The Heavyweight Landscape for AJ, Wilder & Fury for 2019?

[Enlightened-One]

I expect the following bouts to take place during 2019:

• Deontay Wilder vs. Dominic Breazeale (WBC mandatory - Legacy Arena Birmingham or the Barclays Centre Brooklyn)
• Tyson Fury vs. Kubrat Pulev (IBF mandatory - Manchester Arena, Manchester)
• Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte (WBO mandatory - Wembley Stadium, London)
• Anthony Joshua vs. Jarrell Miller (WBA mandatory - Madison Square Garden, New York)

Assuming Tyson beats Kubrat Pulev and 'The Bronze Bomber' successfully overcomes the challenge posed by Dominic Breazeale, then I thoroughly expect Fury to be instated as the mandatory challenger for both the WBC and the IBF titles, which means that he’ll be in line to face Deontay Wilder or AJ next. His promoter, Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn, will then be in a position to win any purse bids to earn the promotional and TV rights to cover those potential bouts.

It’s a kind of interesting situation, because Kubrat Pulev signed up with Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s broadcast partner, Bob Arum, a week after the Wilder-Fury fight, which I suspect was no mere coincidence. So a bout between the Bulgarian and Tyson would be relatively easy to make and sell, since it grants the Brit an opportunity to avenge his cousins’ (Hughie) most recent loss. Also, AJ isn’t obliged to face Pulev until 2020, which means that the Bulgarian may prefer to earn a mega-money payday against Fury rather than sitting idly by on the side-lines waiting for a bout with Joshua.

Eddie Hearn and Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn are both going to be doing their upmost to try to lure Wilder to face their respective fighters, because whoever beats the American to claim the WBC title will inevitably have far more power at the negotiating table when they try to reach an agreement for any future bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

If Deontay Wilder ever agrees to face Fury or AJ during the second-half of 2019, then I expect the bout to be staged on UK shores, since both Brits are likely to be considered as the A-side and will inevitably refuse to grant an opportunity to the judges in America to deprive them of hard-earned victories, due to dodgy hometown scoring.

We could see a situation whereby the biggest broadcasters will be attempting to outbid each other, because of the allegiances each fighter has with their respective boxing content providers:

• Anthony Joshua = DAZN/Sky (Matchroom)
• Tyson Fury = ESPN/BT (Queensberry)
• Deontay Wilder = Showtime (PBC)

Personally, I expect to see a 2019 summer showdown between Wilder and Fury, with the victor progressing onto a 2020 title unification bout with AJ, with both contests being staged in the UK.

Thoughts?

[tiny_acres]

Fury is not even rated by any other organizations besides the wbc.
So to be put in a fight with Pulev who would not risk his ibf mandatory status is ludicrous.

Fury and Wilder will face off in the first half of the new year.

I agree Whyte will face Joshua in April.

[Enlightened-One]

Fury is not even rated by any other organizations besides the wbc.
So to be put in a fight with Pulev who would not risk his ibf mandatory status is ludicrous.

I think it’s a tad harsh to claim that my theory is “ludicrous”, due to the following points:

• There must be a reason why Kubrat Pulev signed-up with Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s broadcast partner, Bob Arum, a week after the Wilder-Fury fight?

• And as I’ve stated earlier, AJ isn’t obliged to face Pulev until 2020, which means that the Bulgarian may prefer to earn a mega-money payday against Fury rather than sitting idly by on the side-lines waiting for a bout with Joshua.

• Ultimately, money talks. And I strongly suspect that it’ll be easy for Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn to sell a bout between Tyson and Pulev to the British audience, due to the Bulgarian’s victory over Fury’s cousin, Hughie.

• From a commercial perspective, I can’t imagine Fury getting away with fights against opponents of a similar ilk to Pianeta and Seferi, so facing a world-rated operator, like Kubrat Pulev, would be ideal.

Is Kubrat Pulev likely to choose to remain inactive for at least 18 months waiting for AJ to become available or will he instead decide to take a risk, by engaging in a highly-lucrative interim bout against Tyson Fury instead?

