ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury are set to fight it out to decide the heavyweight division’s No1.
The superstars have signed a two-fight deal to hopefully promise a divisional ruler.
But behind the pair, the trailing pack is a little bit disorderly, with contenders and former champions vying for their shot at the titles.
Here SunSport ranks the five heavyweights outside of Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32.
Deontay Wilder
Wilder was part of the trio of kings alongside AJ and the Gypsy King, until he was dethroned of the WBC title in February.
After drawing to the American in 2018, Fury switched up his tactics and dominated the rematch, with two knockdowns before winning in round seven.
Wilder, 35, was contracted to a trilogy, but the stipulation expired in October, leaving him fighting the missed opportunity in court.
The Bronze Bomber looks no closer to making his return, but when he does, he will be right back into the upper echelon of the division.
Despite his loss to Fury, and fortune to escape with a draw in the first fight, Wilder has hardly put a foot wrong, and deserves to be the No1 outside of the belt holders.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Dillian Whyte
After Whyte, 32, was KOd by Alexander Povetkin, 41, in August, it left his career hanging in the balance.
But after he returned the favour in the rematch, it puts him likely to be called as Fury’s mandatory again.
He’s only lost to Povetkin and Joshua – both world and Olympic champions – and his record stands out against other rivals.
His wins over Povetkin, Joseph Parker, Oscar Rivas, Derek Chisora and other fringe contenders demands respect.
Opinions are divided on whether Whyte is good enough to become world champion, but it cannot be argued he has not earned his right to challenge.
Andy Ruiz Jr
Before Ruiz, 31, stepped in for drug cheat Jarrell Miller in 2019 to fight Joshua, he was an unheralded and overweight outsider.
But his fast hands, deceptive boxing brain and heavy hands which stunned AJ put the world on notice.
Unfortunately, his lack of commitment to keeping the titles left him beaten in the rematch six months later.
But he’s relocated to Canelo Alvarez’s adopted US home of San Diego to train with him and coach Eddy Reynoso and looks in fine form.
Ruiz’s amateur pedigree, speed, ability and win over Joshua makes him a real player in the division ahead of his comeback fight against Chris Arreola.
Oleksandr Usyk
The Ukrainian became a heavyweight off the back of a faultless run at cruiserweight, where he reigned as undisputed champion.
But in his first two fights in the blue ribband division, against Chazz Witherspoon and Chisora, Usyk has looked less invincible.
Still, his masterful southpaw style and unbeaten record makes it hard to count him out among the elite.
Until proven otherwise, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist, 34, deserves to be in the top five conversation.
But time will tell whether his silky skills will make up for his lack of size and possible power deficit.
Joe Joyce
Joyce, 35, has been rushed into the big time since turning pro in 2017 after winning silver in the Olympics the year before.
After only 12 fights, and 11 KOs, he has wins over Bermane Stiverne, Bryant Jennings and Daniel Dubois.
That time of resume, against ex-champions, title challengers, and rising prospects make Joyce hard to deny.
Many would argue Luis Ortiz, Michael Hunter, Povetkin and Parker are all ahead of the Brit.
But momentum, and noticeable wins often count for more and Joyce is on a better run that all of the aforementioned, and set to face Usyk for the WBO ‘interim’ strap.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
