Top 12 best heavyweights in boxing: Rankings for weight class starring Usyk, Fury, Dubois | Sporting News

When the dust had settled in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk was still the universally recognised heavyweight champion of the world after posting a second points victory over Tyson Fury this year. The result was unanimous and this rivalry has now concluded.

Usyk, who was defending WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine championships, boxed cleverly, just like he did back in May when he won a split decision over “The Gypsy King”.

The Ukrainian lefty created angles, worked the body, and diversified his jab brilliantly. Fury produced some terrific work but wasn’t consistent enough and couldn’t match the champ’s accuracy.

MORE: Usyk vs. Fury 2: Full report and analysis

In the heavyweight ratings, Usyk retains his No. 1 spot while Fury drops a rung after sustaining his second consecutive defeat.

Daniel Dubois overtakes Fury for the No. 2 position thanks to back-to-back triumphs over Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, both of whom are rated inside the top 12.

The Sporting News looks at the Top-12 best heavyweights in the world today.

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 Daniel Dubois to a ninth-round stoppage defeat — a victory that has aged spectacularly well in a relatively short period — before targeting undisputed glory.

Usyk’s two triumphs over Tyson Fury are the keystone moments 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.

The Sporting News’ Boxing Ratings

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