I’m not sure many fighters would be willing to take huge risks losing millions for the sake of remaining active, by receiving small paydays to face journeymen.

[ewenhay]

Fury is not even rated by any other organizations besides the wbc.
So to be put in a fight with Pulev who would not risk his ibf mandatory status is ludicrous.

I think it’s a tad harsh to claim that my theory is “ludicrous”, due to the following points:

• There must be a reason why Kubrat Pulev signed-up with Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s broadcast partner, Bob Arum, a week after the Wilder-Fury fight?

• And as I’ve stated earlier, AJ isn’t obliged to face Pulev until 2020, which means that the Bulgarian may prefer to earn a mega-money payday against Fury rather than sitting idly by on the side-lines waiting for a bout with Joshua.

• Ultimately, money talks. And I strongly suspect that it’ll be easy for Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn to sell a bout between Tyson and Pulev to the British audience, due to the Bulgarian’s victory over Fury’s cousin, Hughie.

• From a commercial perspective, I can’t imagine Fury getting away with fights against opponents of a similar ilk to Pianeta and Seferi, so facing a world-rated operator, like Kubrat Pulev, would be ideal.

Is Kubrat Pulev likely to choose to remain inactive for at least 18 months waiting for AJ to become available or will he instead decide to take a risk, by engaging in a highly-lucrative interim bout against Tyson Fury instead?

I’m not sure many fighters would be willing to take huge risks losing millions for the sake of remaining active, by receiving small paydays to face journeymen.

When you say mandatory re Fury and Pulev I assume you mean eliminator? Or are you envisaging Joshua getting stripped?

In any case Fury won't be fighting eliminators.

[Enlightened-One]

Fury is not even rated by any other organizations besides the wbc.
So to be put in a fight with Pulev who would not risk his ibf mandatory status is ludicrous.

I think it’s a tad harsh to claim that my theory is “ludicrous”, due to the following points:

• There must be a reason why Kubrat Pulev signed-up with Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s broadcast partner, Bob Arum, a week after the Wilder-Fury fight?

• And as I’ve stated earlier, AJ isn’t obliged to face Pulev until 2020, which means that the Bulgarian may prefer to earn a mega-money payday against Fury rather than sitting idly by on the side-lines waiting for a bout with Joshua.

• Ultimately, money talks. And I strongly suspect that it’ll be easy for Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn to sell a bout between Tyson and Pulev to the British audience, due to the Bulgarian’s victory over Fury’s cousin, Hughie.

• From a commercial perspective, I can’t imagine Fury getting away with fights against opponents of a similar ilk to Pianeta and Seferi, so facing a world-rated operator, like Kubrat Pulev, would be ideal.

Is Kubrat Pulev likely to choose to remain inactive for at least 18 months waiting for AJ to become available or will he instead decide to take a risk, by engaging in a highly-lucrative interim bout against Tyson Fury instead?

I’m not sure many fighters would be willing to take huge risks losing millions for the sake of remaining active, by receiving small paydays to face journeymen.

When you say mandatory re Fury and Pulev I assume you mean eliminator? Or are you envisaging Joshua getting stripped?

In any case Fury won't be fighting eliminators.

I’m suggesting that Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn submits a mega-money offer to Kubrat Pulev to face Tyson Fury, with a view to the winner gaining ownership of the IBF’s mandatory challenger status. I don’t believe the bout would be sanctioned by the IBF as an eliminator, due to that governing body being a stickler for following their own rule-book.

If Fury can’t negotiate bouts against Wilder or Joshua next, then he’ll either have to remain inactive, which will adversely affect the progress he’s made during his comeback, or face a world-rated opponent.

There aren’t any world-rated heavyweights in Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s stable. And Queensberry’s broadcast partner, Top Rank, only have Kubrat Pulev, Andy Ruiz Jr., Bryant Jennings and Joseph Parker.

The "best" bout to be made, from a commercial and strategic perspective, would be a contest between Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev.

[ewenhay]

I think it’s a tad harsh to claim that my theory is “ludicrous”, due to the following points:

• There must be a reason why Kubrat Pulev signed-up with Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s broadcast partner, Bob Arum, a week after the Wilder-Fury fight?

