The heavyweight contenders waiting for their shot at a world title

The heavyweight scene explained

The heavyweight division has always been the main attraction when it comes to boxing. From Muhammed Ali and George Foreman to Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, no division has ever captured the attention of fans quite like the big guys do.

With Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury currently sitting at the top of the stacked blue ribbon division, GBN are going to run you through a list of their biggest threats to the heavyweight throne, as well as the hottest prospects looking to break through onto the world title scene.

 

The first in line

Deontay Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs)

‘The Bronze bomber’ is a former long-reigning WBC heavyweight champion, who, whilst holding the green belt, successfully defended it 11 times before former trainer Mark Breland threw in the towel during his second fight with Tyson Fury.

With an astonishing 18 first round knockouts in his 13-year-long career, the power of Wilder has always been his greatest asset and is widely regarded as the biggest puncher of this generation, placing him alongside generational greats Ernie Shavers and George Foreman.

The American has been out of the ring since his loss to Fury back in February 2020. Despite what many see as an unorthodox style of boxing, Wilder’s high long arm punches carry serious danger for anyone who gets caught clean with them. His technique is constantly questioned but it worked for him as an amateur too, capturing the bronze in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, which led to his nickname, 'The Bronze Bomber'. He was also a double national champion in 2007, so his pedigree is extensive, and is currently ranked as the world's third best heavyweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.

He has knocked out every oppoent he has defeated and 75% in world title fights. The 35-year-old is ranked #2 by The Ring, #4 by the WBO, #3 by the WBA, #1 by the WBC.

With the Fury vs Wilder trilogy confirmed for July 24th, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ will finally get a chance to avenge the only loss on his otherwise impeccable record. Even though ‘The Gypsy King’ dismantled Wilder in their second fight, you can never count the American out, with his get of jail power that can finish a fight at any given moment.

 

Oleksandr Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs)

The former undisputed cruiserweight champion is undoubtably the biggest threat to both of the world champions, in particular the WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO champion Anthony Joshua, who he may be facing next, with negotiations ongoing. He has already accepted step aside money to allow AJ to fight Fury.

The Ukrainian has only had two fights since moving up in weight, however he has shown in each test put in front of him he is more than capable hanging with the big boys. ‘The Cat’ retired Chazz Witherspoon at the end of the seventh round in his first outing as a heavyweight and then proceeded to defeat Derek Chisora via unanimous decision a year later. Despite only having two fights in the division, Usyk is ranked #10 by The Ring, #3 by the IBF, #2 by the WBC as well as #1 by both the WBA and WBO. As well as this, the WBC champion Tyson Fury has spoken highly of the former Olympic gold medallist, as he admitted that Usyk is the only heavyweight apart from himself who could give Deontay Wilder problems.

With ‘The Bronze Bomber’s’ arbitration case win meaning a trilogy fight with ‘The Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury is on the horizon and the WBO making 34-year-old Usyk the mandatory opponent for ‘AJ’, it seems like a bout between the two former 2012 Olympic champions is imminent. With the speed and boxing IQ Usyk has, it could be Joshua’s toughest opponent since Wladimir Klitschko.

 

The frontrunners

Dillian Whyte (28-2, 19 KOs)

The current WBC interim champion is an undeniable fan favourite, who many of the UK boxing fans have got behind due to his consistent blockbuster fights against big opponents.

After over 1000 days as the WBC no.1 challenger, Whyte only had to overcome his last stepping stone in the shape of Alexander Povetkin before fighting for the WBC strap. However, after the ‘knockout of the year’ uppercut from the Russian, it was back to square one for ‘The Body Snatcher’ who lost his WBC interim belt. The Brit came back even stronger in March of this year however with new trainer Harold Knight in his corner as he claimed back his interim belt as he defeated Povetkin via TKO. After the career defining win against ‘Sasha’, Whyte added the Russian to his already impressive resume of fighters he’s beaten which also include the likes of Joseph Parker, Oscar Rivas, Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora twice.

Once the Joshua Vs Fury fight eventually takes place, it would make the most sense for Whyte to be the first one to have a go at the winner. Until then however, Eddie Hearn has expressed openly his plans for the 33-year-old to fight in America, with potential bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr or Luis Ortiz flying around the rumour mill.

 

Andy Ruiz Jr (34-2, 22 KOs)

After one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, Andy Ruiz jr defeated Anthony Joshua via TKO in the seventh round back at Madison Square Garden in 2019. This underdog story cemented Ruiz as one of the top heavyweights. Since returning from a 17 month hiatus away from the ring, the Mexican-American is determined to get his titles back around his waist.

