Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning unified heavyweight champion, has surprisingly included his two-time vanquished opponent, Anthony Joshua, in his personal ranking of the world’s top five boxers. This unexpected accolade comes as Usyk prepares for a high-stakes rematch against Tyson Fury, scheduled for December 21st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Usyk, who handed Fury his first professional defeat earlier this year, placed Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez at the top of his list, followed by the somewhat controversial inclusion of Joshua. This ranking raises eyebrows given Joshua’s recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, marking his fourth professional defeat and prompting questions about his future in the sport.
The context of Joshua’s inclusion becomes even more intriguing considering the nature of his recent defeat. He suffered four knockdowns before being stopped in the fifth round by Dubois, a fight that left him visibly shaken and questioning his path forward. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed the impact of the loss, describing Joshua as “hurting” and emphasizing the fighter’s desire to return stronger. Despite the brutal nature of the defeat and the speculation surrounding Joshua’s future, Usyk still acknowledges his rival’s abilities and places him amongst the boxing elite. This gesture, while surprising, speaks to Usyk’s respect for Joshua’s skills and achievements, even in the face of recent setbacks.
Usyk’s top five list also includes Tyson Fury, his upcoming opponent, and the undefeated Japanese sensation, Naoya Inoue. The inclusion of Fury, despite their upcoming clash, further underscores Usyk’s objective assessment of the boxing landscape. He recognizes Fury’s prowess and the challenge he presents, even as he prepares to face him in the ring. The inclusion of Inoue, who continues his dominance in the bantamweight division, rounds out a list that represents a diverse range of boxing talent across different weight classes. This eclectic mix of fighters showcases Usyk’s appreciation for skill and achievement regardless of weight category.
The upcoming rematch between Usyk and Fury carries significant weight, with the winner potentially facing Joshua in 2024. Fury has vowed to approach the rematch with a more aggressive strategy, aiming for a knockout victory rather than a points decision. This shift in tactics suggests a highly anticipated and potentially explosive encounter, with both fighters eager to solidify their position at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. The prospect of a future clash against Joshua adds another layer of intrigue to the Usyk-Fury rematch, setting the stage for a series of high-profile bouts that could reshape the landscape of heavyweight boxing.
Joshua’s future in the sport remains a topic of discussion, with some boxing figures suggesting retirement after his recent loss. However, Hearn has confirmed that Joshua has no intention of retiring and is determined to bounce back from his defeat. This resilience underscores the competitive spirit within Joshua and his desire to prove his doubters wrong. The potential for a future fight against the winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch provides Joshua with a significant opportunity to regain his footing in the heavyweight division and reaffirm his status as a top contender.
The intricate relationships between Usyk, Fury, and Joshua create a compelling narrative within the heavyweight division. Usyk’s surprising inclusion of Joshua in his top five list, despite their history and Joshua’s recent struggles, adds a layer of respect and intrigue to their dynamic. The upcoming rematch between Usyk and Fury, with the potential for a future clash against Joshua, promises a series of high-stakes bouts that will captivate boxing fans worldwide. The future of the heavyweight division hangs in the balance, with these three fighters poised to shape its trajectory for years to come.