• And as I’ve stated earlier, AJ isn’t obliged to face Pulev until 2020, which means that the Bulgarian may prefer to earn a mega-money payday against Fury rather than sitting idly by on the side-lines waiting for a bout with Joshua.

• Ultimately, money talks. And I strongly suspect that it’ll be easy for Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn to sell a bout between Tyson and Pulev to the British audience, due to the Bulgarian’s victory over Fury’s cousin, Hughie.

• From a commercial perspective, I can’t imagine Fury getting away with fights against opponents of a similar ilk to Pianeta and Seferi, so facing a world-rated operator, like Kubrat Pulev, would be ideal.

Is Kubrat Pulev likely to choose to remain inactive for at least 18 months waiting for AJ to become available or will he instead decide to take a risk, by engaging in a highly-lucrative interim bout against Tyson Fury instead?

I’m not sure many fighters would be willing to take huge risks losing millions for the sake of remaining active, by receiving small paydays to face journeymen.

When you say mandatory re Fury and Pulev I assume you mean eliminator? Or are you envisaging Joshua getting stripped?

In any case Fury won't be fighting eliminators.

I’m suggesting that Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn submits a mega-money offer to Kubrat Pulev to face Tyson Fury, with a view to the winner gaining ownership of the IBF’s mandatory challenger status. I don’t believe the bout would be sanctioned by the IBF as an eliminator, due to that governing body being a stickler for following their own rule-book.

If Fury can’t negotiate bouts against Wilder or Joshua next, then he’ll either have to remain inactive, which will adversely affect the progress he’s made during his comeback or face a world-rated opponent.

There aren’t any world-rated heavyweights in Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s stable. And Queensberry’s broadcast partner, Top Rank, only have Kubrat Pulev, Andy Ruiz Jr., Bryant Jennings and Joseph Parker.

The "best" bout to be made, from a commercial and strategic perspective, would be a contest between Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev.

Fury won't fight any eliminator fights or any sanctioned/ordered fights by the governing bodies though. He doesn't need to play that game. He can get a title shot whenever he wants.

[Boxing101101]

Right now the most likely situation and probably best situation is Wilder vs Fury and Joshua vs Whyte both happening around in April with the winners fighting each other in the summer for all the belts. Obviously the problem with this is it will be Matchroom vs Queensbury or pbc which could cause issues with money and tv rights but it shouldn't be to hard to make. The only other scenario which could happen is Joshua vs Wilder in april but right now that looks unlikely.

i presume Pulev could face Jennings sometime in 2019 as they are both with top rank. Realistically he wont face Anthony Joshua or whoever has the belts till 2020.

Usyk will probably make his debut but i dont think he will face any one great till the end of 2019. Maybe Usyk vs Whyte at the end of 2019.

Ortiz will probably face Joyce sometime in early 2019 which i think would be a very good 50:50 fight

As well as joyce you have Dubios Gorman and Hrgovic all stepping up although i expect Hrgovic to be in the bigger fights sooner.

[Enlightened-One]

When you say mandatory re Fury and Pulev I assume you mean eliminator? Or are you envisaging Joshua getting stripped?

In any case Fury won't be fighting eliminators.

I’m suggesting that Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn submits a mega-money offer to Kubrat Pulev to face Tyson Fury, with a view to the winner gaining ownership of the IBF’s mandatory challenger status. I don’t believe the bout would be sanctioned by the IBF as an eliminator, due to that governing body being a stickler for following their own rule-book.

If Fury can’t negotiate bouts against Wilder or Joshua next, then he’ll either have to remain inactive, which will adversely affect the progress he’s made during his comeback or face a world-rated opponent.

There aren’t any world-rated heavyweights in Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s stable. And Queensberry’s broadcast partner, Top Rank, only have Kubrat Pulev, Andy Ruiz Jr., Bryant Jennings and Joseph Parker.

The "best" bout to be made, from a commercial and strategic perspective, would be a contest between Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev.

