Check out which veterans of the UFC are competing in combat sports across the globe this weekend.
This week, the UFC returns to New York for a big pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden.
UFC 295 features a pair of title fights in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. In the co-feature, [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] takes on [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] for the interim heavyweight title, while [autotag]Jiri Prochazka[/autotag] meets [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] for the vacant light heavyweight crown in the main event.
Elsewhere, many other combat sports events are taking place that feature a number of familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner.
Check out which veterans of the global MMA leader are competing in MMA, bareknuckle MMA and boxing Nov. 8-12.
Scroll below to see how the UFC veterans fared last week, and see the names and details of this weekend’s competitors.
Boxing Junkie gives you the five greatest cruiserweights-turned-heavyweights. Where does Oleksandr Usyk fit in?
Oleksandr Usyk went from a cruiserweight champion to a legend overnight.
Back-to-back decisions over one of the era’s top heavyweights, two-time champion Anthony Joshua, will have that kind of impact on a fighter’s legacy. The 36-year-old Ukrainian became a first-ballot Hall of Famer by winning those fights if he wasn’t before.
But where does Usyk rank among the best cruiserweights-turned-heavyweights?
We gave that a great deal thought as he prepares to defend his titles against Daniel Dubois on Saturday night in Wroclaw, Poland (ESPN+), and came up with a list.
Our Top 5 is below.
Note: Roy Jones Jr. isn’t included here because he jumped over cruiserweight – from light heavyweight to heavyweight –when he outpointed John Ruiz to win the title in 2003.
Also, the cruiserweight limit was changed from 190 pounds to 200 in 2003. The heavyweight records included here reflect any bout in which the fighter was over the cruiserweight limit at the time.
NO. 5 TOMASZ ADAMEK
Years active: 1999-2018 Overall record: 53-6 (32 KOs) Heavyweight record: 16-5 (6 KOs) Heavyweight titles: None Height: 6-1½ Background: Adamek, a skillful, rugged Pole, won major titles at light heavyweight and cruiserweight before trying his luck at heavyweight. He lost only once at the lower weights (a unanimous decision against talented Chad Dawson), which gives you an idea of his ability. He fell short in his only heavyweight title fight to gigantic Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko by a 10th-round knockout but he had victories over a number notable big men, including countryman Andrew Golota, Chris Arreola, Michael Grant, Eddie Chambers and Steve Cunningham. He faded down the stretch of his career, an indication that he hung on too long. Still, he’ll be remembered as an excellent 175- and 200-pounder who held his own against naturally bigger men in the sport’s glamour division.
NO. 4 JAMES TONEY
Years active: 1988-2017 Overall record: 77-10-3 (47 KOs) Heavyweight record: 20-5-1 (11 KOs) Heavyweight titles: None Height: 5-10 Background: Toney was one of the most skillful boxers of all time. He was a major player in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, putting him in a similar class with fellow Hall of Famers Bob Fitzsimmons and Roy Jones Jr. He won titles at 160, 168 and 190-200 before becoming a full-fledged heavyweight. He actually won a major heavyweight title fight, outpointing then-champion John Ruiz in 2005. However, the result was changed to no-contest after Toney tested positive for a banned substance. Still, he had a long career at heavyweight that included a knockout victory over Evander Holyfield in 2003, making him one of only two men (with Riddick Bowe) to stop the great Hall of Famer. His off-the-charts boxing acumen made him a difficult foe for anyone at any weight.
NO. 3 DAVID HAYE
Years active: 2002-18 Overall record: 28-4 (26 KOs) Heavyweight record: 10-3 (9 KOs) Heavyweight titles: WBA (2009-11) Height: 6-3 Background: The tall, but lean Briton was a good, athletic boxer with explosive knockout power, which made him almost untouchable as a cruiserweight. He slipped up only against veteran Carl Thompson early in his career and went on to win three major titles before making the move to heavyweight. He was undersized in the sport’s heaviest division but he carried his power to the top, as his knockout ratio indicates. He became the second former cruiserweight to win a heavyweight title when he defeated Russian giant Nikolai Valuev by a majority decision in 2009 and successfully defended against veteran John Ruiz and Audley Harrison the following year. He fell flat in his next fight, a one-sided decision loss to champion Wladimir Klitschko in which he appeared to be out of his element. He rebounded to stop Derek Chisora but had no significant victories after that.
