The current heavyweight division in boxing is the most exciting it has been in years. Previously, politics and purses prevented dream matches from ever coming to fruition, But with both the rollout of Saudi fight cards and the potential of a unified world champion, the big fights are coming back – and boxing fans couldn’t be happier.
The heavyweight division is brimming with talent and intrigue, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal fights in recent history. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are preparing for their rematch on December 21 at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Gypsy King’s legacy is on the line as he aims to avenge his first career defeat, while Usyk looks to solidify his position as the sport’s pound-for-pound king. It’s a tough bout to call, especially when assessing the Fury vs Usyk odds, but it showcases the immense talent that the heavyweight division can boast.
The world rankings suggest there are plenty of other fighters gunning for the title, and in this article, we look at the top five in the world and assess their standings as the best in the ring.
Oleksandr Usyk
“While Usyk, of Ukraine, may physically step into the ring as an individual, he carries the weight of 37 million Ukrainians alongside him, each fiercely supporting him with every strike thrown. In this collective spirit, they unite, fuelling his determination and resilience throughout every battle.” Those were the words of Timothy Bradley Jr., explaining his decision to rank Usyk as the best fighter in the world.
The Ukrainian’s success comes down to his versatility, combining technical brilliance, footwork, and ring IQ to neutralise opponents of any size. His back-to-back wins over Anthony Joshua showcased his ability to dismantle one of the heavyweight division’s most powerful punchers.
Heading into the rematch with Fury, Usyk is not only the betting favourite to retain his title but also the fighter many believe is best equipped to dominate the division and win the bout in Saudi.
Daniel Dubois
At just 27 years old, Daniel Dubois has emerged as one of the most exciting heavyweights under Frank Warren’s guidance.
The current IBF champion showcased his devastating power when he knocked down Anthony Joshua multiple times en route to a fourth-round knockout earlier this year. Dubois’ raw power and ferocity make him a dangerous contender for anyone in the division.
After successfully defending his title against Joshua, Dubois now has his sights set on Joseph Parker, with the Brit aiming to take on the winner of Fury vs Usyk in 2025.
If he continues his upward trajectory, Dubois could become the next undisputed British heavyweight champion, solidifying his place among boxing’s elite.
Tyson Fury
Fury enters the rematch with Usyk, knowing that everything is on the line. Despite being hailed as one of the greatest heavyweights of his generation, Fury’s stock has dipped in recent months.
His controversial win over MMA star Francis Ngannou raised questions about his focus and form, and his loss to Usyk earlier this year exposed vulnerabilities that hadn’t been seen before.
Saudi Arabia offers Fury a chance at redemption. Known for his resilience, high boxing IQ, and ability to adapt, Fury must deliver a statement performance to reaffirm his status at the top of the heavyweight mountain. Anything less, and his era of dominance could come to a premature end.
Joseph Parker
Joseph Parker has been quietly climbing back into the heavyweight conversation after a series of impressive victories.
The former WBO heavyweight champion stunned the boxing world last year by upsetting Deontay Wilder in a hard-fought contest. He followed that up by outpointing Zhilei Zhang to claim the WBO Interim title, cementing his status as a top contender.
Now preparing to face Daniel Dubois, Parker knows that a win could catapult him back into title contention. As a former world champion, Parker brings a wealth of experience and a well-rounded skill set that could prove tricky for Dubois. If he manages another upset to the boxing betting, the Kiwi’s case for a shot at the undisputed crown will be undeniable.
Zhilei Zhang
Zhilei Zhang continues to be a formidable presence in the heavyweight division, thanks to his immense power and improving skill set. Recently sanctioned by the WBC to face Agit Kabayel for the interim heavyweight title, Zhang remains in the mix as the division seeks to resolve its fractured championship picture.
The 40-year-old Chinese heavyweight has proven he’s far from done, rebounding from his loss to Joseph Parker with dominant wins over top contenders.
While Zhang may not have the same mobility as Usyk or the adaptability of Fury, his raw strength and relentless pressure make him a dangerous fight for anyone. His upcoming bout against Kabayel could pave the way for another title shot in 2025.
