For the past few years, many have viewed the sports heavyweight division as a weak, shallow talent pool filled with journeymen and cupcakes without that one proverbial 'cherry-on-top'.
Decades in the past presented the likes of Muhammad Ali, Smokin' Joe Frazier, Rocky Marciano, and the list goes on.
After the 80's dominance by way of 'Iron' Mike Tyson, followed by the well adept Lennox Lewis, the heavyweight division has lacked the type of punch needed to keep a depleted base of fight fans intrigued enough to tune in like they once did.
Today's era of super-heavyweights are well equipped with big guns and big frames, but the action they bring to the table hasn't quite measured up.
The Klitschko brothers have been the mainstays, (Wladimir in particular), but despite their stronghold on the division, few seem to be sold on them in the same way witnessed globally in the era's of Ali or Tyson.
After many attempts to present a new, fresh face who could deliver the goods, the sports latest attempt comes from across the pond with a huge supportive contingent him.
That new edition...None other than David Haye. A former cruiserweight who many now view to be the man to save the dying division, and potentially reinvigorate the sport itself.
From a marketability standpoint, one couldn't ask for a better person to fill the slot. Not since a young Oscar De La Hoya has the sport been graced with a talent with that rare magnetic star power which allows them to command the male supportive KO crowd, as well as the female supportive school boyish looks.
The powerful David Haye has entered the division with one plan in mind, and that's to serve as the 'cream' which rises straight to the top.
After defeating the gritty Monte Barrett in his one and only heavyweight appearance, it appears that a tentative time frame for Summer of '09 has been targeted for potential showdown between Haye and Vitali Klitschko.
Eager to put his stamp on the division, Haye has also stated that he plans to 'ice' younger brother Wladimir in the Fall of the same year.
Whether these plans pan out the way he projects or not remains to be seen, but one thing for sure, this former cruiserweight sure seems to be built to shoulder the load.
Only time and an unproven chin will tell.
Stay tuned.
