The woeful state of the heavyweight division is a regular topic of conversation for boxing nuts and has been for years now. The situation gets somewhat overblown by American fans who can't bring themselves to appreciate the Klitschko brothers, and the Ukrainians' domination of the rest of the field gives the appearance that things are even worse than they are.
But there's no denying that it has been bad for a long time in what is traditionally the sport's glamour class. For fans old enough to remember the 1970s or even the 1990s, things today just aren't the same.
But I believe hope is on the horizon. Now it's true that I make it a point to pursue optimistic thinking. But when I look at the current heavyweight scene, I legitimately see the potential for excitement.
Earlier this year, Vitali Klitschko pulled out of an expected defense against Bermane Stiverne due to an injury. The older Klitschko brother is 42 and likely to be elected president of the Ukraine in the next election.
I think there's a good chance he is done fighting, and even if he comes back for one last hurrah, the WBC should vacate his title in the meantime.
Younger brother Wladimir, who holds the rest of the belts, is 37 and likely entering the final stretch of his own career. So a post-Klitschko universe is beginning to take shape.
And plenty of exciting heavyweights are waiting to fill the vacuum.
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