The man known as ‘Destroyer’ beat Chris Arreola in his first fight back after losing the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titles back to AJ. Despite finding his way onto the canvas in the second round, Ruiz found his rhythm beating Arreola comfortably 117-110 and 118-109 twice, whilst looking incredibly sharp with his jab, combinations and counterpunches in the process. With the veteran trainer Eddie Reynoso by his side and his brand new slim physique, the 31-year-old could definitely find his way back to the top.

Ruiz is already ranked highly with all organisations being ranked #5 by The Ring, WBO and WBA, #8 by the IBF and #3 by the WBC. Ruiz jr will be looking for a big named fighter next to really show his improvements under Reynoso. As previously mentioned before, Dillian Whyte could be the fight he needs to earn him that title bout he wants.

 

The up-and-coming contenders

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14 KOs)

After the first loss of the 23-year-old’s career against fellow Brit Joe Joyce due to a broken left orbital bone, ‘Triple D’ is still a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

In only 15 fights as a professional, Dubois has already won the English, British, Commonwealth, WBO European, WBO International, WBO Global and WBC Silver heavyweight titles. All of these accolades have led the young Brit to be ranked #11 by the WBA and #10 by the WBC. Dubois has also been labelled by many a future champion of the division and the loss to Joyce would have taught the man from Greenwich a lot and will surely fuel him even more the prove those fans right. With a 93% knockout ratio, the power of Dubois is definitely his greatest asset as he showed against AJ Carter and Kyotaro Fujimoto with devastating knockout blows.

Despite coming back after a loss, ‘Triple D’s next fight sees him go head to head with Bogdan Dinu for the WBA interim title. Winning this will propel Dubois right to the top and will also show how much he has learnt since his loss to Joyce.

 

Michael Hunter (19-1-1, 13 KOs)

Former US national and Golden Gloves amateur champion Michael Hunter is another boxer who has moved from the cruiserweight to the heavyweight division. After 8 fights in the blue ribbon division, ‘The Bounty’ remains undefeated with 7 wins to his name as well as a draw to Alexander Povetkin. 

With big names already on the resume of the 32-year-old American such as Martin Bakole and Sergey Kuzmin, Hunter has found himself ranked #7 by The Ring, WBO and WBC, #11 by the IBF and #6 by the WBA. ‘The Bounty’ came close to a world title shot this year as it seemed that he would be going toe to toe against the Croatian prospect Filip Hrgovic. However, Hunter withdrew from the fight earlier this month, favouring a bout with fellow American Mike Wilson on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez Vs George Kambosos Jr instead. Hunter has already got world title fight experience however after his fight for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO cruiserweight belt, that being the American’s only loss to date.

The come forward and brawl style of Hunter blends perfectly with the power he has, especially with the straight right he likes to throw. A win against Wilson could soon spell an interim title or even a title shot for the son of heavyweight legend Mike ‘The Bounty’ Hunter

 

Charles Martin (28-2-1)

The former IBF heavyweight champion may be a surprise entry for many, but with his last 5 wins all coming within the distance, the 35-year old is looking to have clawed himself into contention.

The American beat Vyacheslav Glazkov in 2016 to win the vacant IBF strap, however Martin only held onto the infamous red belt for a total of 85 days (the second shortest in heavyweight history) until Anthony Joshua tore the 35-year-old apart to claim his first world title. Since then, ‘Prince’ has won 5 of his last 6 fights, with his only slip up being a unanimous decision loss to Poland’s Adam Kownacki. Martin’s performances have him ranked #14 by the WBC, #10 by the WBO, #4 by the WBA and #2 IBF.

With his last fight being back in February 2020 in a 6th round knockout win against Gerald Washington, the 35-year-old southpaw will want a big name fight imminently to keep his name involved in the world title picture. One more big win for Martin could see one last title push for the former world champion.

 

Joe Joyce (12-0, 11 KOs)

The 2016 silver Olympic medallist may have turned pro late at the age 32, but he has already made big waves within the division.

As mentioned previously, ‘Juggernaut’ defeated Daniel Dubois last November in what many saw as a battle between two future heavyweight champions. Joyce coming out on top saw a big jump for him in the rankings with the IBF ranking him #10, WBC ranking him #6 and the WBO ranking him #2 despite only having 12 fights as a professional. As well as this, Joyce is also the current European heavyweight title holder. The Brit has also shown he can do it in big name fights such as against Dubois and former world title challenger Bryant Jennings. With his relentless style and a high output of punches, Joyce is a very difficult man to be in the ring with.

The now 35-year-old hasn’t fought since his victory over ‘Triple D’. Whilst the Joshua-Fury negotiations were taking place, it was rumoured that Joyce and Usyk were going to fight for the WBO mandatory position. However, since the events of recent times involving Wilder’s arbitration case meaning Usyk could now be fighting ‘AJ’, it leaves Joyce needing to make new plans. With time not being on his side, Joyce will have to make sure his next fight is a big one to ensure him a title fight.