NO. 2 OLEKSANDR USYK
Years active: 2013-present Overall record: 20-0 (13 KOs) Heavyweight record: 4-0 (1 KO) Heavyweight titles: IBF, WBA and WBO (2021-present) Height: 6-3 Background: The boxing savant from Ukraine has accomplished a great deal in only 20 fights, winning major belts in two divisions, going 9-0 in title fights and becoming a pound-for-pound mainstay. He was untouchable as a cruiserweight, the only exception being a close decision over Mairis Briedis in 2018. He moved up to heavyweight the following year, stopping Chazz Witherspoon in seven rounds and outpointing Derek Chisora. Then he made history, outboxing champion Anthony Joshua to win a clear decision and three major titles in 2021 and winning a split decision in the rematch 11 months later. His biggest challenge probably lies ahead – a meeting with fellow beltholder Tyson Fury for the undisputed championship – but he’ll be remembered as one of the most remarkable fighters of his generation regardless of what the future holds.
NO. 1 EVANDER HOLYFIELD
Years active: 1984-2011 Overall record: 44-10-2 (29 KOs) Heavyweight record: 26-10-2 (15 KOs) Heavyweight titles: IBF, WBA and WBC (1990-92); IBF and WBA (1993-94); WBA (1996-99); IBF (1997-99); WBA (2000-01) Height: 6-2½ Background: Holyfield is one of the greatest fighters of all time pound-for-pound and arguably one of the best heavyweights in spite of his naturally small frame. The masterful boxer-puncher was a dominating cruiserweight when the weight limit was 190, going 18-0 (14 KOs) and reigning as champion from 1986 to 1988. He fought the next 23 years as a heavyweight. Most notably he became the only man to reign as a major titleholder four times, breaking Muhammad Ali’s record of three reigns. His greatest victories probably came against Buster Douglas (to win the championship), Riddick Bowe (in one of three fights) and Mike Tyson (twice) but his list of quality victories is too long to include here. He struggled against particularly big opponents who could also box – Bowe and Lennox Lewis – and fought far too long but all of those who saw him fight in his prime will always marvel at his all-around ability and breathtaking fighting spirit.
Boxing Junkie gives you the five greatest cruiserweights-turned-heavyweights. Where does Oleksandr Usyk fit in?
Oleksandr Usyk went from a cruiserweight champion to a legend overnight.
Back-to-back decisions over one of the era’s top heavyweights, two-time champion Anthony Joshua, will have that kind of impact on a fighter’s legacy. The 36-year-old Ukrainian became a first-ballot Hall of Famer by winning those fights if he wasn’t before.
But where does Usyk rank among the best cruiserweights-turned-heavyweights?
We gave that a great deal thought as he prepares to defend his titles against Daniel Dubois on Saturday night in Wroclaw, Poland (ESPN+), and came up with a list.
Our Top 5 is below.
Note: Roy Jones Jr. isn’t included here because he jumped over cruiserweight – from light heavyweight to heavyweight –when he outpointed John Ruiz to win the title in 2003.
Also, the cruiserweight limit was changed from 190 pounds to 200 in 2003. The heavyweight records included here reflect any bout in which the fighter was over the cruiserweight limit at the time.
NO. 5 TOMASZ ADAMEK
Years active: 1999-2018 Overall record: 53-6 (32 KOs) Heavyweight record: 16-5 (6 KOs) Heavyweight titles: None Height: 6-1½ Background: Adamek, a skillful, rugged Pole, won major titles at light heavyweight and cruiserweight before trying his luck at heavyweight. He lost only once at the lower weights (a unanimous decision against talented Chad Dawson), which gives you an idea of his ability. He fell short in his only heavyweight title fight to gigantic Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko by a 10th-round knockout but he had victories over a number notable big men, including countryman Andrew Golota, Chris Arreola, Michael Grant, Eddie Chambers and Steve Cunningham. He faded down the stretch of his career, an indication that he hung on too long. Still, he’ll be remembered as an excellent 175- and 200-pounder who held his own against naturally bigger men in the sport’s glamour division.
NO. 4 JAMES TONEY
Years active: 1988-2017 Overall record: 77-10-3 (47 KOs) Heavyweight record: 20-5-1 (11 KOs) Heavyweight titles: None Height: 5-10 Background: Toney was one of the most skillful boxers of all time. He was a major player in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, putting him in a similar class with fellow Hall of Famers Bob Fitzsimmons and Roy Jones Jr. He won titles at 160, 168 and 190-200 before becoming a full-fledged heavyweight. He actually won a major heavyweight title fight, outpointing then-champion John Ruiz in 2005. However, the result was changed to no-contest after Toney tested positive for a banned substance. Still, he had a long career at heavyweight that included a knockout victory over Evander Holyfield in 2003, making him one of only two men (with Riddick Bowe) to stop the great Hall of Famer. His off-the-charts boxing acumen made him a difficult foe for anyone at any weight.