Fury won't fight any eliminator fights or any sanctioned/ordered fights by the governing bodies though. He doesn't need to play that game. He can get a title shot whenever he wants.

For sure, if Tyson Fury’s handlers are willing to compromise, by taking a smaller purse split and also allow rival boxing content providers to stage/televise the bout, then the Brit can indeed easily receive a world title shot whenever he wants.

However, if Tyson Fury wants to be paid his worth and also grant his promoter, Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn, an opportunity to promote and televise his next shot at the world title, then he has to acquire mandatory challenger status and his handlers would also need to win a purse bid.

There is talk of Deontay Wilder facing Dominic Breazeale next and Tyson’s trainer is reluctant to allow his charge to compete again on US soil, which means that Fury may need to face “someone” that is world-class in order maintain the improvement we’ve seen since he started his comeback.

If Tyson Fury beat a fighter like Kubrat Pulev, whilst waiting for a shot at Wilder or Joshua, then he would have beaten a world-class opponent and would also very likely receive mandatory challenger status by the WBC and the IBF.

A fight between Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev may never materialise, but it is the one that seems to make the most sense (commercialy and strategically) for the Brit.

[ewenhay]

I’m suggesting that Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn submits a mega-money offer to Kubrat Pulev to face Tyson Fury, with a view to the winner gaining ownership of the IBF’s mandatory challenger status. I don’t believe the bout would be sanctioned by the IBF as an eliminator, due to that governing body being a stickler for following their own rule-book.

If Fury can’t negotiate bouts against Wilder or Joshua next, then he’ll either have to remain inactive, which will adversely affect the progress he’s made during his comeback or face a world-rated opponent.

There aren’t any world-rated heavyweights in Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn’s stable. And Queensberry’s broadcast partner, Top Rank, only have Kubrat Pulev, Andy Ruiz Jr., Bryant Jennings and Joseph Parker.

The "best" bout to be made, from a commercial and strategic perspective, would be a contest between Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev.

Fury won't fight any eliminator fights or any sanctioned/ordered fights by the governing bodies though. He doesn't need to play that game. He can get a title shot whenever he wants.

For sure, if Tyson Fury’s handlers are willing to compromise, by taking a smaller purse split and also allow rival boxing content providers to stage/televise the bout, then the Brit can indeed easily receive a world title shot whenever he wants.

However, if Tyson Fury wants to be paid his worth and also grant his promoter, Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn, an opportunity to promote and televise his next shot at the world title, then he has to acquire mandatory challenger status and his handlers would also need to win a purse bid.

There is talk of Deontay Wilder facing Dominic Breazeale next and Tyson’s trainer is reluctant to allow his charge to compete again on US soil, which means that Fury may need to face “someone” that is world-class in order maintain his improvement we’ve seen since he started his comeback.

If Tyson Fury beat a fighter like Kubrat Pulev, whilst waiting for a shot at Wilder or Joshua, then he would have beaten a world-class opponent and would very likely receive mandatory challenger status by the WBC and the IBF.

A fight between Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev may never materialise, but it is the one that seems to make the most sense for the Brit.

Can't see it.

If Fury accepts 40% against either Wilder or Joshua he'd probably get the fight if either wanted it.

He'd probably take that than fight Pulev for relative peanuts.

Some guys are just above having to play sanctioning body games.

[ewenhay]

Right now the most likely situation and probably best situation is Wilder vs Fury and Joshua vs Whyte both happening around in April with the winners fighting each other in the summer for all the belts. Obviously the problem with this is it will be Matchroom vs Queensbury or pbc which could cause issues with money and tv rights but it shouldn't be to hard to make. The only other scenario which could happen is Joshua vs Wilder in april but right now that looks unlikely.

i presume Pulev could face Jennings sometime in 2019 as they are both with top rank. Realistically he wont face Anthony Joshua or whoever has the belts till 2020.

Usyk will probably make his debut but i dont think he will face any one great till the end of 2019. Maybe Usyk vs Whyte at the end of 2019.

Ortiz will probably face Joyce sometime in early 2019 which i think would be a very good 50:50 fight

As well as joyce you have Dubios Gorman and Hrgovic all stepping up although i expect Hrgovic to be in the bigger fights sooner.

