An old adage suggests that as the heavyweight division goes, so goes the sport of boxing. The heavyweight champion is generally perceived as being the toughest man alive. Former heavyweight champion James L. Sullivan once remarked "I can lick anyone in the house", a testament to the heavyweight championship being the greatest prize in sports. Similarly, Mike Tyson declared himself "The Baddest Man on the Planet", which is what the heavyweight champion has been interpreted as.

From 1999-2003, Lennox Lewis reigned as the heavyweight champion of the world. Save for a brief period in 2001, when Hasim Rahman upset Lewis and held the distinction, he dominated the division, gaining universal recognition for his status as a champion. It didn't matter if Ruiz or Byrd had belts, the public looked to Lewis as The Man in the heavyweight division. Then, in early 2004, he announced his retirement, thus ending the Lennox Lewis era. Soon after, Vitali Klitschko retired as well and the division became a mess.

Following Klitschko's retirement, I analyzed Ring Magazine's heavyweight rankings, and for the first time since glancing at a list that posted Bruce Seldon and Frank Bruno as champions, I was discouraged. However, my journalistic integrity resolved me to set aside the mild depression I experienced and break down the heavyweight division, perhaps adding some clarity, and optimistically find a successor to the heavyweight throne.

1. Wladimir Klitschko, 46-3 (41): Prior to his 2003 encounter with journeyman Corrie Sanders, HBO commentator Larry Merchant remarked "Wladimir Klitschko seems so perfect, you almost wonder what's wrong with him." About ten minutes later, we found out what was wrong with him, as a series of left hand power shots dumped Wladimir onto the canvas a total of five times en-route to a second round stoppage. After losing to Lamon Brewster by fifth round stoppage in 2004, most boxing pundits wrote him off forever as a contender. However, in such shallow heavyweight times, one big win can catipult you back to the top 10.

In 2005, he faced off against the highly regarded slugger Samuel Peter. Klitschko was knocked down three times by the then-undefeated prospect, but still managed to outpoint him. Off of the strength of that win, Klitschko earned a second fight with IBF titlist Chris Byrd. In seven brutal rounds, Klitschko dropped the champion twice on his way to a seventh round TKO.

Prognosis: There are rumors circulating about a possible title defense against Shannon Briggs, although nothing is official as of press time.

2. Hasim "The Rock" Rahman, 41-5-2 (33): Rahman is another fighter who had been written off by the boxing public, only to be called back into active duty to serve in the shallow heavyweight division. Rahman does bring a ton of experience to the division, which goes a long way in such dire times.

In 2001, Rahman stunned the world with a one-punch knockout of heavyweight kingpin Lennox Lewis, lifting the title from the champion in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. However, later that year Lewis turned the tables, ending Rahman's reign with one violent right hand in the fourth round of their rematch.

Following that loss, Rahman embarked on a puzzling downspin that included losses to Evander Holyfield and Ruiz, and a draw with David Tua on a night in which it appeared he deserved the better fate.

After signing with Don King, Rahman managed wins over no-hopers, which is sufficient credentials to earn you a title shot in the diminished state of the division. After waltzing with Monte Barrett, he signed to fight Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title. That fight fell through following Klitschko's abrupt retirement, awarding Rahman the WBC title. Seeking credibility, Rahman squared off with James Toney in the first defense of his title. Over twelve rounds, Rahman appeared to outwork and outmuscle the smaller Toney, only to have the fight declared a draw.

Prognosis: His next fight is a rematch with former knockout assailant Oleg Maskaev, and should he reverse the fortunes against Maskaev, a second bout with Toney is on the horizon.

3. James "Lights Out" Toney, 69-4-3 (43): Toney is a sure fire Hall of Famer looking to annex a heavyweight belt, while adding to his bank account. The former middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight champion moved into the heavyweight division in 2003, with his one-sided schooling of a faded Holyfield. In 2005, he faced John Ruiz for the chance to become the third former middleweight champion to become a heavyweight titlist, following in the footsteps of John L. Sullivan and Roy Jones. During the course of that fight, Toney counterpunched and dropped Ruiz, and was declared the winner of the bout. However, when the post fight drug test came back, Toney tested positive for steroids and was stripped of the title, with the official verdict being altered to a no contest.

Prognosis: Possible showdown with Samuel Peter, followed by title shot with Rahman/Maskaev winner.

4. Serguei Lyakhovich, 23-1 (14): Talk about coming out of nowhere. In 2004, Lyakhovich was picked as a showcase opponent against Dominick Guinn, only to upset "The Southern Disaster" on national TV. After 16 months of inactivity, Lyakhovich met Lamon Brewster for the WBO heavyweight title. In perhaps the best heavyweight fight of the decade, Lyakhovich outfought Brewster, lifting the WBO title in impressive fashion.

What makes his victory over Brewster more impressive is the fact that he had been written off as a journeyman fighter with average talent. Following his puzzling loss to gatekeeper Maurice Harris in 2002, most thought the Belarus native would not have a significant impact on the division. Since that loss, he has been undefeated, going 7-0 and earning himself a stake in the heavyweight division.

Prognosis: August title defense against unworthy Kevin McBride, followed by highly anticipated rematch with Lamon Brewster.

5. Lamon Brewster, 33-3 (29): Lamon Brewster, like the man who took his title earlier this year, also seemingly came out of nowhere. In 2004, Brewster faced off with Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO version of the title. After four rounds of vicious punishment from Klitschko, Lamon Brewster turned the fight around with one left hook, stopping Wladimir and announcing his presence on the heavyweight scene.

In his first title defense, Brewster's performance hinted that his win over Klitschko may have been a fluke and not an accurate reflection of his own potential. After struggling with fringe contender Kali Meehan and having his jaw broken, many ringside observers felt that he had been at the right place at the right time against Klitschko. Feeling the need to prove himself once again, Brewster blew out Andrew Golata in less than a minute, influencing many pundits to declare Brewster to be the front-runner to become the next dominant heavyweight champion.

After a tough, come from behind knockout of Luan Krasniqi, Brewster squared off with heavy underdog Serguei Lyakhovich. Over twelve brutal rounds, Brewster pounded away with vicious body shots and left hooks, while Lyakhovich came back with combinations of his own. When the decision was announced, Lyakhovich was awarded a unanimous decision victory that added more confusion and another name to the heavyweight melting pot. During that bout, Brewster suffered a detached retina that could keep him out of the ring for some time.

Prognosis: When his eye returns to health, a tune up fight followed by a rematch with Lyakhovich.

Check pack tomorrow for Part Two.