If Usyk retired today, who would emerge as the next boss of the division?

I voted Joshua, but not with any certainty (and even if so, it wouldn't be for long).

Hrgovic might beat him, and even if Joshua wins he's not the youngest so could begin to fade. I think Opetaia and even Dubois if he keeps improving might be in with a shout too.

Further on, there is a very good prospect in Moses Itauma, still young but IMHO will make some waves.

 

Opetaia, Jalolov, Hrgovic

 

Alot of those guys are on their way out IMO. Parker has looked phenomenal in his last 2 performances but is no spring chicken himself. I'd like to see him get an oppurtunity at Usyk or try to avenge his loss to AJ at some point before he calls it a day.

 

Opetia is too hittable at the moment. He isn't Usyk in terms of elusiveness. Opetia can definetely pick up a heavyweight belt but dominance? Maybe. He will need to improve his defense significantly.

Joshua might but he only has a handful of big fights left in him. Parker is excellent but doesn't have major weapons so he isn't going to have any easy fights and each tough fight will take a lot out of him. He will be in the mix though.

Zhang is too big/overwight and too old though he will remain dangerous.

I vote Hrgovic. Young enough with a strong chin, solid fundementals, good power and good work rate. Joshua might beat him atm but Hrgovic can go a long way regardless.

I need to see more of Kabayel vs top opponents before making an argument.

Jalolov has talent but needs to stop amateur nonsense and start fighting good opponents.

Overall, there are a lot of Prince's. Kings? No one stands out at the moment.

 

It would be wide open. I don’t think any of those guys would be able to become undisputed. We’ll know more after Hrgovic-DuBois, as those two may have the best chance. Jai I’m not so sure about as he gets touched too easy. Joshua is on a roll, albeit against inferior competition. Could be a dedicated Fury.

 

I'd like to see it too, but Usyk would have to be declined majorly for Parker to beat him.

The styles favor Usyk so strongly - Parker will stand there and try to outbox him rather than impose his size and weight.
Parker's handspeed is similar to Usyk's, but in every other department (neglecting size, power and weight) he is inferior - variety, southpaw, stamina, and most importantly footwork. It will be a pretty clear UD for Usyk I think.

 

Probably Joshua honestly I'd make him a favourite over any of the other Heavyweights not named Usyk.

I still think Fury/Joshua need to fight to decide who really is the number 2 Heavyweight of this era.

 

A.J. would. No doubt.

 

Joshua would go on a run again, Joshua beats everyone but Usyk.

 

Hrgovic...

 

Whether Usyk retires or not(he should), the next king is going to be AJ, and he will reign for 1-2 years, as he is not the youngest, and soon will start declining fast as well.

 

Joshua beats everyone except Usyk right now, realistically.

Fury's getting on a bit and might well not fight again - or at least not against the guys vying for the belts.

Parkers 32, has more years left and presumably takes over.


The division drops off an absolute ****ing cliff after that.

Hrgovic has beaten only one noteworthy fighter - who's 2-2-1 against top 200 ranked fighters... A good win but that's way too thin a resume to be banking on as a future champ.

PLUS - Hrgovic is less than 6 months younger than Parker... Who is far more proven and far more experienced - unless Joe leaves the scene early, he'll be a solid impediment for Filip the whole way along.

Jalolov shows no interest in truly going pro, has no real professional accompliments and... Is still only 2.5 years younger than Parker - is he good enough to overcome a massive experience deficit? No signs as yet.

Dubois right now looks like a likely future champ...
How far into the future is unclear, but he's 26, arguably not even prime yet, and already far more experienced in the pro arena than guys like Hrgovic and Jalolov who are 3-5 years older than him.


Immediately, though, the answer is clearly Joshua.