Independent Writers' Rate The Current Crop Of Heavyweight Boxers

The heavyweight division got even more interesting with Anthony Joshua's win over Andy Ruiz Jr, to reclaim world title gold, and everyone is once again asking 'who is the best heavyweight in the world?'

For sometime there was only Joshua and Deontay Wilder in the conversation for best in the world, then Tyson Fury returned and took the American 12 rounds and might have won, instead walking away with a draw last December.

Joshua's loss in June to Ruiz raised questions about his legitimacy as the best but he returned on Saturday to win his belts back from the Mexican. So who is currently the best of the division?

The Independent's writers ranked all the heavyweights and it's the Bronze Bomber who leads the way, based on the fact they believe the American would beat both the British stars right now.

1. Deontay Wilder

2. Tyson Fury

3. Anthony Joshua

4. Dillian Whyte

5. Oleksandr Usyk

6. Andy Ruiz Jr

7. Luis Ortiz

8. Joseph Parker

9. Kubrat Pulev

10. Filip Hrgović

11. Michael Hunter

12. Jarrell Miller

13. Adam Kownacki

14. Aleksandr Povetkin

15. Oscar Rivas

Behind Wilder is Fury and the two men of course fought out a draw when they met in 2018, the only time either man has failed to win a fight.

Fans will soon find out if the Gypsy King's performance, where he outboxed Wilder but twice got knocked down, was a one off or if he can be the first man to defeat Wilder.

The pair are set for a rematch on February 20th, after the American managed to get through a rematch against Luis Ortiz last month, with Wilder's WBA title on the line again.

Fury and Wilder fought to an exciting draw. Image: PA Images

Many will be hoping the winner would face AJ sometime soon but it's unlikely because of the way the divisions work and the different mandatory challengers.

Joshua's next opponent is likely to be IBF challenger Kubrat Pulev as he risks losing his title if he doesn't, after that it's likely to be WBO mandatory Oleksandr Usyk, who has that position as he moved up from cruiserweight as the WBO's champion, despite having just one fight at heavyweight.

Joshua shows off the belts he won back. Image: PA Images

Dillian Whyte's position in fourth is also interesting. The Londoner was the WBA mandatory challenger after beating Oscar Rivas earlier this year but was stripped of the position after a failed drugs test.

The 31-year-old has since been cleared of any wrongdoing and promoter Eddie Hearn has called on the association to return his position.

Who do you think is the number one heavyweight?

Topics: Heavyweight boxing, AJ, Tyson Fury, Boxing News, Andy Ruiz Jr, Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, Oleksandr Usyk, Deontay Wilder, heavyweight champion

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28