The heavyweight division is traditionally the premier division of boxing. Watching a heavyweight match can be compelling, because it combines size and athleticism. Many of the most recognizable names in boxing come from the said division, like Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.

Nowadays, the luster and the prestige that the heavyweight division had may arguably be gone, but its popularity - especially in Europe - is still there. In fact, the biggest heavyweight fight of the year boasts of 60,000 paying spectators in Germany on June 20.

The said fight will feature WBO/IBF/IBO champ Wladimir Klitschko and WBA title holder Ruslan Chagaev. The fight was originally between Klitschko and David Haye, but the latter backed out because of an injury. Fortunately, Chagaev was available to replace Haye on short notice.

Klitschko is the favorite in this match, especially with his solid technical skills. He also has the size advantage in this match (he is around 15 pounds heavier and 7 inches taller than Chagaev). He also has knockout power, although he keeps his hands close to his chest and head to protect his weak chin. He suffered losses to lesser known opponents becase he got knocked out with not-so-solid punches. But he has learned from those experiences, and has made adustments to his style - you will seldom see him slugging it out with his opponents. He now has a solid defense in order not to get tagged.

But Chagaev can be a formidable challenge for Klitschko, contrary to what some say. He is very durable, and he has a wicked left hand that can be problematic for Klitschko. His aggressive style can also mean trouble for Wladimir, because a single punch by Chagaev can knock out Klitschko and his glass chin. But while Chagaev is nicknamed “White Tyson,” that monicker is actually quite exagerrated, considering that he is much less explosive and slower than Iron Mike. And besides, he has not really faced top notch opponents as of date. Klitschko is in a league above the best of Chagaev’s past foes. Klitschko is far from a  pushover. And with Klitschko’s smarts and size advantage, Chagaev is in for a tough night on June 20.

One thing to look out for in the fight is: who will lead on points in the early rounds? Chagaev has Hepatitis B, a disease transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. If either one of the combatants suffer a gash or a wound, the fight would surely be stopped. So it is vital for either fighters to have a good start, a the judges’ scorecards will determine the outcome of the fight in case of fight stoppage.

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