NO. 3 DAVID HAYE
Years active: 2002-18 Overall record: 28-4 (26 KOs) Heavyweight record: 10-3 (9 KOs) Heavyweight titles: WBA (2009-11) Height: 6-3 Background: The tall, but lean Briton was a good, athletic boxer with explosive knockout power, which made him almost untouchable as a cruiserweight. He slipped up only against veteran Carl Thompson early in his career and went on to win three major titles before making the move to heavyweight. He was undersized in the sport’s heaviest division but he carried his power to the top, as his knockout ratio indicates. He became the second former cruiserweight to win a heavyweight title when he defeated Russian giant Nikolai Valuev by a majority decision in 2009 and successfully defended against veteran John Ruiz and Audley Harrison the following year. He fell flat in his next fight, a one-sided decision loss to champion Wladimir Klitschko in which he appeared to be out of his element. He rebounded to stop Derek Chisora but had no significant victories after that.
NO. 2 OLEKSANDR USYK
Years active: 2013-present Overall record: 20-0 (13 KOs) Heavyweight record: 4-0 (1 KO) Heavyweight titles: IBF, WBA and WBO (2021-present) Height: 6-3 Background: The boxing savant from Ukraine has accomplished a great deal in only 20 fights, winning major belts in two divisions, going 9-0 in title fights and becoming a pound-for-pound mainstay. He was untouchable as a cruiserweight, the only exception being a close decision over Mairis Briedis in 2018. He moved up to heavyweight the following year, stopping Chazz Witherspoon in seven rounds and outpointing Derek Chisora. Then he made history, outboxing champion Anthony Joshua to win a clear decision and three major titles in 2021 and winning a split decision in the rematch 11 months later. His biggest challenge probably lies ahead – a meeting with fellow beltholder Tyson Fury for the undisputed championship – but he’ll be remembered as one of the most remarkable fighters of his generation regardless of what the future holds.
NO. 1 EVANDER HOLYFIELD
Years active: 1984-2011 Overall record: 44-10-2 (29 KOs) Heavyweight record: 26-10-2 (15 KOs) Heavyweight titles: IBF, WBA and WBC (1990-92); IBF and WBA (1993-94); WBA (1996-99); IBF (1997-99); WBA (2000-01) Height: 6-2½ Background: Holyfield is one of the greatest fighters of all time pound-for-pound and arguably one of the best heavyweights in spite of his naturally small frame. The masterful boxer-puncher was a dominating cruiserweight when the weight limit was 190, going 18-0 (14 KOs) and reigning as champion from 1986 to 1988. He fought the next 23 years as a heavyweight. Most notably he became the only man to reign as a major titleholder four times, breaking Muhammad Ali’s record of three reigns. His greatest victories probably came against Buster Douglas (to win the championship), Riddick Bowe (in one of three fights) and Mike Tyson (twice) but his list of quality victories is too long to include here. He struggled against particularly big opponents who could also box – Bowe and Lennox Lewis – and fought far too long but all of those who saw him fight in his prime will always marvel at his all-around ability and breathtaking fighting spirit.
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant are two of the best active 168-pounders, which makes their pay-per-view fight on Saturday in Las Vegas one of the best-possible matchups in the division.
They are the latest in a long line of elite super middleweights since the division went main stream in the mid-1980s, including current undisputed champion and pound-for-pounder Canelo Alvarez.
David Benavidez and Caleb Plant are two of the best active 168-pounders, which makes their pay-per-view fight on Saturday in Las Vegas one of the best-possible matchups in the division.
They are the latest in a long line of elite super middleweights since the division went main stream in the mid-1980s, including current undisputed champion and pound-for-pounder Canelo Alvarez.
Two former boxers and UFC fighters, Holly Holm and James Toney, will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
The International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2022 features two fighters who competed under the UFC banner.
On Tuesday, the IBHOF officially announced former UFC bantamweight champion [autotag]Holly Holm[/autotag] and one-fight veteran [autotag]James Toney[/autotag] will be inducted as a part of the 2022 class. The induction ceremony will be a part of a three-year induction weekend, honoring the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2021, from June 9-12, 2022.
Holm and Toney are the first fighters to compete in the UFC to be inducted into the IBHOF.
While competing in kickboxing, Holm began her professional boxing career in 2002 and fought for 11 years before transitioning to MMA full time. As a boxer, Holm went 33-2-3 with nine knockout victories. She accumulated 14 world titles across the junior welterweight, welterweight, and junior middleweight divisions. Holm’s notable wins inside the boxing ring include victories over Christy Martin, Anne Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, and Mia St. John.
After her boxing career, she made the switch to MMA and entered the UFC after competing for Bellator and Legacy FC. Her crowning moment came via head kick knockout of Ronda Rousey at UFC 193.
