Over the recent weekend, Francis Ngannou made a substantial impact within the heavyweight division. The MMA sensation engaged in a fiercely contested bout against Tyson Fury, who is widely recognized as the leading contender in the division, creating an unforgettable spectacle in Saudi Arabia.
Fury’s slender victory has, curiously, given rise to more questions than it has provided answers in the ongoing quest for a true heavyweight champion.
The undercard makes it worth watching, can you imagine if it was Fury vs Usyk as main event?
— MrBoxingFacts (@MrBoxingFacts) October 26, 2023
As it stands, it's not even a contest. The post fight shenanigans will be cringe level turned up to 1000.
As this current generation of heavyweight talent nears the twilight of their careers, let’s explore the five most momentous potential matchups within the heavyweight division:
- Tyson Fury/Oleksandr Usyk vs Zhilei Zhang Zhilei Zhang, also known as “Big Bang,” emerges as a formidable force in the heavyweight division. While there have been numerous hopefuls hailed in the past, this Chinese powerhouse seems to possess the skill set required to challenge the elite contenders. Whether it’s Fury or Usyk making their first defense as an undisputed champion or a comeback opportunity for the defeated, a superfight involving Zhang promises to be captivating. The primary challenge, however, lies in timing, as Fury and Usyk are bound by a two-way rematch clause, while Zhang is in his 40s.
- Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou II A rematch between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou would likely see both fighters making improvements. Ngannou, now transitioning to boxing, has impressed with a disciplined game plan and the boxing IQ he has gained from prior championship rounds. Ngannou’s knockdown of Fury in the third round left a lasting impression and merits a rematch.
- Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder For sheer excitement, the potential bout between Joshua and Wilder is hard to match. Now free from the constraints of titles and motivated by past defeats, this prospective showdown should be much simpler to arrange than when both held versions of the heavyweight championship. Initially viewed as a prelude to a Fury-Usyk bout in Saudi Arabia, this contest has the potential to steal the spotlight. Joshua has diligently worked on enhancing his back-foot boxing since his loss to Andy Ruiz Jr, and a meeting between these two fighters would test their chins.
- Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua Certain rivalries in boxing transcend belts and rankings. The Fury vs. Joshua clash remains a monumental event, particularly in the United Kingdom. Despite their prior performances, this fight retains its immense appeal. Notably, Fury has experienced being knocked down seven times by four different opponents in his career, some with less punching power than Joshua.
- Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk An undisputed world heavyweight title fight always takes precedence in the division.
Despite Eddie Hearn’s claims that the fight is “dead.” The timing of this contest remains uncertain, but when it does come to fruition, it will determine the king of the heavyweight division. Usyk saw a version of Tyson Fury on Saturday night that he found promising, but he won’t underestimate Fury when facing him. While contracts have been signed, Fury’s unpredictable nature suggests that the fight may not be straightforward or aesthetically pleasing. Styles dictate the outcome of fights, and this particular clash might not produce the level of excitement many anticipate.
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