I think your scenario re the top 3 is more likely

[Enlightened-One]

Fury won't fight any eliminator fights or any sanctioned/ordered fights by the governing bodies though. He doesn't need to play that game. He can get a title shot whenever he wants.

For sure, if Tyson Fury’s handlers are willing to compromise, by taking a smaller purse split and also allow rival boxing content providers to stage/televise the bout, then the Brit can indeed easily receive a world title shot whenever he wants.

However, if Tyson Fury wants to be paid his worth and also grant his promoter, Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn, an opportunity to promote and televise his next shot at the world title, then he has to acquire mandatory challenger status and his handlers would also need to win a purse bid.

There is talk of Deontay Wilder facing Dominic Breazeale next and Tyson’s trainer is reluctant to allow his charge to compete again on US soil, which means that Fury may need to face “someone” that is world-class in order maintain his improvement we’ve seen since he started his comeback.

If Tyson Fury beat a fighter like Kubrat Pulev, whilst waiting for a shot at Wilder or Joshua, then he would have beaten a world-class opponent and would very likely receive mandatory challenger status by the WBC and the IBF.

A fight between Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev may never materialise, but it is the one that seems to make the most sense for the Brit.

Can't see it.

If Fury accepts 40% against either Wilder or Joshua he'd probably get the fight if either wanted it.

He'd probably take that than fight Pulev for relative peanuts.

Some guys are just above having to play sanctioning body games.

I think you need to consider the political barriers that often determine whether bouts can or cannot be made, because:

• ESPN/BT (Queensberry) versus DAZN/Sky (Matchroom)

OR

• ESPN/BT (Queensberry) versus Showtime (PBC)

In the first situation, Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn and Eddie Hearn rarely do business with each other. The UK TV rights would also be difficult to overcome.

For the second situation, even though we’ve seen Fury face a PBC fighter on Showtime, his team are extremely reluctant to face the American again on his home turf in the US. And the only way for Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn to force the bout to be staged in the UK is to win a WBC-mandated purse bid.

This isn’t simply all about Tyson Fury.

Look, I could be wrong and Team Fury could be willing to do anything to secure a world title shot for Tyson, but prior experience tells me that the situation isn’t that simple.

[ewenhay]

For sure, if Tyson Fury’s handlers are willing to compromise, by taking a smaller purse split and also allow rival boxing content providers to stage/televise the bout, then the Brit can indeed easily receive a world title shot whenever he wants.

However, if Tyson Fury wants to be paid his worth and also grant his promoter, Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn, an opportunity to promote and televise his next shot at the world title, then he has to acquire mandatory challenger status and his handlers would also need to win a purse bid.

There is talk of Deontay Wilder facing Dominic Breazeale next and Tyson’s trainer is reluctant to allow his charge to compete again on US soil, which means that Fury may need to face “someone” that is world-class in order maintain his improvement we’ve seen since he started his comeback.

If Tyson Fury beat a fighter like Kubrat Pulev, whilst waiting for a shot at Wilder or Joshua, then he would have beaten a world-class opponent and would very likely receive mandatory challenger status by the WBC and the IBF.

A fight between Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev may never materialise, but it is the one that seems to make the most sense for the Brit.

Can't see it.

If Fury accepts 40% against either Wilder or Joshua he'd probably get the fight if either wanted it.

He'd probably take that than fight Pulev for relative peanuts.

Some guys are just above having to play sanctioning body games.

I think you need to consider the political barriers that often determine whether bouts can or cannot be made, because:

• ESPN/BT (Queensberry) versus DAZN/Sky (Matchroom)

OR

• ESPN/BT (Queensberry) versus Showtime (PBC)

In the first situation, Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn and Eddie Hearn rarely do business with each other. The UK TV rights would also be difficult to overcome.

For the second situation, even though we’ve seen Fury face a PBC fighter on Showtime, his team are extremely reluctant to face the American again on his home turf in the US. And the only way for Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn to force the bout to be staged in the UK is to win a WBC-mandated purse bid.