Holm was also inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame as a part of the 2019 class. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony took place in August 2021.
[lawrence-related id=591046]
Toney, a three-division world champion in the boxing ring, amassed a record of 77-10-3, capturing titles in the middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight divisions. “Lights Out” competed in MMA just one time. At UFC 118 in 2010, he stepped into the cage to face former champion, Randy Couture, in a crossover bout but lost via submission in the first round.
The full 2022 class of inductees include Miguel Cotto, Roy Jones Jr., Regina Halmich, Bill Caplan, Ron Borges, and Bob Yalen. The posthumous inductees are Tod Morgan and Chuck Hull.
Roy Jones Jr., James Toney and Miguel Cotto have been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, it was announced today.
Roy Jones Jr. was a force of nature. James Toney had rare skills. And Miguel Cotto’s all-around game made him one of the biggest stars in the sport.
All three have been rewarded for their success by being elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, it was announced today.
The Class of 2022 will be inducted this coming June in Canastota, New York, with the 2020 and 2021 classes because the two previous induction ceremonies were canceled as a result of COVID-19.
That means Jones, Toney and Cotto will enter the Hall with a cavalcade of stars, including Floyd Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins, Wladimir Klitschko, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Andre Ward, Laila Ali, Christy Martin and other big names.
Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) was a longtime pound-for-pound king who was untouchable in his prime. The 1988 Olympic silver medalist was too quick, too athletic and much too powerful for his opponents, most of whom he overwhelmed.
He defeated the likes of Thomas Tate, Toney, Hopkins, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffin and Virgil Hill en route to winning major titles in four weight classes.
That includes the heavyweight division, to which he moved up from light heavyweight and defeated reigning titleholder John Ruiz by a unanimous decision in 2003 to become the first former middleweight to win a heavyweight title in more than a century.
Jones was never the same after that, suffering eight of his nine losses, and he fought well into his 40s. However, those who saw him at his best will vouch for his greatness.
He was recently back in the news when he faced Mike Tyson in an exhibition.
“This is an absolutely marvelous feeling,” Jones said of his election. “I’m so honored that I get this opportunity and I can’t wait to go to Canastota to see it come to fruition.”
Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs) had a more difficult time with his weight than opponents. Still, the master technician won titles in three divisions – middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight — and became a top heavyweight contender.
“Lights out” upset then-unbeaten Michael Nunn by an 11th-round knockout to win a middleweight title in 1991. He then took down Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum (after an earlier draw), Iran Barkley and many other top fighters between middleweight and light heavyweight.
He lost back-to-back fights to Jones and Griffin in 1994 and 1995 but rebounded to become an outstanding cruiserweight and good heavyweight. He became only the second to stop Evander Holyfield in 2003 and then beat Ruiz to win a title only to lose it after testing positive for a banned substance.
Toney continued to fight until he was almost 50.
“Yeah baby! I made it,” Toney said. “This is so great. I’ve been waiting for this call and I’m so happy. I can’t believe it. I’m almost tearing up. It’s a blessing and I’m looking forward to coming to Canastota as an inductee!”
Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs) ranks with the best Puerto Rican fighters of all time. He won major titles in four divisions and fought all the top contenders near his weight, beating Paulie Malignaggi, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Ricardo Mayorga and Antonio Margarito after an earlier loss.
He also lost to Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather, Austin Trout, Canelo Alvarez and Sadam Ali in his final fight but always gave a good account of himself.
“After many years in boxing, I’m so proud of what we have done in the sport,” Cotto said. “Above all I was the head of my family and what made me proud as a father was to provide for my family and thanks to boxing I did it in the best way possible.
“It is amazing, but you have to be humble and carry yourself in the best way possible and work hard every day to reach your goals in life. I look forward to being in Canastota next June.”
Among those who failed to receive enough votes for election were Rafael Marquez, Michael Moorer, Timothy Bradley, Acelino Freitas, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, Carl Froch, Ivan Calderon and Ricky Hatton.
Jones, Toney and Cotto were elected in the Modern category. Regina Halmich (54-1-1, 16 KOs) and Holly Holm (33-2-3, 9 KOs) in the women’s Modern category.
Halmich, who fought almost exclusively in her native Germany, was almost untouchable during her long career. Holm, perhaps best known for knocking out Ronda Rousey in an MMA bout, was a huge boxing attraction in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“Wow! What an honor,” Halmich said. “I’m very, very happy. My biggest wish was to one day be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and this is really the biggest honor for me.”
Said Holm: “I feel very humbled and honored to be acknowledged amongst the greatest. I’m kind of speechless actually. I’m really excited.”
