Barry McGuigan has put together his own list of the top heavyweights in the world.
Many rank Usyk as one of the greatest boxers not just of this generation but in history. He has achieved things no man has ever before, including being a two-time undisputed heavyweight ruler on top of being undisputed at cruiserweight and winning an Olympic gold medal.
Although he has a mandatory challenger for his WBO belt waiting in the wings, he has not yet spoken on whether or not he will fight Fabio Wardley, who recently knocked out Joseph Parker to secure that ranking. Other options include the WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel or a big money trilogy fight with Tyson Fury. Retirement also remains an option.
Writing in The Mirror, former world champion McGuigan has ranked the heavyweights who he thinks have the best shot of taking over the division in order, starting with his number one pick and ranking them in descending order: Fabio Wardley, Moses Itauma, Agit Kabayel, Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury, Filip Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, Martin Bakole and Anthony Joshua.
Most in the sport are high on Itauma, the 20-year-old heavyweight sensation who is coming off the back of a first round knockout of former world title challenger Dillian Whyte. Though Itauma believe he is ready to challenge for Usyk’s throne, he will be built more slowly and is expected to return to the ring in early 2026.
Talk now turns to whether or not Usyk will honour his mandatory against KO puncher Wardley. If he decides not to, he will lost the WBO belt and the Brit will be elevated to full world champion.
