While Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are perhaps the two leading heavyweights from a commercial perspective, their placement in the top 10 – according to ability, achievements and recent form – is far less certain.
Based on their performances over the weekend – against Mariusz Wach and Kristian Prenga, respectively – there is even an argument that neither man should be considered among the fringe contenders of their boxing division.
Joshua, in particular, finds himself in a rather unusual position, with his defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024 sandwiched between stoppages over non-traditional boxers in Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou.
As a result of this form, and indeed his unconvincing second-round finish over Prenga, there are at least 10 heavyweights that can be ranked above the 36-year-old.
10. Moses Itauma
While still unproven at world level, Moses Itauma seemingly has the mental and physical attributes to reign supreme in years to come.
The nature of his fifth-round finish over Jermaine Franklin, in March, was particularly emphatic, suggesting that the 21-year-old is ready for a stern test against Filip Hrgovic on August 29.
9. Efe Ajagba
Despite his 2021 defeat to Frank Sanchez, Efe Ajagba has rebuilt himself to a point where, now, he is more than just a dangerous puncher.
This is evidenced by his points victory over Guido Vianello, another solid contender, while many felt he deserved the win against Martin Bakole last year.
8. Tyson Fury
As mentioned, Fury is most certainly on the decline but, even so, he hardly disgraced himself by suffering two competitive points defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.
And despite looking a shadow of his former self, the 37-year-old is nonetheless coming off dominant triumphs over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Wach.
7. Frank Sanchez
Many felt Sanchez was down and out following his stoppage defeat to Agit Kabayel in 2024.
Since then, though, the Cuban veteran seems to have restored his ‘bogeyman’ status, especially after scoring a second-round finish over Richard Torrez Jr in May.
6. Filip Hrgovic
Having only lost to Daniel Dubois, back when he was stopped on cuts in round eight of their 2024 encounter, it is fair to say Filip Hrgovic has firmly established himself as a top 10 heavyweight.
Next on the agenda is a crossroads clash with Itauma, who could be in for a rude awakening at London’s O2 Arena.
5. Joseph Parker
As a former world champion, who gave Fabio Wardley a demanding night’s work in October, Joseph Parker is no stranger to top-level competition.
His impressive six-fight win streak – which included wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang – came to an end against against Wardley, and he's yet to return to the ring since.
4. Fabio Wardley
While many felt his limitations were exposed by Dubois, Wardley nonetheless amassed straight stoppages over Parker, Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke prior to their contest.
And despite getting stopped in round 11 of their all-action battle in May, the monstrous puncher was able to score two early knockdowns before losing his WBO title.
3. Agit Kabayel
Having now been elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion, Kabayel has joined a lineage of all-time greats such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis.
With stoppages over the likes of Zhilei Zhang and Sanchez, too, there is no disputing his status as a top 5 heavyweight.
2. Daniel Dubois
Besides losing to Joe Joyce at the age of just 23, Dubois has only been trumped by Usyk: the greatest heavyweight of this generation.
And while coming off a WBO title-winning effort against Wardley, ‘Dynamite’ should also be given immense credit for defeating Joshua and Hrgovic in 2024.
1. Oleksandr Usyk
Despite vacating his WBC, IBF and WBA titles in June, Usyk remains the lineal champion and boasts two respective victories over Fury, Joshua and Dubois.
Even now, while coming off a subpar performance against Rico Verhoeven – who he nonetheless stopped in round 11 of their May showdown – it is difficult to place the Ukrainian anywhere other than No.1.
