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 who is the division’s number one between the rivals.
Anthony Joshua reclaimed his belts against Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Tyson Fury pictured dethroning Deontay WilderCredit: Getty Images – Getty
That is because they say the Gypsy King – the Ring Magazine heavyweight champion – is the current ruler.
Their latest rankings put Joshua – who has agreed a two-fight series against Fury set to be held in 2021 – 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 2020.
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 2019.
Joshua won them all back in December but admitted to having to overcome mental demons to do so.
Last time out, Joshua knocked out Kubrat Puelv in a mandatory defence.
Joshua is the unified champ but second in Ring Magazines rankingsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
2. 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 seen his trilogy cancelled after the immediate rematch clause expired.
3. Alexander Povetkin
The Russian and ex-WBA champ flattened Dillian Whyte with a stunning uppercut at Eddie Hearn’s Fight Camp.
It saw the Russian shoot up the rankings and earn himself the WBC’s mandatory position.
4. Dillian Whyte
Whyte plummeted down the rankings after he was KO’d in stunning fashion by Povetkin last August – with their rematch rescheduled for March 6.
He 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.
5. Luis Ortiz
The big-hitting Cuban recently called out Mike Tyson for a fight, before the Baddest Man on the Planet fought Roy Jones Jr in his comeback fight that ended in a draw.
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 but has linked up with Canelo Alvarez’s trainer ahead of a return to the ring.
Ruiz Jr delivered an upset for the ages when he floored JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
7. 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 2020 but it came after earlier defeats to Joshua and Whyte.
8. Michael Hunter
Described as the “boogeyman of the heavyweight division” by Hearn, it’s not yet clear who the former Olympian Hunter will fight next.
He did offer to fight the Gypsy King for FREE, but the proposal was left unanswered.
9. Oscar Rivas
The Colombian did fight for the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title in 2019, losing against Dillian Whyte.
He has not fought since, but was considered to be Fury’s next opponent, but at 6ft he was deemed too small.
10. Kubrat Pulev
The Bulgarian boxed his way to be the IBF mandatory challenger for Joshua’s belt, before he was KO’d in the ninth round.
Pulev has beaten both Derek Chisora and Hughie Fury on points, with his only other loss coming against Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.
Frank Warren says that Fury v Joshua will be the biggest sporting event since England won the World Cup
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
