TYSON FURY and Anthony Joshua are set to finally get it on in a blockbuster heavyweight bout.
But Ring magazine – boxing’s bible – has already declared the winner between the two.
Joshua and Fury have both conquered the boxing world but one has been ranked higher than the other
That is because they say the Gypsy King – who happens to be Ring Magazine heavyweight champion – is the No1 heavyweight in the world.
Their latest rankings put Joshua – who has agreed a two-fight series against Fury set to be held in Las Vegas or the Middle East – as the second best.
Here, we run through the top 10 according to Ring.
1. Tyson Fury
The WBC champ comes in top trumps following his devastating win over Deontay Wilder in February.
Undefeated Fury has battled back from the depths of depression and addiction to reach the summit once more and can cement his position as one of the best ever if he beats Joshua.
Fury knows he is No 1 and can prove it by beating JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
2. Anthony Joshua
AJ holds more heavyweight belts than Fury but his career is still recovering from that unforgettable shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in June last year.
Joshua won them all back in December but admitted to having to overcome mental demons to do so.
3. Dillian Whyte
He’s rated the third best in the world but that could be in jeopardy after his shock defeat to Alexander Povetkin last weekend.
Whyte would have earned himself a shot against the winner of Fury and Wilder had he won – but instead his career has been left in tatters.
4. Deontay Wilder
The Bronze Bomber was left deflated after his February defeat to Fury – having been arguably edged out in their controversial draw in December 2019, too.
Wilder, who lost his WBC crown after being convincingly beaten by Fury in their second fight, has refused to accept the step-aside money he has been offered to give Fury a clear run at Joshua.
5. Luis Ortiz
The big-hitting Cuban recently called out Mike Tyson for a fight, with the Baddest Man on the Planet set to take on Roy Jones Jr in his comeback fight instead.
Ortiz has challenged for the WBC belt twice, losing both times by KO to then-champ Wilder.
6. Andy Ruiz Jr
The Mexican-American stunned the world after beating Joshua in seven rounds at Madison Square Garden.
Ruiz could not find anything like that form in December’s rematch and has been mostly enjoying the fruits of his labour since with no immediate fights in the pipeline.
Ruiz Jr delivered an upset for the ages when he floored JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
7. Alexander Povetkin
The Russian and ex-WBA champ recently flattened Whyte with a stunning uppercut at Eddie Hearn’s Fight Camp.
That win will likely see Povetkin climb the Ring rankings… and Whyte slip.
8. Joseph Parker
The Kiwi has become known more for his social media shenanigans than his boxing lately.
Parker’s most recent win – his third straight – was against Shawndell Terell Winters in February but it came after earlier defeats to Joshua and Whyte.
9. Michael Hunter
Described as the “boogeyman of the heavyweight division” by Hearn, it’s not yet clear who former Olympian Hunter will fight next.
Charles Martin is rumoured to be one possible opponent for the heavyweight with a record of 18 wins, one loss and one draw from 20 fights.
10. Oscar Rivas
The Colombian, 33, did fight for the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title in 2019.
Kaboom lost his most recent fight – against Whyte – in July last year and has 18 KOs from 26 wins with just one defeat, edging out Kubrat Pulev to the No10 spot.
Frank Warren says that Fury v Joshua will be the biggest sporting event since England won the World Cup
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
