The heavyweight boxing division has traditionally been the most popular category in the sport as some of the biggest names in history have held one of the four major titles at some point in their careers.
Not since 1999, however, has there been an undisputed heavyweight world champion. This is where the champion holds all the major belts in the division, a rare feat that proves they are one of the finest talents in the history of the sport. Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield have all held the tag and later gone on to join the boxing hall of fame. Here is a look at who could be next man to join those iconic greats.
Anthony Joshua
British boxer is already halfway towards becoming the undisputed heavyweight world champions as he holds two of the four belts in the division. The WBA and IBF champion defended his titles against one of the greats of the sport back in May when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round in front of over 80,000 people at Wembley Stadium in London. The unbeaten boxer has stopped all 19 of his opponents since he turned professional in 2013. He is set to defend both of his belts against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev on October 28 where he is -4000 in the latest boxing odds for that contest, which will take place in Cardiff. As long as he comes part his latest test, Joshua will be eyeing up the WBC and WBO titles in 2018.
Deontay Wilder
American Deontay Wilder has held the WBC heavyweight championship ever since he beat Canada’s Bermane Stiverne on points in January 2015. The Bronze Bomber became the first American to win a heavyweight world title in nine years, ending the longest stretch in history without a boxer from the USA having one of the major crowns in the division. Wilder is unbeaten in 38 fights and has only once gone to judges’ scorecards in those bouts. The 2008 Olympic bronze medal winner has a huge amount of power. Many in the division have avoided him, however, they will eventually have to take Wilder on if they want to become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.
Joseph Parker
WBO champion Joseph Parker will believe he has what it takes to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion from New Zealand as he has also yet to taste defeat as a professional. The 25 year old overcame Andy Ruiz for the vacant crown in December 2016. Since then he has defended his belt twice, with his most recent victory coming over Hughie Fury in London. Parker looks sure to face either Joshua or Parker in early 2018 and if he can win that contest, he’ll be in the driving seat to wrap up all four titles.
2017 has been a huge year for boxing so far and with some big bouts lined up for the next couple of months, it is likely to end as one of the best we have seen in recent history.
Tags: sports betting
