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Message: [QUOTE="SWC75, post: 3030595, member: 289"] Lewis, Bowe and Klitschko are part of the current era, in the heavyweight division, which began in the 1990's. When boxing started, most heavyweights were what we would now call light heavyweights, a division that didn't exist until 1903. Guys like Corbett and Fitisimmons would be light heavyweights now. By that time heavyweights had grown to be what we now call cruiserweights, a division that didn't exist until 1980. Since the 60's the top contenders had all been in the 220 pound range, so they created a division for boxers who were 175-190, (now it's 200). Even Frazier was about 210. there were no more Marcianos or Pattersons contending for the heavyweight title. Beginning with Bowe and Lewis, the division moved up another notch to where all the contenders are at least 6-5 or 6-6 and 240+ pounds, except Ruiz who is 6-2 but 268. Wilder at 220 pounds, is a small heavyweight these days, despite his 6-7 height, (he's a sort of heavyweight Tommy Hearns - skinny but with a huge punch). If they create a superheavyweight division, (as they should), Frazier or Tyson would not have fought in it. The fact that they may have beaten guys that size doesn't mean they should be fighting a steady diet of them. that's why there are weight classes. You mentioned that a lightweight could not beat a middleweight unless there was large gap in their skill level. When Frazier and Tyson beat bigger guys there was such a gap and they exploited it. But look at Frazier vs. Foreman and Tyson vs. Lewis. They didn't look like they belonged in the same ring together. if you saw two guys fighting in a bar and one was 135 pounds, (a lightweight) and the other 150 pounds, (a middleweight), would that tell you who would win? Not really. But I think you'd agree that if they were both professional fighters the 150 pound guy will probably be the victor. You'd find the 135 pounder fighting as a lightweight against other 135 pounders and the middleweight fighting against other 150 pounders. the 135 pounder could beat a 150 pounder, but he shouldn't have to try to win a championship against a world of them. Why would it be any different for a 220 pounder vs. a 250 pounder? Maybe if he had Wilder's punch... [/QUOTE]

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