Also being inducted are: publicist Bill Caplan in the Non-Participant category; and writer Ron Borges and historian Bob Yalen in the Observer category.
Roy Jones Jr., James Toney and Miguel Cotto have been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, it was announced today.
Roy Jones Jr. was a force of nature. James Toney had rare skills. And Miguel Cotto’s all-around game made him one of the biggest stars in the sport.
All three have been rewarded for their success by being elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, it was announced today.
The Class of 2022 will be inducted this coming June in Canastota, New York, with the 2020 and 2021 classes because the two previous induction ceremonies were canceled as a result of COVID-19.
That means Jones, Toney and Cotto will enter the Hall with a cavalcade of stars, including Floyd Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins, Wladimir Klitschko, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Andre Ward, Laila Ali, Christy Martin and other big names.
Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) was a longtime pound-for-pound king who was untouchable in his prime. The 1988 Olympic silver medalist was too quick, too athletic and much too powerful for his opponents, most of whom he overwhelmed.
He defeated the likes of Thomas Tate, Toney, Hopkins, Mike McCallum, Montell Griffin and Virgil Hill en route to winning major titles in four weight classes.
That includes the heavyweight division, to which he moved up from light heavyweight and defeated reigning titleholder John Ruiz by a unanimous decision in 2003 to become the first former middleweight to win a heavyweight title in more than a century.
Jones was never the same after that, suffering eight of his nine losses, and he fought well into his 40s. However, those who saw him at his best will vouch for his greatness.
He was recently back in the news when he faced Mike Tyson in an exhibition.
“This is an absolutely marvelous feeling,” Jones said of his election. “I’m so honored that I get this opportunity and I can’t wait to go to Canastota to see it come to fruition.”
Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs) had a more difficult time with his weight than opponents. Still, the master technician won titles in three divisions – middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight — and became a top heavyweight contender.
“Lights out” upset then-unbeaten Michael Nunn by an 11th-round knockout to win a middleweight title in 1991. He then took down Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum (after an earlier draw), Iran Barkley and many other top fighters between middleweight and light heavyweight.
He lost back-to-back fights to Jones and Griffin in 1994 and 1995 but rebounded to become an outstanding cruiserweight and good heavyweight. He became only the second to stop Evander Holyfield in 2003 and then beat Ruiz to win a title only to lose it after testing positive for a banned substance.
Toney continued to fight until he was almost 50.
“Yeah baby! I made it,” Toney said. “This is so great. I’ve been waiting for this call and I’m so happy. I can’t believe it. I’m almost tearing up. It’s a blessing and I’m looking forward to coming to Canastota as an inductee!”
Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs) ranks with the best Puerto Rican fighters of all time. He won major titles in four divisions and fought all the top contenders near his weight, beating Paulie Malignaggi, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Ricardo Mayorga and Antonio Margarito after an earlier loss.
He also lost to Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather, Austin Trout, Canelo Alvarez and Sadam Ali in his final fight but always gave a good account of himself.
“After many years in boxing, I’m so proud of what we have done in the sport,” Cotto said. “Above all I was the head of my family and what made me proud as a father was to provide for my family and thanks to boxing I did it in the best way possible.
“It is amazing, but you have to be humble and carry yourself in the best way possible and work hard every day to reach your goals in life. I look forward to being in Canastota next June.”
Among those who failed to receive enough votes for election were Rafael Marquez, Michael Moorer, Timothy Bradley, Acelino Freitas, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, Carl Froch, Ivan Calderon and Ricky Hatton.
Jones, Toney and Cotto were elected in the Modern category. Regina Halmich (54-1-1, 16 KOs) and Holly Holm (33-2-3, 9 KOs) in the women’s Modern category.
Halmich, who fought almost exclusively in her native Germany, was almost untouchable during her long career. Holm, perhaps best known for knocking out Ronda Rousey in an MMA bout, was a huge boxing attraction in her native Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“Wow! What an honor,” Halmich said. “I’m very, very happy. My biggest wish was to one day be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and this is really the biggest honor for me.”
Said Holm: “I feel very humbled and honored to be acknowledged amongst the greatest. I’m kind of speechless actually. I’m really excited.”
Also being inducted are: publicist Bill Caplan in the Non-Participant category; and writer Ron Borges and historian Bob Yalen in the Observer category.
Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk: 3 cruiserweights who succeeded at heavyweight … 3 who didn’t.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published before his unanimous-decision victory over Derek Chisora last October.
***
Oleksandr Usyk isn’t breaking new ground by transitioning from a successful career at cruiserweight to heavyweight. Many have done it. A few have succeeded, most haven’t.
