Heavyweight Boxing: Who Is The Best of The Best?

Joshua or Wilder? Who really is the best boxer in the heavyweight division? Here's our take... 

Heavyweight boxing hasn't been in a better place since the glorious days of the 90s, or so we're told.  With big draw names like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder leading the way, just how competitive is the heavyweight division?  Is it all it's made out to be, or are we under a false illusion?

Here, Green Beans ranks the ten best boxers in the heavyweight division, and for a bit of fun, we predict how their path could pan out if there was absolutely no restrictions or obstacles getting in the way.

Tony Bellew

Ok, so we're definitely not getting ahead of ourselves here, but which ever way you want to look at it, there's no denying that this guy beat former world champ, David Haye.  Bellew has the heart of a lion, but this division is probably a step too high for the Everton fan, and besides, he's already distanced himself from challenging the 'giants' of the division.

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Bellew fight next?  A fight against Joseph Parker would be really interesting.

Kubrat Pulev

Pulev is a very dangerous fighter, and he was desperately unlucky to have to pull out of the Joshua bout with an injury. However, the Bulgarian will be a potential banana skin for any of the top fighters in this division.

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Pulev fight next?  A fight against the much taller Hughie Fury would show us where both fighters are at.

Luis Ortiz

We definitely found out a lot more about Ortiz after his fight with Wilder.  Yes, the guy can fight, but he couldn't quite pack enough punch to put the American away, when really he should have. Still there's no denying he's still a huge danger for any heavyweight trying to make their way to the top.

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Ortiz fight next?  Perhaps a bout with Jarrell Miller would be a good one to return to the ring to. It would also give us an insight into how good Miller is.

 

Joseph Parker

The Kiwi disappointed against Joshua in Cardiff, and it's hard to see where Parker goes from here. Parker still packs a punch, but he seems reluctant to risk getting hit, and so we are still yet to learn an awful lot about his durability.  He needs to keep his level of opponent high if he wants to get anywhere near any of those belts again.

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Parker fight next?  Parker against Dillian Whyte would make an interesting match up indeed.

 

David Haye

He's not had the best comeback, but David Haye still remains one of the hardest hitting and fastest heavyweight boxers in the division.  If he gets his A game right, he genuinely can challenge for a title again.  It all depends if he wants it enough.

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Haye fight next?  Haye v Whyte would be a fascinating contrast of styles.

 

Dillian Whyte

Dillian Whyte has responded perfectly to his defeat to Joshua, and is now almost ready for a title shot. We still don't know just how good a boxer Whyte is at the highest level, but a title shot should show us just how ready he really is.

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Whyte fight next?  A showdown against Wilder would be the one all Whyte fans really want to see.

 

Alexander Povetkin

The slugger from Russia is one of the best heavyweight boxers in the world, but we can't help but think he's underachieved somewhat. At the age of 38, he still packs a huge punch, and is technically sound too. He'll be an opponent that all the belt holders will be wary of.

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Povetkin fight next?  A fight against David Haye would really show us how good the Haymaker is at this level.

Tyson Fury

Rated by many boxing fans as the best in the division, there's no doubt Tyson Fury is probably one of the more technically gifted.  This guy can box, and he demonstrated that in outstanding fashion in Dusseldorf. Would he get away with that against even harder hitters though?

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Fury fight next?  In an ideal world, after a few fights to get back in the groove, his next major fight would HAVE to be against Joshua!

Deontay Wilder

Clumsy and erratic, but powerful and fast.  Deontay Wilder has a mixed bag of skills, with many pros and cons to his boxing. But just how good is this giant, and when will he fight someone of real credibility?

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Wilder fight next?  Well, this one is easy - Anthony Joshua of course...

Anthony Joshua

He's ranked number one, but is Anthony Joshua really worthy of all the hype? Slightly robotic, but lean, mean, and packed with power, it'll take a colossal performance from anyone to dethrone the king.

In an ideal world, who would we love to see Joshua fight next?  The Wilder fight would make the most sense, but the UK (and much of the world) really want to see him lock horns with Tyson Fury.

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