Such is the influence of the sanctioning bodies in the sport, which sadly often defy logic to push their own agendas, it has never been an easy task to impartially rank the heavyweights. Our list ignores the so-called ‘alphabet’ ratings in favour of a non-partisan system which ranks fighters based purely on their skillset, ring achievements, title victories and potential.
The brilliant 38-year-old Ukrainian proved that nothing is beyond his incomparable skills as he destroyed Daniel Dubois to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion for a second time. The Ukrainian genius showed once again that age is just a number as he looked better than ever in an incredible demolition job which left the young Brit floundering on the Wembley Stadium canvas as 90,000 fans looked on in awe. Boxing is struggling to find anybody to give Usyk a real test, and there is even talk now that a bizarre MMA challenge could be next for him. This after a post-fight face-off in the Wembley ring with Youtuber turned boxer Jake Paul. Surely not…
Next fight: tbc
Fury suffered his second defeat by Usyk in that Riyadh chess match in December 2024, despite executing a more circumspect gameplan than he had done the first time around. The British superstar came in much heavier than he had back in May, and he tried to use his size to control the fight. It appears though he has found the one opponent he cannot dominate, and it would be a brave man to pick him to win any future trilogy match between the pair. One thing that is certain is Fury’s impending comeback from retirement, with that Usyk trilogy or the apparent targets. All roads lead to 2026 for ‘The Gypsy King’.
Next fight: tbc
The former WBO champion has had an astonishing renaissance since that damaging defeat by the then invincible Joe Joyce back in September 2022. All the Kiwi has done is reel off 6 wins on the bounce - including back-to-back decision victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang. He had been due to face Dubois for the IBF title in February before the British star pulled out at the 11th hour. Joseph stayed busy by blasting out late replacement Martin Bakole inside two rounds. Surely that next world title shot is just around the corner.
Next fight: tbc
This might seem a reach to some experts, but what else are we to make of what we witnessed last Saturday night in Riyadh? The 20-year-old prodigy that is Moses Itauma was once again devastatingly unstoppable as he blasted out Dillian Whyte inside two minutes. It was another fabulous display of speed, power and finishing from a youngster who also possesses a ring IQ way beyond his tender years. He is quite simply the real deal, and a world title shot cannot now be far away. Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh reportedly wants Itauma to face Usyk next - what a prospect that would be.
Next Fight: tbc
Dubois finally looked the real deal heading into his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on July 19, following that incredible demolition job on Anthony Joshua last September. Usyk though stripped away that mirage in a one-sided beatdown in front of a packed Wembley crowd. There is much speculation about Daniel’s preparation for the fight, notably fight day itself, but he is still young enough to come again. While it was disappointing to see him schooled once more by Usyk, there is no shame in that and he remains an exciting talent with dynamite in both fists.
Next fight: tbc
Joshua is again at the crossroads of a glittering career after a devastating loss to Dubois in his bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. AJ was in trouble early and never really recovered from a heavy knockdown at the end of the first round. He was on wobbly legs and eating leather for most of a quite incredible evening as Dubois landed bomb after bomb. AJ somehow managed to survive to Round 5, but was then floored for the last time by a brutal Dubois counter and counted out by referee Marcus McDonnell. Joshua is currently recovering from an injury and is expected to return later this year, with the options ranging from that long-awaited Fury showdown to a crossover fight with Youtuber turned boxer Jake Paul.
Next fight: tbc
Kabayel has been the division’s biggest revelation in the last 18 months - claiming terrific wins in Saudi over giant Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov, the Cuban slickster Frank Sanchez and more recently the Chinese man mountain Zhilei Zhang. His brilliant knockout of Sanchez on the Fury vs Usyk undercard also earned him the spot as mandatory contender for the WBC heavyweight title, and it was richly deserved. In all of those recent, terrific wins Kabayel was punch-perfect, executing the ideal gameplan. He is tough and technically sound, and adept at mixing attacks to body and head beautifully. In short, a danger to any top-level opponent.
Next Fight: tbc
‘The Big Uzbek’ could be the next big thing in heavyweight boxing now he has decided to go all in on the pro game. Jalolov has already built a 15-0 record in the paid ranks and claimed a second Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024. He returned to paid action in April with a decision victory over Ihor Shevadzutskyi, but a planned outing on Saturday night in New York vs Gianmarco Cardillo has just been cancelled late in the day. Now we wait for more news on what comes next.
Next Fight: tbc
A few months ago, the Chinese giant appeared very much en route to a potential world title shot, but two defeats in his last three bouts have him very much at the crossroads at the age of 41. ‘Big Bang’ has looked really good in blasting out the likes of Joe Joyce and Deontay Wilder in recent times, but losses to Joseph Parker and recently Agit Kabayel have removed much of that lustre. As the name suggests, Zhang is a huge man and he can absolutely bang, but he has been found out by fighters who outwork him and put his suspect stamina to the test as a fight goes on.
Next fight: tbc
The man who started boxing at the age of 22 on the white collar scene in the UK is now on the verge of a world heavyweight title shot. The Fabio Wardley fairytale continued as the 30-year-old from Ipswich produced a punch from the heavens to knock out Australian Justis Huni in Round 10 of their WBA interim heavyweight title fight at Portman Road. Wardley was well behind on the scorecards and heading for a comprehensive defeat until he did what he is always capable of doing - producing that one devastating knockout punch. He is now the mandatory contender for the WBA title held by Usyk, and what a story it would be if he could produce one more magical moment to claim the belt.
Next Fight: tbc