This isn’t simply all about Tyson Fury.

Look, I could be wrong and Team Fury could be willing to do anything to secure a world title shot for Tyson, but prior experience tells me that the situation isn’t that simple.

If the money is big enough and the fighters want it rival promoters will work together. There are plenty of examples of this happening in the past

[Enlightened-One]

Can't see it.

If Fury accepts 40% against either Wilder or Joshua he'd probably get the fight if either wanted it.

He'd probably take that than fight Pulev for relative peanuts.

Some guys are just above having to play sanctioning body games.

I think you need to consider the political barriers that often determine whether bouts can or cannot be made, because:

• ESPN/BT (Queensberry) versus DAZN/Sky (Matchroom)

OR

• ESPN/BT (Queensberry) versus Showtime (PBC)

In the first situation, Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn and Eddie Hearn rarely do business with each other. The UK TV rights would also be difficult to overcome.

For the second situation, even though we’ve seen Fury face a PBC fighter on Showtime, his team are extremely reluctant to face the American again on his home turf in the US. And the only way for Fɍȁnk Wȁɍɍȅn to force the bout to be staged in the UK is to win a WBC-mandated purse bid.

This isn’t simply all about Tyson Fury.

Look, I could be wrong and Team Fury could be willing to do anything to secure a world title shot for Tyson, but prior experience tells me that the situation isn’t that simple.

If the money is big enough and the fighters want it rival promoters will work together. There are plenty of examples of this happening in the past

OK, we’ll see how the situation pans out.

Assuming Fury can’t negotiate bouts against Wilder or Joshua next, then he’ll inevitably have to face “someone”. So we'll have to wait and see who that is.

I think it’ll be Kubrat Pulev, based on the Queensberry-Top Rank broadcaster partnership, but I could be proven wrong.

[DrDuke]

I expect The Gypsy King to take his win in Wilder rematch. Joshua will be likely to repeat knocking Whyte out meanwhile. Then in the case of Eddie and Anthony not bitching about contract issues The Gypsy King will take his belts back from Joshua. It will be great, if in that time all those Millers, Breazeales, Kownackis and Pulevs scrap each other to determine a more explicit contender.

[oogiebe]

I expect The Gypsy King to take his win in Wilder rematch. Joshua will be likely to repeat knocking Whyte out meanwhile. Then in the case of Eddie and Anthony not bitching about contract issues The Gypsy King will take his belts back from Joshua. It will be great, if in that time all those Millers, Breazeales, Kownackis and Pulevs scrap each other to determine a more explicit contender.

Dr Duke,
I write this post with the intent of complimenting you on a rational post of your own. Unfortunately I can't agree with the first half, but damn do I agree with the second part. Let the rest of the 'contenders' sort things out by fighting rather than politics.

Thank you,
Oogiebe

[DrDuke]

I expect The Gypsy King to take his win in Wilder rematch. Joshua will be likely to repeat knocking Whyte out meanwhile. Then in the case of Eddie and Anthony not bitching about contract issues The Gypsy King will take his belts back from Joshua. It will be great, if in that time all those Millers, Breazeales, Kownackis and Pulevs scrap each other to determine a more explicit contender.

Dr Duke,
I write this post with the intent of complimenting you on a rational post of your own. Unfortunately I can't agree with the first half, but damn do I agree with the second part. Let the rest of the 'contenders' sort things out by fighting rather than politics.

Thank you,
Oogiebe

Yeah, all those guys are shouting out, how big they are as contenders. But how is it possible, when all of them are around the top? The elimination isn't completed.

[oogiebe]

I expect The Gypsy King to take his win in Wilder rematch. Joshua will be likely to repeat knocking Whyte out meanwhile. Then in the case of Eddie and Anthony not bitching about contract issues The Gypsy King will take his belts back from Joshua. It will be great, if in that time all those Millers, Breazeales, Kownackis and Pulevs scrap each other to determine a more explicit contender.

Dr Duke,
I write this post with the intent of complimenting you on a rational post of your own. Unfortunately I can't agree with the first half, but damn do I agree with the second part. Let the rest of the 'contenders' sort things out by fighting rather than politics.