The obvious disadvantage for a natural cruiserweight is the weight he gives away to big heavyweights. For example, Derek Chisora, Usyk’s opponent on Saturday in London, weighed in Friday 38.5 pounds heavier than Usyk (255.5 to 217).
That’s a significant difference, one that only a special fighter can overcome. And remember: Usyk’s goal is to fight Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury one day. We’ll see how that works out.
Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) stopped Chazz Witherspoon in seven rounds in his heavyweight debut in October of last year. So far good. But Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) is expected to be a better gauge of how effective Usyk can be against the biggest men in the sport.
Here are three cruiserweights-turned-heavyweights who succeeded in the higher division and three who didn’t.
SUCCEEDED
EVANDER HOLYFIELD
Evander Holyfield (right) defeated Mike Tyson twice. John Gurzinsky / AFP via Getty Images
Record: 44-10-2 (29 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: Three (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: Eight (four reigns) Notable victories at heavyweight: Buster Douglas, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe, Ray Mercer, Mike Tyson (twice), Michael Moorer Background: Holyfield is arguably the best cruiserweight ever and one of the greatest heavyweights. “The Real Deal” was at a size disadvantage in many of his heavyweight fights but was a four-time titleholder, beating a string of big-name opponents along the way. He won his first 10 fights at heavyweight, including a knockout of Buster Douglas in 1990 to become champion in Douglas’ first fight after his upset of Mike Tyson. Then Holyfield had his first encounter with a prime behemoth, Riddick Bowe. Holyfield and Bowe engaged in one of the great three-fight series but Bowe emerged victorious twice. Holyfield then picked on someone his own size. In one of boxing’s greatest upsets, he stopped Mike Tyson to regain a belt in 1996 and then lost a portion of his ear in the rematch. He had his ups and downs after that but was always competitive and delivered exciting fights. He almost won a title for a fifth time in 2008, when he was 46, but lost a majority decision to giant Nikolai Valuev. He fought three more times and retired.
DAVID HAYE
Overall record: 28-4 (26 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: One (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: One (one reign) Notable victories at heavyweight: Monte Barrett, Nikolai Valuev, John Ruiz, Derek Chisora Background: Haye was the king of the cruiserweight division in the 2000s, becoming undisputed champion and losing only to Carl Thompson by a stunning fifth-round knockout in 2004. “Hayemaker” made his debut as a full-fledged heavyweight in November 2008, when he stopped Monte Barrett in five rounds. In his next fight, a year later, he defeated Valuev by a majority decision to win one of the four major titles. He successfully defended against John Ruiz and Audley Harrison but then reached a little too high in an attempt to unify titles. A prime Wladimir Klitschko made Haye look like an undersized journeyman in July 2011, winning a wide decision in a fight that wasn’t remotely competitive. Haye blamed a toe injury afterward, making things worse for him. Haye wasn’t a great heavyweight by any stretch but he was good enough to win a major title and make two successful defenses. That’s a success.
TOMASZ ADAMEK
Overall record: 53-6 (31 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: One (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: None Notable victories at heavyweight: Andrew Golota, Chris Arreola, Michael Grant, Eddie Chambers, Steve Cunningham Background: Adamek had a remarkable career overall. The tough, well-schooled Pole won his first 31 fights and captured titles at both light heavyweight and cruiserweight before trying his hand against the biggest boys. He started his heavyweight career with a knockout of countryman Andrew Golota and reeled off five more victories to earn a shot at then-champion Vitali Klitschko in 2011. That’s where things started to go south. Adamek demonstrated the grit for which he was known but ultimately was overwhelmed by a much bigger, better man. Klitschko won every round and scored a 10th-round knockout. Adamek had mixed success after that – including a five-fight winning streak – but never again fought for a world title. He retired in 2018. Why is he filed under “successful” here? Because he beat some good opponents and earned his shot at a title. Adamek was a solid heavyweight.
***
UNSUCCESSFUL
JAMES TONEY
James Toney (right) had his best night as a heavyweight against Holyfield. AP Photo / Eric Jamison
Overall record: 77-10-3 (47 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: One (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: None Notable victories at heavyweight: Evander Holyfield, Fres Oquendo Background: Toney could’ve been classified as “successful” here if he hadn’t failed a drug test and a few other things had gone his way. “Lights Out” is generally considered one of the most-gifted boxers of his generation even though he had issues with discipline. He won titles at middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight. Toney had a so-so experience in heavyweight waters but emerged with one impressive victory, a ninth-round stoppage of 40-year-old Evander Holyfield in 2003. And, in 2005, he defeated John Ruiz by a unanimous decision to win a major heavyweight title. However, days later, he tested positive for a steroid, the fight was ruled no-contest and Ruiz was reinstated as champion. Toney had mixed results after that – including a one-fight return to cruiserweight in which he lost to Denis Lebedev in 2011 – and never again fought for a meaningful heavyweight belt. Toney will be remembered as a great fighter but that has little to do with his years as a heavyweight.
