This summer, 100,000 people will be at a raucous Wembley Stadium to watch an undisputed world heavyweight champion fight.
Oleksandr Usyk and Britain’s Daniel Dubois will put their titles on the line to see who the best heavyweight in the world is.
Is the division dying?
It is possible to say that the heavyweight division in boxing is the worst that it has been in quite a few years.
The Top Heavyweight Boxing website has claimed that “the heavyweight division has recently seen a significant decline in popularity”.
While current champion Oleksandr Usyk commands a loyal fanbase and has created a very solid legacy for himself by beating every top contender and has some great victories on his resume.
The Ukranian has two wins against both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, as well as a technical knock out against his upcoming opponent Daniel Dubois.
At 38-years-old, he more than likely doesn’t have too long left in his career.
This poses the question, who is there to take over from such a popular champion?
The Contenders
Agit Kabayel
Agit Kabayel is a Kurdish-born German fighter, who is cousins with the country’s leading rap star KC Rebell.
He was chosen by Tyson Fury for a duel but the fight never happened.
His last performance was an emphatic victory against Zhilei Zhang, who was unable to carry on after some vicious body shots in round six.
Kabayel is only improving, he is 26 bouts undefeated and could certainly be the king of the division in years to come.
Joseph Parker
Joseph Parker is arguably the most experienced fighter currently in the ring at this weight.
The New Zealander has had some massive wins in the last few years, including a majority decision against Zhilei Zhang and a comfortable decision victory against former world champ Deontay Wilder.
Aged 33, there is plenty left in the tank for the former WBO interim Champion.
Filip Hrgovic
“El Animal” is a Croatian boxer.
He holds a record of 18 wins, with just a single defeat to Dubois.
He will be desperate to avenge that defeat and, who knows, he might get that opportunity in the near future if he can climb the rankings with some notable victories against top flight opponents.
Daniel Dubois
“Dynamite” Dubois is the current second best heavyweight in the world, and is only 27-years-old, he has at least ten years left in the game.
Dubois dominated former champion and fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, knocking him out and giving him the worst defeat of his career.
He is constantly improving his game and could definitely be the one to lead the division after Oleksandr Usyk leaves the sport, or he could even dethrone him in July.
What next?
There is still some life in the division after the departure of Usyk with some serious contenders who are waiting for their opportunity for greatness.
Featured image picture credit: Mick Baker, Rooster
