There was another big weekend of heavyweight action in Riyadh on Saturday and some shock results have led to a shake up in the ratings.
Former WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder (previously rated No. 8) exits following a fifth-round stoppage loss at the hands of Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang. “The Bronze Bomber” is 1-4 in his last five fights and many expect the faded 38-year-old to retire from the sport. Zhang, who recently lost to No. 4-rated Joseph Parker, retains his No. 5 spot with this triumph.
Also on the card, British power-puncher Daniel Dubois upset the odds to score an eighth-round stoppage over the previously unbeaten Filip Hrgovic. Two serious eye cuts, both caused by punches, led to the fight being stopped in favor of the Londoner, who debuts in the ratings at No. 7. Hrgovic falls from No. 6 to No. 10.
Heavyweight rankings: The Sporting News’ top 12
The best in the world at heavyweight: Oleksandr Usyk
As Ukrainian wizard Oleksandr Usyk was cutting a swathe through the cruiserweight division, the undisputed champ was tipped to achieve big things at heavyweight. He didn’t disappoint, scoring two memorable points triumphs over Anthony Joshua.
Due in part to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Usyk has suffered periods of inactivity. The 37-year-old technician returned to action last August and battered Britain’s Daniel Dubois to a ninth-round stoppage defeat before targeting undisputed glory.
Usyk’s triumph over Tyson Fury is arguably the finest performance of his Hall of Fame career. Sublimely skilled, but with the courage of a soldier, Usyk is now firmly established as an all-time great in the sport.
