The top division has been enjoying a resurgence in recent weeks, with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder doing their bit to make the division great again.
A mass of contenders are currently hot on the heels of Joseph Parker and the rest of the world title holders as Tony Bellew, Kubrat Pulev and Luis Ortiz push to be given their chance at a world crown.
Here’s the list as it stands:
1. Anthony Joshua (World Champion – 19-0, 19 KO’s)
Victory over Wladimir Klitschko in the most exciting heavyweight contest of recent times cemented Joshua’s place at the summit.
Joshua has positioned himself as the most recognizable of all the reigning champions and the sky seems to be the limit for the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.
2. Deontay Wilder (World Champion – 38-0, 37 KO’s)
America’s premiere puncher was doubted in the past on the back of an eye-catching record of wins coming in the first four rounds against slight opposition.
Since defeating Bermane Stiverne though, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has consistently fought contenders in the top fifteen and deserves to be rated in second place.
3. Wladimir Klitschko (64-5, 53 KO’s)
The ex-king of the division proved against Anthony Joshua he can still hang with the youngsters at the ripe old age of 41.
Klitschko almost stopped Joshua midway through the contest and could get a second chance to rip the belts away from the Briton at the end of 2017.
4. Joseph Parker (World Champion – 23-0, 18 KO’s)
New Zealand’s first heavyweight ruler has been scratching around in an attempt to land a massive fight against one of the bigger names for some time.
Despite his highest profile fight to date falling apart recently (against Hughie Fury), Parker has still shown glimpses of the talent he believes can allow him to unify the titles.
5. Kubrat Pulev (25-1, 13 KO’s)
The Bulgarian brute has clawed his way back into mandatory contention since being blasted out against Klitschko in his first world title attempt.
Many are of the belief that Pulev can one day win a world championship, although the imminent return between Joshua and Klitschko looks set to make ‘The Cobra’ wait that little bit longer.
6. Luis Ortiz (27-0, 23 KO’s)
Time is ticking away for Cuba’s big heavyweight hope, who at the age of 38 has been somewhat treading water whilst the titles are contested away from his grasp.
‘King Kong’ should be in the ring with the winner of Joshua v Klitschko at some point in 2018, by which time an earned title shot would have taken over two years to come to fruition.
7. Tony Bellew (29-2-1, 19 KO’s)
Moving up in weight from his position as WBC cruiserweight champion to defeat David Haye has placed the Briton as a certain challenger, possibly for Wilder or Parker in the coming months.
Only weight can stop Bellew realising a dream of lifting one of the straps on offer as ‘The Bomber’ has one of the biggest hearts in the sport.
8. Alexander Ustinov (34-1, 25 KO’s)
A win over David Tua in 2013 remains the most eye-catching win on the Russian’s record, who like many, has been forced to wait his turn ever since.
The division being tied up, even before Tyson Fury cracked it open, has been a problem for several of the top contenders, although the recent cancellation of Shannon Briggs v Fres Oquendo could now open the door for Ustinov.
9. Jarrell Miller (18-0-1)
Largely untested through his undefeated run, ‘Big Baby’ is on the cusp of a title shot and should be handed a chance within 18 months.
10. David Haye (28-3, 26 KO’s)
Losing to Tony Bellew with an injury has cast enough of a shadow to include Haye in the top ten as the former world ruler hasn’t yet been defeated without some kind of problem.
Gassing out as a youngster at cruiserweight against Carl Thompson has long been forgotten, whilst defeats to Klitschko and Bellew were both undertaken when Haye wasn’t at 100%.
Until Haye is resoundingly beaten, the Londoner remains one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the world.
A stone heavier and a couple of inches taller and there may have been no stopping Haye from being the best of his generation at 200 pounds plus.
Five years out of action definitely haven’t helped, but it’s now up to Haye to prove several injuries can be overcome and the ‘Hayemaker’ can once again be a force to be reckoned with against the bigger men.
*Tyson Fury has not been included due to inactivity.
*Alexander Povetkin / Lucas Browne not rated due to legal
