With Anthony Joshua flying high, Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker both chasing unifications and the return of Tyson Fury, everything is set for a massive year in 2018.
Below are the ratings from 10 – 1 as per the divisional rankings with the exception of Fury who was dropped from the pound for pound rankings for not competing for over a year.
10 – Manuel Charr
Now the WBA ‘regular’ title holder, Manuel Charr is currently enjoying an upturn in form after recovering from a shooting incident in 2015. The 33 year-old’s win over Alexander Ustinov puts him firmly in the picture for a future clash with Anthony Joshua should he make successful defenses down the line.
9 – Jarrell Miller
The American has bulldozed his way through the division and more recently stopped two former world title challengers in Gerald Washington and Mariusz Wach. ‘Big Baby’ is consistently linked to the bigger names, although many believe Miller is one of the most avoided at 200 pounds plus due to his sheer bulk and brute strength.
8 – Lucas Browne
Undefeated and never really troubled in his career, ‘Big Daddy’ has been forced to defend himself for some time now due to two failed drug tests. Browne has fiercely protested his innocence and is now looking to land a huge fight in 2018.
7 – Luis Ortiz
Another fighter dogged by controversy over PED’s, Ortiz remains untamed as a pro through 28 bouts and a seven-year career in the pro ranks. A fight with Deontay Wilder could be in the offing in the first quarter of 2018 as the Cuban, alongside Dominic Breazeale, is being pushed for a WBC title shot.
6 – Kubrat Pulev
The Bulgarian has come back impressively following a crushing loss to Wladimir Klitschko in his one and only world title fight, although pulling out on a fight with Anthony Joshua has mean Pulev is out of the championship picture for the next few months at least.
5 – Joseph Parker
Bidding to cash in on his short reign as WBO title holder, Parker is seen as the weakest of the current rulers despite gaining a controversial win over Hughie Fury. The New Zealand has proved he can take a punch in the past but hasn’t come up against anyone with the power of a Wilder or Joshua during his career.
4 – Alexander Povetkin
One of the most talented boxers in the division, Povetkin could trouble any of the champions but may not have the size and reach to compete with the likes of Joshua and Wilder as proved against Wladimir Klitschko. Six to seven inches is a lot when it comes to pumping out the jab and where the likes of Joshua and Wilder would be able to exploit Povetkin’s shortcomings.
A fight with Joseph Parker could prove fruitful for the Russian, who has chosen the more lucrative Joshua route when given the choice by the WBA and WBO.
3 – Deontay Wilder
A close second behind Joshua due to his inability to land a top name for his record, Wilder has been frustrated by opponents failing drug tests in the past. Fights with Povetkin and Ortiz could have added to his reputation, although ‘The Bronze Bomber’ would be content with landing the biggest fish of all in 2018 – Anthony Joshua.
2 – Anthony Joshua
Victory over Wladimir Klitschko enhanced Joshua’s reputation massively despite being put on the canvas and almost stopped midway through the contest but until he beats ‘the man’ he won’t be able to call himself ‘the man’.
NUMBER ONE
1 – Tyson Fury
That ‘man’ is of course Tyson Fury, now back in the mix following a two-year ban by the UK Anti-Doping Agency. The 29 year-old has around four and a half stone to lose in order to compete at the highest level and has to be considered the best around until someone can prove otherwise.
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