Oleksandr Usyk, 24-0 (15 KOs), 39 years old
Strengths: A master boxer with exceptional ring generalship, Usyk has exhibited supersonic intelligence against significantly bigger men. His shot selection is on point, his feet are always in time and – perhaps most importantly – he can shift his approach quickly should he endure a period where it appears he’s lost control.
Weaknesses: Very simply, his age and size. That said, he’s repeatedly proven that being a ‘small’ heavyweight is only to the detriment of his opponent. One thing even Usyk won’t be able to beat is Father Time, however.
What’s next: That he fights a kickboxer, Rico Verhoeven, on May 23 in Egypt has been widely derided and assumed to be an easy night's work. As such, whatever happens, he can expect criticism in the aftermath: win at a canter and it will be labelled a waste of time; make hard work of it and his untouchable peak years might be deemed all over.
Tyson Fury, 35-2-1 (24 KOs), 37 years old
Strengths: Usyk aside, Fury might be the best technician in the division. It still defies belief that he moves so well and so frequently for a man of his dimensions. He’s crafty, tough, a terrific counterpuncher, and can make all but the very best look ordinary. No longer seems to possess the power he did during his peak but thumps hard enough to gain the respect of all.
Weaknesses: Though elusive at times, he’s always been hittable. He barely lost a round against Arslanbek Makhmudov last weekend, but it’s clear he’s slowing down. Against a world-class puncher, his once-famed durability will undoubtedly be tested.
What’s next: The efforts to lure Anthony Joshua into a super-fight were as crude and clumsy as Makhmudov proved to be during the fight that preceded the callout. Fury says if it doesn’t happen next he will retire for the sixth time.
Fabio Wardley, 20-0-1 (19 KOs), 31 years old
Strengths: Though one of the hardest hitters in the division, Wardley’s bloody-mindedness is surely the biggest ace up his sleeve. His lack of formal education – he came straight from the white-collar circuit – has been well-documented but his ability to bite down on his gum-shield and fight like hell until the other guy falls over is simply unteachable.
Weaknesses: Go back and watch sections of his fights with Frazer Clarke (first bout), Justis Huni, and Joseph Parker for all you need in this category. Thought it’s always been suggested that he can be outboxed, it’s a fact that nobody has done it for long enough to actually beat him.
What’s next: An unmissable dingdong with Daniel Dubois on May 5.
Moses Itauma, 14-0 (12 KOs), 21 years old
Strengths: The youngster appears to have it all. He fights with real spite, is always beautifully poised, he carries significant potency in his fists and, oh so admirably, always exudes patience that is belying of his years, even when he’s machine gunning his foes into oblivion.
Weaknesses: Still to fight a genuine contender so, as much as we’re falling all over ourselves to pay him compliments, the truth remains that he’s yet to prove himself at the top table. So, let’s try to – and it’s not easy – not get carried away until we know more about his chin, his stamina, and his ability to stay disciplined when his purses go stratospheric.
What’s next: For now unknown but there are whispers that someone like Martin Bakole – and maybe even Filip Hrgovic – might come next in July.
Daniel Dubois, 22-3 (21 KOs), 28 years old
Strengths: Each of his many trainers have spoken of his cannonball-like power; taking this dude on the pads is apparently a risky business. More so is sampling one of his full-blown blasts to the chin. Dubois, when in the mood, is difficult to budge and, even though he’s been criticised for each of his defeats, that he bounced back so majestically from the first Usyk loss – to hammer Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua – suggests he has enough about him to do so again.
Weaknesses: Dubois is a tough cat to judge. He seemed to go down easy against Joe Joyce and Usyk but stood tall when swallowing blows from Joshua and Hrgovic. He’s not the most fluid of assassins and, when the going gets tough, his desire has been called into question.
What’s next: A wonderfully poised shootout with Fabio Wardley on May 9.