DWIGHT MUHAMMAD QAWI
Overall record: 41-11-1 (25 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: One (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: None Notable victories at heavyweight: None Background: Qawi, whose whirling-dervish style was reminiscent of Joe Frazer, was a beast at light heavyweight and cruiserweight. He beat a string of quality opponents and most notably gave Holyfield absolute hell in a classic 1986 cruiserweight fight before losing a split decision, all of which earned him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. At heavyweight? Things didn’t go so well for the 5-foot-7 banger from New Jersey. Qawi’s first serious foray into the sport’s heaviest division was against George Forman in 1988 and he was stopped in seven rounds. He went back to fighting smaller men after that, with moderate success, before retiring in 1992. However, he couldn’t stay away. He returned once more as a heavyweight at 44 years old, beat two journeyman, lost to one (Tony LaRosa) and then walked away for good. Qawi (originally Dwight Braxton) is remembered as a fine light heavyweight and cruiserweight who was just too small to make it at heavyweight.
CARLOS DE LEON
Overall record: 53-8-1 (33 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: Four (four reigns) Titles at heavyweight: None Notable victories at heavyweight: None Background: People might forget how good De Leon was at cruiserweight in the 1980s, although he had his ups and downs. The Puerto Rican had four reigns as WBC cruiserweight champ, meaning he lost his belt three times – including once by knockout against Evander Holyfield — but he had the resilience and determination to regain it three times before losing it for good. He had victories over Marvin Camel (twice), Leon Spinks and Yaqui Lopez, and he drew with Johnny Nelson. He was on a win streak at cruiserweight in 1994 when he decided to move up to move up to heavyweight. He failed. He was stopped by Corrie Sanders in only 49 seconds in his heavyweight debut and lasted less than three rounds against Brian Nielsen three months later. He never fought again after that. De Leon died at 60 this past January.
Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk: 3 cruiserweights who succeeded at heavyweight … 3 who didn’t.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published before his unanimous-decision victory over Derek Chisora last October.
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Oleksandr Usyk isn’t breaking new ground by transitioning from a successful career at cruiserweight to heavyweight. Many have done it. A few have succeeded, most haven’t.
The obvious disadvantage for a natural cruiserweight is the weight he gives away to big heavyweights. For example, Derek Chisora, Usyk’s opponent on Saturday in London, weighed in Friday 38.5 pounds heavier than Usyk (255.5 to 217).
That’s a significant difference, one that only a special fighter can overcome. And remember: Usyk’s goal is to fight Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury one day. We’ll see how that works out.
Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) stopped Chazz Witherspoon in seven rounds in his heavyweight debut in October of last year. So far good. But Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) is expected to be a better gauge of how effective Usyk can be against the biggest men in the sport.
Here are three cruiserweights-turned-heavyweights who succeeded in the higher division and three who didn’t.
SUCCEEDED
EVANDER HOLYFIELD
Evander Holyfield (right) defeated Mike Tyson twice. John Gurzinsky / AFP via Getty Images
Record: 44-10-2 (29 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: Three (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: Eight (four reigns) Notable victories at heavyweight: Buster Douglas, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe, Ray Mercer, Mike Tyson (twice), Michael Moorer Background: Holyfield is arguably the best cruiserweight ever and one of the greatest heavyweights. “The Real Deal” was at a size disadvantage in many of his heavyweight fights but was a four-time titleholder, beating a string of big-name opponents along the way. He won his first 10 fights at heavyweight, including a knockout of Buster Douglas in 1990 to become champion in Douglas’ first fight after his upset of Mike Tyson. Then Holyfield had his first encounter with a prime behemoth, Riddick Bowe. Holyfield and Bowe engaged in one of the great three-fight series but Bowe emerged victorious twice. Holyfield then picked on someone his own size. In one of boxing’s greatest upsets, he stopped Mike Tyson to regain a belt in 1996 and then lost a portion of his ear in the rematch. He had his ups and downs after that but was always competitive and delivered exciting fights. He almost won a title for a fifth time in 2008, when he was 46, but lost a majority decision to giant Nikolai Valuev. He fought three more times and retired.
