By JE Grant

Photo © Ed Mulholland/FightWireImages.com

This month you’ll see only the top 25 and no list of guys on the fringes. As the new year unfolds we’ll revisit the fringes hopefully bring them back to the list.

The year ends with at least the possibility of a unification between Wladimir Klitschko and Oleg Maskaev. While I don’t think it is really necessary --- clearly Klitschko has proven himself above the rest of the field – it makes as much sense as any of the other p0ssible match-ups for the leader of the pack.

Early on in the year the Sam Peter – James Toney situation should (hopefully) resolve itself when the two meet again. Don’t expect either to miraculously achieve a svelte figure and thereby exceed all expectations. At any rate, both are worthy of watching.

The only significant change this month is the dropping of Danny Williams from the top 25. His devastating loss to Audley Harrison is likely the end of his time near the top. Harrison, on the other, moves into the number 25 slot and can climb significantly soon if he cleans the slate with Matt Skelton.

Once again my heavyweight team  Brian Bizzack and Troy Ondrizek help interpret the data that comes in from around the globe and they have my praise and sincere thanks.

1. Wladimir Klitschko, Ukraine – IBF Champion (Last month #1) Hopefully the man who has proven he belongs at the top decides to take on Oleg Maskaev rather than a goofy IBF “mandatory.”  Such a win would cement his place among the general public as the true champion.

 

2. Samuel Peter, Nigeria (Last month #2) Big Sam better get a little bit of the conditioning bug that seems to have caught hold of James Toney.  If he does, look for youth and power to lead him to a clear victory.

3. James Toney, USA (Last month #3) The man who gets more chances than any fighter alive will once again face Sam Peter for the right to fight whoever holds the WBC belt. He’s supposed to be better because of his Billy Blanks conditioning program.  

4. Oleg Maskaev, Uzbekistan / USA – WBC Champion (Last month #4) Peter Okhello wasn’t much of an opponent, as predicted. The real question is will he now face Wladimir Klitschko and not be stripped of his belt along the way. Dump the belt Oleg and fight the world’s best heavyweight anyway. That’s what real champs do.

5. Nicolay Valuev, Russia – WBA Champion (Last month #5) Don’t be surprised to see the Russian toppled by an aging but agile fellow big man Jameel McCline. He is tough but vulnerabilities abound.

6. Shannon Briggs, USA – WBO Champion (Last month #6) Perhaps Sultan Ibragimov awaits --- believe when you see it --- and it has to be considered a toss-up. Briggs has the power, but we know that if someone pushes him into a rough-and-tumble fight his gas tank runs low quickly.

7. Serguei Liakhovich, Belarus – (Last month #7) Despite losing his belt, he stands to remain in the thick of the hunt for another crack if he can pickup some wins in quick order.

8. Hasim Rahman, USA – (Last Month #8) The ex-champion hopes 2007 will bring a reemergence of the “Rock.” He’ll likely take the European tour of also-rans in order to set up a big payday. Nevertheless, his days as serious a possible unified titlist are likely well in the past.

9. Sultan Ibragimov, Russia (Last month #9) Sultan will get his shot a Briggs in all likelihood but if he fights the way he did against Austin he may end up in the third row seating. If he fights smart and make Briggs work he can pull the win.

10. Calvin Brock, USA (Last month #10) The “Banker” still has a bundle of talent and he can cash in against the “other” titlists. The Klitschko fight proved he is not in the same league as the Ukrainian --- but no else is either.

11. Ray Austin, USA (Last month #11) He is apparently going to get an IBF shot at some point in the not too distant future. This is nothing more than an nuisance defense for Klitschko despite the fact that Austin is clearly an above average heavyweight.

12. Lamon Brewster, USA (Last month #12) We’re hearing whispers of a 2007 return. Brewster is just such a likeable and exciting fighter, plus he holds a very real victory over the current kingpin Klitschko. A win here and win there could mean a return bout. Would it be a repeat? It certainly would be more interesting than many of the other talked-about IBF fights.

13. Ruslan Chagaev, Uzbekistan (Last month #13) He’ll likely get the winner of McCline-Valuev.  Expect to become a believer in this rugged dude.

14. John Ruiz, USA (Last month #14) Listen, Ruiz fought ugly but more importantly he won ugly way more often than not. He deserves some respect if not loving adoration. But, all of that is in the past. Time to pull the plug.

15. DaVarryl Williamson, USA (Last month #15) Hey, Mr. “Touch of Sleep,” where are you?

16. Matt Skelton, England (Last month #16) Let’s face it, only a bout with Audley Harrison makes $$$$ense. There won’t be a quick world title bout so it’s time to go for the big money at home.

17. Jameel McCline, USA (Last month #17) Do not be surprised to see “Big Time” way higher on this list next month. I’m going out on a limb and saying he will upset our favorite 7-footer in Switzerland. We just have to hope that judges don’t get in the way of the right call whichever way it goes.

18. David Tua, New Zealand (Last month #19) – His struggle against journeyman Maurice Wheeler could portend a tough time ahead.

19. Luan Krasniqi, Germany (Last month #20) We’ll just have to wait as his knee heals before deciding whether he really has the stuff to stay in this fabled list.

20. Tony Thompson, USA (Last month #21) Six long months have passed since his splendid win over Dominick Guinn. What happened?

21. Vladimir Virchis, Ukraine (Last month #22) Apparently one potential opponent has dropped out for January for an EBU defense. He needs activity.

22. Alexander Dimitrenko, Ukraine (Last month #23) – The year 2007 figures to be pivotal for the young giant. He has skills, he’s very big, and he is very young. Time to jump into the deep water.

23. Eddie Chambers, USA (Last month #24) Just as with Dimitrenko, the youngster should show us all if he’s the real thing in 2007.  Lots of promise.

24. Alexander Povetkin, Russia (Last month #25) – A win over someone named Imamu Mayfield doesn’t prove much, but make no mistake, Povetkin is the real thing. Chances are, he could’ve beaten either fighter in the main event in Moscow (which by the way included one-each Oleg Maskaev). Yes, he is that good right now.

25. Audley Harrison, England (Last month unranked) Is it a resurrection? Has the man with a world of talent finally realized what it takes to get to the top? Only time will tell but he made one long stride in the right direction by bowling over Danny Williams.

Feel free to send your comments to me at jeboxing@yahoo.com