Agit Kabayel, 27-0 (19 KOs), 33 years old
Strengths: For those unaware of the swarming Kabayel, and how good he is, should compare the German’s dismantling of Arslanbek Makhmudov in 2023 with Tyson Fury’s performance against the same opponent. Excellent infighter who hooks with the best of them, Kabayel – at 33 – has done more than enough to earn a title shot.
Weaknesses: Appears to have shaken his old habit of coasting through sections of fights (as per his points wins over Kevin Johnson and Derek Chisora) but one suspects he might lose his way in a contest in which his opponent – like a Usyk, for example – is controlling the pace and range of the combat.
What’s next: Though a summer clash in Germany was originally planned, it’s understood he’s now keen to see if Usyk will at last answer his call after he’s dealt with Verhoeven next month.
Anthony Joshua, 29-4 (26 KOs), 36 years old
Strengths: The crack in Jake Paul’s jaw proves that Joshua can still whack with the best of them; his trusty one-two, in fact, might be the most devastating combination amongst the heavyweights. He’s a better boxer than ever given credit for – he gave Usyk plenty of problems in their rematch – and is one of the best finishers in the sport.
Weaknesses: At 36 his best days are surely behind him, and he looked vulnerable when he last faced a top heavyweight, Daniel Dubois, in 2024. Has been accused of being too upright and robotic. Quite what the horror car crash he survived at the end of last year has done to his in-ring psyche is yet to be discovered.
What’s next: Eddie Hearn has said we’ll know more in the coming weeks. A showdown with Fury remains a possibility – if not the foregone conclusion Turki Alalshikh would have us believe – for later in the year.
Joseph Parker, 36-4 (24 KOs), 34 years old
Strengths: The archetypal perennial contender, plenty of Parker’s opponents have been fooled into believing the New Zealander is nothing special. But he does pretty much everything well, which is what makes him so difficult to beat. A neat and tidy boxer with a decent dig, Parker has a solid engine and is one of the most experienced and canny campaigners in the land of the giants.
Weaknesses: His reputation as the most-deserving heavyweight contender was wrecked when he was stopped by Fabio Wardley in October and news of a failed test broke shortly thereafter. Though not ‘old’ at 34, Parker, who can be too careless when on the attack, has a long career behind him that will soon surely catch up.
What’s next: Parker and his team are in the process of resolving the drug charges against him. He recently called out Dillian Whyte, of all people, for a rematch.
Filip Hrgovic, 19-1 (14 KOs), 33 years old
Strengths: The Croatian has morphed from long-time prospect to seasoned campaigner in recent years. A terrific puncher with a cultured style that speaks to his extensive education, Hrgovic – who has a big heart – has also proven the hardiness of his whiskers several times. He can boast top-10 placements in all four sanctioning body rankings.
Weaknesses: For someone so skilled, he takes far too many punches. His face is susceptible to cuts and, at the highest level, seems to lack the required oomph to thrive.
What’s next: He should be far too good for the war-torn Dave Allen on May 16. Don’t be surprised to see him thrown in with Moses Itauma in the summer if he gets past Allen injury-free.
Martin Bakole, 21-2-1 (16 KOs), 34 years old
Strengths: What a difference a winless 2025 campaign makes. It’s not so long ago that Bakole was regarded as the division’s dangerman but after a badly judged late notice fight with Joseph Parker ended in a KO defeat, and a scrappy affair with Efe Ajagba finished a draw, Bakole’s strengths have been called into question. But when in form he is seriously effective; his old-school style sees him throw crisp combinations, he has fight-ending one-punch power and, when fit, is adept at cutting off the ring.
Weaknesses: The manner of his defeat to Parker left questions marks about his punch resistance, he can appear ponderous at times and there are doubts about his fitness, dedication, and stamina.
What’s next: Recently took to social media to criticise Boxxer, his current promoter, about the lack of opportunities he’s received. That’s certainly a story where both sides should be heard. But if he can return to fitness, he’ll be an attractive, and dangerous, foe for someone of note.
