Is the heavyweight division thriving?

By Boxing News - 03/08/2020 - Comments

By Gavin Howie: Following Adam Kownacki’s shock loss to Robert Helenius last night, I ask myself if the heavyweight division has enough quality contenders ready to step up to the plate. Tyson Fury currently holds the WBC title and in many people’s opinion including myself is the clear number 1 in this division, and I am not that sure if he has many pretenders that are capable of filling his shoes.

Daniel Dubois faces Joe Joyce at the O2 arena on Saturday 11th April in what is a genuine 50/50 matchup that is hard to predict. Both men are undefeated, and although they have a 12 year age difference they are at a similar point in their careers. I think both are above the domestic level but still around the European level. The winner could certainly make a big statement in the division, and although hard to call, I do believe Dubois just may have a bit too much for Joyce at this stage of their careers. If he wins, Could Dubois become a genuine world champion? There is every possibility, especially given his incredible talent and he is still only 22 years of age.

Hughie Fury is another who has shown glimpses of class and is certainly not afraid of being an underdog while climbing the ladder. He is 25-years-old, and although he has 3 losses on his record, he has never been disgraced and has shown plenty of promise even in defeat. All his losses have been on points, including a razor-thin majority points decision to the then WBO heavyweight champion in Joseph Parker. He has also lost on points away from home against Anthony Joshua’s next opponent Kubrat Pulev. Not many up and comers would have the same desire as Hughie does to actually go out and risk losing against tough opposition. This gains more respect than building an undefeated record against cannon fodder. In my opinion, he can become a major player in this division.

The likes of Dillian Whyte, Joseph Parker, Michael Hunter, Andy Ruiz, etc are all very decent and capable of winning against each other, but none of them will rule for the next 5/10 years. The glamour division of boxing does not have many prospects at this stage that look capable of being the next big thing. My personal opinion is Daniel Dubois is the clear front runner. Given his age, his carefully selected path so far, and his undoubted potential, I strongly believe he has the best chance of all the contenders to the throne to really make a statement in the years to come.

Do the readers have any other opinions on who may be the ruler of the heavyweight division in the years to come?