 

Joseph Parker (29-2 21 KOs)

The man from South Auckland, New Zealand has already held the WBO heavyweight belt during his nine year career. Since consecutive losses to Anthony Joshua and Dilliyan Whyte, Parker has finally rediscovered his winning ways and is looking to become a two time world champion.

At 29-years-old, Parker is one of the youngest fighters on this list. With five wins from his last five fights, Parker has seen a steady rise in his world rankings, with The Ring ranking him #4, the WBC and the IBF ranking him #5 and the WBO ranking him #3. Despite his winning form and rise in rankings, the two-time New Zealand amateur heavyweight champion has not fought any top 10 heavyweights since his loss to Whyte. His last two opponents, albeit being the most difficult since his two defeats, Junior Fa and Derek Chisora ended in unanimous and split decisions respectively. However, both decisions left fans feeling like the judges had been a bit unfair on the opponents of the New-Zealand native.

Now working with new trainer Andy Lee, you can see improvements in Parker’s game, especially when fighting on the backfoot as he showed against Chisora. Although both men have verbally agreed to a rematch, it’s difficult to not think that Parker now needs to fight a top 10 heavyweight if he wants to be considered as one of the best of the current crop. However, unlike most fighters on the list, he has time on his side which is a massive advantage or the 29-year-old.

 

Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16 KOs)

The Romanian heavyweight may be another surprise inclusion on this list, yet his bout against Dubois for the WBA interim title puts Bogdan Dinu in contention for the world tittle belt.

In his already 13 year professional career, Dinu has remained arguably untested, until he fought Jarrell Miller and Kubrat Pulev who both handed the 34 year old his only two defeats as a professional. Since then, Dinu has won his last two fights via TKO against Osborn Machimana and Frank Bluemle respectively. In doing so, the Romanian has picked up a #2 ranking by the WBA in the process, this being his only ranking across all four governing boards.

‘Bigger’s Better’ has struggled in his big name fights, however he has brought previous opponent Jarrell Miller into camp to help him prepare for ‘Triple D’. A win in this fight will push the name Bogdan Dinu into world title scene.

Now we will take a look at the stacked group of prospects who are waiting for their chance to breakthrough.

 

Filip Hrgovic (12-0, 10 KOs)

Arguably the prospect most likely to break through first is the 28-year-old Croatian. With an impressive amateur record which includes a bronze Olympic medal in 2016, Hrogovic has already put his stamp on the heavyweight division.

Having already won the IBF and WBC international heavyweight titles, ‘El Animal’ has seen himself ranked #11 by the WBO, #10 by the WBC and #4 by the IBF. Hrgovic had an IBF final eliminator bout lined up as we mentioned previously against the American Michael Hunter before he withdrew, however Eddie Hearn will be looking for a replacement fight for the mandatory position. The man from Zagreb has already beaten some big-name fighters in the shape of Kevin Johnson, Eric Molina and his last fight Rydell booker. However, Hrogovic has sparred some even bigger names such as Kubrat Pulev and David Haye and was reportedly the reason why the former WBA heavyweight champion had to cancel his fight in 2013 with Tyson Fury after the Croatian cut him during sparring.

‘El Animal’ has already been very vocal about how far he wants his career to go. Despite not having his next fight lined up yet, I believe Joe Joyce could be a great opponent for Hrgovic. They have history fighting in the amateurs with the Briton coming out on top then, but the Croatian would love to get his revenge and show his name belongs on the top of the heavyweight list.

 

Frank Sanchez (18-0, 1 NC, 13 KOs)

‘The Cuban Flash’ has already fought 19 times since turning pro in 2017, fighting a remarkable 10 times in 2018, eight of them ending inside two rounds.

In the 28-year-olds career, he has so far won the WBO-NABO heavyweight title as well as the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight belt. This has lead Sanchez being ranked #14 by the WBA, #13 by the WBC and #6 by the WBO. Sanchez’s last fight saw him win by technical decision after an accidental shot to the back of the head of Nagy Aguilera which sure the man from the Dominican Republic unable to continue which was led by a roar of boos from the crowd at the AT&T Stadium. The man from Guantanamo’s record however lacks the big names that his other upcoming prospects have under their belt.

Sanchez is trained by Eddie Reynoso which means he is in very good hands. ‘The Cuban Flash’ now needs to fight a top 15 heavyweight in the latter half of the year to really stake his claim to the belts. With his one punch knockout power however, the 28-year-old could be a threat to every man in the division

 

Tony Yoka (10-0, 8 KOs)

Paris-born Yoka turned pro in 2017 after winning gold in the Olympic games a year previous, defeating fellow prospect Filip Hrgovic in the semi-final, followed by a narrow win against Joe Joyce to take the gold. Since then, ‘La Conquete’ has remained undefeated in the professional ranks.

