Olympic Gold Medalist, Audley Harrison, has named his top four current heavyweights, citing Tyson Fury as the top dog.
Harrison made history in his amateur career by becoming the first British fighter to win gold at the Olympics in the super heavyweight category, and went on to challenge for a world title as a pro before hanging up the gloves with a record of 31 wins and 7 losses.
Since retirement he’s kept a keen eye on the sport, and recently assessed the heavyweight scene with MegaCasino. He placed his countryman, Anthony Joshua, as fourth best in the world.
“He’s [Joshua] currently fourth in line; because you have Fury and Usyk are the main two and Fury, I would say, is the main guy.
“Deontay Wilder is currently number three, he has put himself back in position and is knocking on the door again and Joshua is probably the valid number four.
“After [Jermaine] Franklin, he can only go back up – he can’t take another one. Fights against Wilder and Fury would be great match ups, we don’t need to see a third with Usyk.”
There’s no question that, as the division’s two champions, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, claim the top spots.
Many fans will agree with former beltholders, Deontay Wilder and Joshua, filling out the rest of the four, and it’s hard to place given the struggle to set up a scrap between them over the years.
A notable exclusion is the undefeated Joe Joyce who – whilst he hasn’t gained as deep a record as the others – is knocking on the door of the world titles harder than anyone.
Negotiations are ongoing between Fury – champion by beating Wilder – and Usyk – champion by beating Joshua – to solidify the number one name in the division.
As fans sit in hope that it happens, Joshua has his comeback bout against Jermaine Franklin on April 1 and Wilder is yet to announce his next opponent following a first round knockout of Robert Helenius late last year.