DAVID HAYE
Overall record: 28-4 (26 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: One (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: One (one reign) Notable victories at heavyweight: Monte Barrett, Nikolai Valuev, John Ruiz, Derek Chisora Background: Haye was the king of the cruiserweight division in the 2000s, becoming undisputed champion and losing only to Carl Thompson by a stunning fifth-round knockout in 2004. “Hayemaker” made his debut as a full-fledged heavyweight in November 2008, when he stopped Monte Barrett in five rounds. In his next fight, a year later, he defeated Valuev by a majority decision to win one of the four major titles. He successfully defended against John Ruiz and Audley Harrison but then reached a little too high in an attempt to unify titles. A prime Wladimir Klitschko made Haye look like an undersized journeyman in July 2011, winning a wide decision in a fight that wasn’t remotely competitive. Haye blamed a toe injury afterward, making things worse for him. Haye wasn’t a great heavyweight by any stretch but he was good enough to win a major title and make two successful defenses. That’s a success.
TOMASZ ADAMEK
Overall record: 53-6 (31 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: One (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: None Notable victories at heavyweight: Andrew Golota, Chris Arreola, Michael Grant, Eddie Chambers, Steve Cunningham Background: Adamek had a remarkable career overall. The tough, well-schooled Pole won his first 31 fights and captured titles at both light heavyweight and cruiserweight before trying his hand against the biggest boys. He started his heavyweight career with a knockout of countryman Andrew Golota and reeled off five more victories to earn a shot at then-champion Vitali Klitschko in 2011. That’s where things started to go south. Adamek demonstrated the grit for which he was known but ultimately was overwhelmed by a much bigger, better man. Klitschko won every round and scored a 10th-round knockout. Adamek had mixed success after that – including a five-fight winning streak – but never again fought for a world title. He retired in 2018. Why is he filed under “successful” here? Because he beat some good opponents and earned his shot at a title. Adamek was a solid heavyweight.
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UNSUCCESSFUL
JAMES TONEY
James Toney (right) had his best night as a heavyweight against Holyfield. AP Photo / Eric Jamison
Overall record: 77-10-3 (47 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: One (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: None Notable victories at heavyweight: Evander Holyfield, Fres Oquendo Background: Toney could’ve been classified as “successful” here if he hadn’t failed a drug test and a few other things had gone his way. “Lights Out” is generally considered one of the most-gifted boxers of his generation even though he had issues with discipline. He won titles at middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight. Toney had a so-so experience in heavyweight waters but emerged with one impressive victory, a ninth-round stoppage of 40-year-old Evander Holyfield in 2003. And, in 2005, he defeated John Ruiz by a unanimous decision to win a major heavyweight title. However, days later, he tested positive for a steroid, the fight was ruled no-contest and Ruiz was reinstated as champion. Toney had mixed results after that – including a one-fight return to cruiserweight in which he lost to Denis Lebedev in 2011 – and never again fought for a meaningful heavyweight belt. Toney will be remembered as a great fighter but that has little to do with his years as a heavyweight.
DWIGHT MUHAMMAD QAWI
Overall record: 41-11-1 (25 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: One (one reign) Titles at heavyweight: None Notable victories at heavyweight: None Background: Qawi, whose whirling-dervish style was reminiscent of Joe Frazer, was a beast at light heavyweight and cruiserweight. He beat a string of quality opponents and most notably gave Holyfield absolute hell in a classic 1986 cruiserweight fight before losing a split decision, all of which earned him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. At heavyweight? Things didn’t go so well for the 5-foot-7 banger from New Jersey. Qawi’s first serious foray into the sport’s heaviest division was against George Forman in 1988 and he was stopped in seven rounds. He went back to fighting smaller men after that, with moderate success, before retiring in 1992. However, he couldn’t stay away. He returned once more as a heavyweight at 44 years old, beat two journeyman, lost to one (Tony LaRosa) and then walked away for good. Qawi (originally Dwight Braxton) is remembered as a fine light heavyweight and cruiserweight who was just too small to make it at heavyweight.
CARLOS DE LEON
Overall record: 53-8-1 (33 KOs) Titles at cruiserweight: Four (four reigns) Titles at heavyweight: None Notable victories at heavyweight: None Background: People might forget how good De Leon was at cruiserweight in the 1980s, although he had his ups and downs. The Puerto Rican had four reigns as WBC cruiserweight champ, meaning he lost his belt three times – including once by knockout against Evander Holyfield — but he had the resilience and determination to regain it three times before losing it for good. He had victories over Marvin Camel (twice), Leon Spinks and Yaqui Lopez, and he drew with Johnny Nelson. He was on a win streak at cruiserweight in 1994 when he decided to move up to move up to heavyweight. He failed. He was stopped by Corrie Sanders in only 49 seconds in his heavyweight debut and lasted less than three rounds against Brian Nielsen three months later. He never fought again after that. De Leon died at 60 this past January.