In the Frenchman’s last fight he defeated Joel Tambwe Djeko, picking up the vacant European Union heavyweight strap in the process. Other big names the 29-year-old has on his resume include Christan Hammer, Johann Duhaupas and David Allen. Despite only being early into his professional career, Yoka has been involved in controversy involving the French Anti-Doping Agency who banned the 6ft 7in heavyweight in 2018 for failing to attend three drug tests. Since then, the veteran amateur has steered away from controversy and into the world rankings, being ranked #15 by the WBO, #12 by the WBC and #7 by the IBF.

Since his last fight, Yoka has mentioned how it’s too early for him to get into the ring with the so-called top three heavyweights (Fury, Joshua and Wilder). But has expressed his desire to fight a top 10 heavyweight next, as he mentioned the names of Joyce, Whyte and Chisora. Despite those three seeming to already have separate plans, Yoka may have to wait a bit longer before he gets his chance at the big dogs of the division.

 

Efe Ajagba (15-0, 12 KOs)

With 7 of his first 8 fights all ending inside the first round and 9 of his first 10 fights ending inside two rounds, ‘The One and Only’ has instantly made his mark on the heavyweight division.

Ajagba has already stated how he believes to be the hardest hitting heavyweight, and it could be hard to dispute looking at the stats of the 27-year-old. Despite not yet winning a belt in his pro career, the Nigerian has still fought his way into the world rankings, being ranked #13 by the WBA and #9 by the WBC. After signing for Top Rank in 2020, his debut was arguably underwhelming by the standards of Ajagba against Jonathan Rice as it lasted the full 10 rounds. However, his second fight and most recent fight for Top Rank against the American Brian Howard showed the former Commonwealth bronze medallist at his very best. Boasting his sharpness and power, Ajagba’s quick 1-2 saw Howard crumble to the canvas in what could be a potential ‘knockout of the year’ candidate. Although, it’s hard to mention the Nigerian’s name without mentioning the infamous Curtis Harper fight which saw Harper leave the ring immediately after the opening bell due to a pay dispute that saw him get disqualified.

Like the other prospects mentioned, it’s time we start to see Ajagba now fighting some top 10 heavyweights to really show the skill set of ‘The One and Only’. Potentially even a bout with Frank Sanchez to see who the hardest hitting prospect is could be one to get the fans mouth’s watering.

 

Demsey McKean (19-0, 12 KOs)

After just three MMA fights with an overall record of 2-1, ‘The Machine’ turned his focus from the octagon to the squared circle, remaining undefeated in his 19 fights so far.

Since turning pro in 2014, Mckean has picked up the Australian, WBO African, WBO Asia Pacific and IBF inter-continental title straps. Despite this, the 30-year old has never fought outside his home country of Australia with only four of his opponents coming from overseas to fight him. A major advantage of the Australian’s career so far in comparison to the other prospects is that Mckean has had the experience of being severely hurt and still coming through. In his last fight against fellow country man Kiki Toa Leutele, ‘The Machine’ got heavily knocked leading him to have to hang on for the remaining seconds of the fourth, only for a cut above eye to open in the next round. The 30-year-old still dug deep and won via unanimous decision, but most importantly would have learnt a lot from the fight which other prospects are still yet to learn.

Mckean’s style is often criticised by fans, who accuse him of constantly holding, however his style has led him to a #12 ranking by both the WBO and IBF. Fans down under are now screaming to see their prized possession take on either Joseph Parker or Junior Fa in a battle of Oceania.

 

Zhan Kossobutskiy (14-0, 13 KOs)

The Kazakh big hitter has been referred to in his home country as the heavyweight version of Gennady Golovkin. Even though it’s a big name to live up too, the 32-year-old southpaw seems to be doing it with ease with 11 of his 14 fights having finished before the end of the second round.

Kossobutskiy is the current IBO Inter-continental heavyweight champion after beating the undefeated 15-0 Croatian Agron Smakici within 160 seconds of the fight. The man from Kostanay followed this by defeating the Ghanaian Abraham Tabul with a record of 18-1 half way through the second round of the bout. Being only 6ft 3in, it means Kossobutskiy is one of the smaller heavyweights on this list. This aides the Kazakh with his movement as he showed in his fight against Tabul, with his quick head movement making him hard to hit. This mixed with his excellent feints and shot selection make him a top prosect and arguably a very underrated one due to him only being ranked #15 by the WBA and not ranked by any of the other three major organisations.

Since Kossobutskiy’s last fight where he became only the third man to stop Kamil Sokolowski in 34 fights, the 32-year-old has signed a co-promotional deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry which will definitely get more eyes on the Kazakh native leading to those big named fights he’s been waiting for.

 

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