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 No 1 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
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 Whyte could be upgraded to world champ if Fury becomes WBC ‘franchise’ champion for his fight against AJ.
Bob Arum says the sanctioning body upgrade could make Whyte top dog – even though he is still waiting to take on Alexander Povetkin after their bout was delayed due to coronavirus.
4 Deontay Wilder
The Bronze Bomber could have his trilogy fight against Fury in Sydney on Boxing Day, according to reports.
Wilder, who lost his WBC crown after being convincingly beaten by Fury, has refused to accept the step-aside money he has been offered to give Fury a clear run at Joshua.
5 Luis Ortiz
Big-hitting Cuban, 41, recently called out Mike Tyson for a fight, with the Baddest Man on the Planet plotting his own return to the ring.
He has challenged for the WBC belt twice, losing both times by KO to then-champ Wilder.
6 Andy Ruiz Jr
Stunned the world after beating Joshua in seven rounds at Madison Square Garden.
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
Russian and ex-WBA champ was to take on Whyte but the fight was postponed due to the pandemic.
Eddie Hearn said he hoped to hold the fight in the garden of his Essex mansion as part of a four-week boxing bonanza.
8 Joseph Parker
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
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 18KOs from 26 wins with just one defeat.
Frank Warren says that Fury v Joshua will be the biggest sporting event since England won the World Cup
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