Efe Ajagba, 21-1-1 (15 KOs), 31 years old
Strengths: The Nigerian possesses a stiff jab and the power to trouble anyone else on this list. Though thought fortunate to get the nod over Guido Vianello in 2024, he seemed to outwork Bakole last year before showing off his continued improvement by walking through Charles Martin on a Zuffa Boxing card earlier this year.
Weaknesses: He can be outfoxed by slick operators and, though he’s yet to be stopped, his desire to march ahead has left him wide open. Frank Sanchez dropped him en route to a wide points success in 2021 and Ajagba, though tough and strong, would surely struggle against the division leaders.
What’s next: Ajagba, Zuffa Boxing’s first heavyweight signing, last year decided against rematching Sanchez and there is talk that Otto Wallin – also on Zuffa’s books – might now come next.
Lawrence Okolie, 23-1 (17 KOs), 33 years old
Strengths: Spidery and awkward, Okolie – the No. 1 contender at heavyweight according to the WBC – has had problems attracting worthwhile opponents since joining the division late in 2024. Okolie might not be the prettiest of boxers but, when he gets his feet right, is a hellacious hitter who can box effectively from distance.
Weaknesses: Chris Billam-Smith, while handing Okolie his only loss down at cruiserweight in 2023, took the fight to Okolie who struggled to adjust to the bullish tactics. He’s been accused of being a spoiler and a coaster – he can appear to lack urgency – who isn’t known for swift gear changes mid-fight.
What’s next: After trying and failing to persuade Kabayel to dance, Okolie heads to Paris to tango with Tony Yoka on April 25.
Murat Gassiev, 33-2 (26 KOs), 32 years old
Strengths: Though outhustled by Otto Wallin in a 2023 loss that seemed to highlight his ceiling in the banner division, Gassiev showcased his one-punch power when he flattened the aging Kubrat Pulev in December. Gassiev is excellent on the front foot, he has good variety – his left hook downstairs is particularly impressive – and his punch resistance appears sound.
Weaknesses: He can be outslicked, and his forward motion exposed, like during his 2018 cruiserweight loss to Usyk. Not a huge heavyweight, Gassiev doesn’t appear to have the versatility required to overcome what his 6ft 2ins frame will encounter if he targets the big men.
What’s next: Moses Itauma was once interested in Gassiev’s WBA ‘regular’ title, but proposed changes to the cluttered championship system could render that belt obsolete. However, though Itauma is exceptionally unlikely to entertain an away day with Gassiev, with backing from the IBA, it’s likely an opportunity against a name of sorts will be found for the Russian.
Deontay Wilder, 45-4-1 (43 KOs), 40 years old
Strengths: When it comes to earning big money, his name remains an attractive proposition. Though fading, Wilder can still muster plenty of force even if some of his power of old has been lost with the dulling of his reflexes. Gutsy and hard to read, Wilder would still have the proverbial puncher’s chance with anyone.
Weaknesses: He’s more hittable than ever before and, though he may claim to be back to his best, the punishing fights with Tyson Fury – on top of the brutal KO loss to Zhilei Zhang – only added miles to the 40-year-old’s clock. Though far from ‘chinny’ Wilder has never possessed an iron-clad jaw.
What’s next: Fresh off a win over Derek Chisora, Wilder – to his credit – is back in the shop window.
BEST OF THE REST: Richard Torrez Jnr or Frank Sanchez can join the queue to face Usyk when they clash on the Ukrainian’s May 23 undercard in an IBF eliminator… The powerful Richard Riakporhe lost his way at cruiserweight but his recent win over Jeamie TKV, to win the British heavyweight title, showcased this division might be more to his liking… Justis Huni edging Frazer Clarke last weekend saw him retain his status as a fringe contender… Will Bakhodir Jalolov fulfil his immense amateur promise? His recent form suggests not… Italy’s Guido Vianello is currently the division’s sturdiest gatekeeper… Inactive since 2024, and ineffective since stunning Joshua in 2019, Andy Ruiz Jnr might still be just about young enough for one more title charge if he can get his head back in the game.