Thank you,
Oogiebe

Yeah, all those guys are shouting out, how big they are as contenders. But how is it possible, when all of them are around the top? The elimination isn't completed.

What's going to be great in 2019 is seeing the talented newbies begin to make some real noise. Dubois; Joyce; Hrgovic; Dychko; Ajagba (maybe); even Gorman. It should provide a fresh look by end of the new year! Can't wait!

[Enlightened-One]

Here’s how things currently stand:

• If Deontay Wilder doesn’t face Tyson Fury or AJ next, with the prospects for either bout taking place considered very doubtful, then he’ll have to perform a mandatory defence of his titles against Dominic Breazeale.

• Eddie Hearn has confirmed that there’s an 80% chance that Anthony Joshua will face Dillian Whyte in April.

• Ben Davidson doubts that there’ll be an immediate rematch between his charge and Deontay Wilder. He doesn’t want Tyson to compete on US soil and if the venue for the rematch was the UK, then the event will be staged in a stadium during the summer months. He goes on to say that Fury would need to engage in an interim bout beforehand, rather than being inactive for roughly six months.

• Bob Arum has confirmed that Kubrat Pulev will almost certainly be competing “in a very significant” event during March 2019 and is definitely “willing to risk the mandatory position…” rather than sit on the side-lines waiting for his 2020 title-shot opportunity to face AJ.

Assuming the Wilder-Fury rematch takes place during the summer months, with the venue being a stadium located in the UK, then the Queensberry-Top Rank broadcast partnership will need to find opponents around March for both Tyson Fury and Kubrat Pulev.

The most likely options for Pulev and Fury are: Bryant Jennings; Andy Ruiz Jr.; Joseph Parker; or each other. The Bulgarian and the Brit won’t be matched against journeymen-calibre opposition.

[oogiebe]

If Miller vs TBA in three weeks is any indication, it'll be a long year.

[Mexi-Box]

If Miller vs TBA in three weeks is any indication, it'll be a long year.

If it's Miller/Usyk, it'll be a short year with Usyk likely fighting AJ and beating him.

[jamamb]

usyks not beating aj

[Mexi-Box]

usyks not beating aj

Just like Korobov wasn't beating Charlo (or even competitive), Murat was a top 10 fighter over Hooper, and Arroyo wouldn't be competitive with Cuadras.

Why not call it quits at this point?

[jamamb]

lmao hooper, really ya omg he really proved everyone wrong by barely surviving the guy iced in 1 by buatsi and battered by eubank

hey, no one gets them all right, but usyk aint beating aj

also pretty sure i never said that arroyo wouldnt be at all competitive with cuadras

[Mexi-Box]

lmao hooper, really ya omg he really proved everyone wrong by barely surviving the guy iced in 1 by buatsi and battered by eubank

hey, no one gets them all right, but usyk aint beating aj

He's lasted longer thus far than Murat, the guy you said was substantially better, who just lost to a nobody. As I said, you need to lose that certainty because it blows up in your face so much.

Do you really think AJ is outboxing Usyk? AJ has shown his power isn't incredible when he fights guys that don't stand in front of him. He couldn't stop cold Takam (who Povetkin iced) or Parker. He was also getting beat up and outboxed by old man Povetkin.

[jamamb]

lmao hooper was just terribly hurt , down twice, and nearly stopped by a nobody who couldnt go past 1 vs buatsi or win a round vs eubank, i would still easily take murat to beat quinlan easier then that and its not clear at all that hooper would beat sven or murat. he barely beat quinlan. strange that you want to rank hooper as some top lhw. you must think eubank jr is some sort of phenom then

ajs power is very very good, hes stopped all but 1 opponent and put down takam too. pretty much everyone, even the best punchers, have someone go the distance or have someone who someone else stopped faster. usyks not unhittable and its a totally different game vs far bigger men who hit far harder and can hit him from further out. aj f@cking flattened povetkin btw even if pov stopped takam harder

aj aint no tony bellew son