai Valuev for the WBA title. There is little doubt Haye matches up better against Valuev than Klitschko. However for someone who proudly sported a t-shirt depicting both Klitschko brothers decapitated, this is hardly a fulfillment of that promise.
As for Klitschko, he is left without a dance partner, or a date. According to K2 Promotions, Klitschko will still fight in either September or October, but against whom?
A few names are on the short list, and I put in them in order of likeliness.
Chris Arreola (27-0, 24 KO's)—Arreola is ranked No. 6 by Ring Magazine at heavyweight. Arreola is a fast rising Mexican American fighter with power in both hands. He also has a solid amateur background to go with his undefeated record.
His biggest liabilities are his not so slim waistline and his inexperience at the top level. It's inevitable that Arreola will have to face a Klitschko, but is this the right time?
Eddie Chambers (35-1, 18 KO's)—Chamber's stock has risen quite a bit since his last outing. In his last fight, he dominated the Klitschko brother's sparring partner Alexander Dimitrenko. While not possessing the power of Arreola, he is a versatile boxer with great hand speed.
Like Arreola, he tends to come into fights overweight. If he can come in shape like he did in his last outing, he may be able to give "Dr. Ironfist" a stern test with his movement.
A fight with either young American heavyweight would be a good fight for the heavyweight division. Let's hope one of these youngsters is up for the challenge and seizes the moment.
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