Deontay Wilder returns to the ring on October 15 to face Robert Helenius at the Barclays Center in another semifinal elimination bout. The winner goes against the winner between Ruiz vs. Ortiz.
While all this is happening, WBC world champion Tyson Fury hopes that his and Usyk`s promoters will reach an agreement to achieve the first unification heavyweight fight of the four-belt era. If this fight is signed, Fury, our WBC champion, will face Oleksandr Usyk, WBO, IBF and WBA champion.
The last undisputed monarch was Lennox Lewis, WBC champion, when he defeated Evander Holyfield, who had the IBF and WBA belts.
During the process of selecting the best fights in history for the WBC OPUS book, we were able to review and understand the greatness of heavyweight division. This division has memorable fights that remain in the memory of fans for generations. Some of these great matchups in the 60-year history of the WBC are:
Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier I at Madison Square Garden; both undefeated with Frazier defeating the great idol.
George Foreman vs. Joe Frazier, the two undefeated at the time, but Foreman was too much.
Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman. The famous Rumble in the jungle, where Ali reconquered the belt.
Ali vs. Frazier III in the so-called Thrilla in Manila, one of the most dramatic fughts in history
Ali vs. Leon Spinks, the night when rookie Spinks defeated the great Ali.
Larry Holmes vs. Ken Norton, with 15 rounds of drama; Holmes conquered the WBC title.
George Foreman versus Ron Lyle. Both visited the canvass several times in a spectacular fight that ended in only five rounds.
Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks, both undefeated, but Tyson in the best shape of his career knocked him out in just 91 seconds.
Tyson vs. Holyfield I and II; with the famous ear bite in the second.
Lennox Lewis vs. Vitaliy Klitshko; Lewis’ last fight and retired as champion.
Deontay Wilder vs. Ortiz I and II, pure drama and spectacular knockout in both.
Tyson Fury vs. Wilder I, II and III. After a dramatic draw, Fury conquered the title with a knockout in the seventh, and the trilogy ended with one of the greatest fights in history with both fighters visiting the canvas in 11 explosive rounds; Fury demolished Wilder.
Did you know…?
Earnie Shavers has just passed away and into eternity; he will be remembered as one of the most explosive punchers in boxing history. He was never a world champion, but he did beat several former champions, including the great Ken Norton. Shavers hit like a mule kick; Larry Holmes went down in the seventh round, and he was knocked down bad. My dad told us how Holmes fell right where he was seated, Holmes said to himself: “I have to get up, I have to get up”. He made it at nine and was saved by the bell. The world boxing community unites in sorrow for the departure of a great boxer and a great human being.
Today´s Anecdote
One of the most important moments in my dad’s life was when he had the honor of meeting Pope John Paul II in person. Years later, fate led my brother Héctor and me to meet the Holy Father Francisco. Our dear friend Román Rodríguez recommended us with José María del Corral and Enrique Palmeyro to establish and run Scholas Occurrentes México. In the audience with the Pope, José María introduced me as the President of the World Boxing Council, and the creation of the Box Val program (Boxing with values) was announced.
Before leaving the hall, Pope Francis greeted two children who were right in front of me and then he came over, extended his hand and as I shook it. He stared at me and said: “So, world champion?” I didn’t know what to answer, and in that pause, he told me: “But heavyweight!” And he let out a beautiful laugh. That is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible moments of my life.