Naturally, the heavyweight division draws most of the attention for the average boxing fan and casual gambler. With Anthony Joshua holding three of the main title belts he lays a strong claim as the number one heavyweight. But Tyson Fury is also in the conversation after his resounding win over Deontay Wilder. And as for Wilder himself, he remains in the Boxing betting conversation with just one loss for his career. Then there are strong contenders such as Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz, and Andy Ruiz Jr. In sum, the heavyweights give gamblers and fans much to discuss.
Anthony Joshua
First in the BoxRec heavyweight rankings is Anthony Joshua. “AJ” holds the International Boxing Organization, World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, and World Boxing Organization heavyweight championship belts. His career record is 23-1 with 21 career knockout wins. Joshua is 30 years old and peaking.
Of course, what must bother Joshua is that he is best known for the one fight that he lost. On June 1, 2019, a fill-in by the name of Andy Ruiz Jr. scored a stunning seventh-round knockout win that busted bankrolls throughout the world and shattered Joshua’s unbeatable image. What was most humiliating to Joshua was that Ruiz had the look of a fat slob from a local tavern and burger joint. While the fight inspired millions of men in that condition, it was a blow to Joshua’s perfect image. A rematch was immediately scheduled.
Joshua and Ruiz met for the second time on December 7, 2019, and went the full 12 rounds. Joshua got his belts back after a unanimous decision win.
Next on the slate for Joshua is what is being touted as a “tune-up” fight against Kubrat Pulev. The bout will be for Joshua’s four heavyweight championships and will take place on June 20, 2020. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, home of the EPL soccer team, will be the venue. Now Pulev will enter the fight with a sportsbook record of 28-1 with 14 knockout wins for his career. He is currently ranked eighth in the world.
Tyson Fury
Second-ranked in the world heavyweight division is Tyson Fury. The World Boxing Council world heavyweight title belt now belongs to “The Gypsy King.” Fury has a career record of 30-0-1 with 21 knockout wins for his career.
Accordingly, Fury’s win over Deontay Wilder on February 22 may go down as a mild Boxing Betting upset but it was no accident. Fury handed Wilder the first defeat of his career in a seventh-round knockout. Wilder entered the fight celebrated as the ultimate knockout king but left defeated in that form himself. Concurrently MGM Grand Garden Arena was the venue and a rematch is tentatively scheduled for July of 2020. Fury knocked down Wilder in the third and fifth rounds to further erase any doubts.
So too does Fury have an interesting personal story? He was previously champion but lost his belts not to another boxer but to himself. Substance abuse nearly ended his career, if not life itself. But Fury defeated his demons. In view of his past as well as his engaging personality he has become a boxing icon to millions of fans.
Whether the third fight between Wilder and Fury actually comes off is anyone’s guess. Fury claims to not want a rematch. After all, he felt wronged in his first bout with Wilder which was a controversial split decision against Fury. Specifically, revenge is now his!
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