The Heavyweight Division has really been dominated in recent years by the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury And Deontay Wilder. But now that they are in their 30s it will be interesting to see how much longer they continue to box at that highest level! I still believe the likes of Fury and Joshua could dominate for years to come, but that’s not to say we could get another upcoming heavyweight to potentially challenge them.
In this boxing list blog I wanted to look at 10 boxers who are 30 and under who could potentially one day challenge or even win a world title at heavyweight. All the boxers on this list are 30 or under from when I published this video.
I have based this list off current activity, achievements and current record from when I published this list. Some of the fighters are yet to have a real challenge at heavyweight, but I wouldn’t be surprised if many of them end up putting themselves in a good position soon.
Read on to see the full list or watch below:
1. Jared Anderson
The youngest on this list is the young American heavyweight Jared Big Bay Anderson who is currently fighting under Top Rank banner. As an amateur he put on some convincing displays which won him the 2017 and 2018 U.S. National Championships.
So far he has a 100% KO record and he definitely looks like a prospect that has the potential one day to challenge or even win a world title.
2. Daniel Dubois
The Brit is probably regarded as one with the greatest potential on this list to eventually get a shot or win a world title. As an amateur, he was a five-time national junior titleist and British champion. Since turning pro at 19 he has blasted through his opponents and is known for his incredible punching power with a current 94% KO percentage.
His only defeat came at the hands of Joe Joye where, repeated accurate jabs from Joyce caused Dubois eye to swell causing him to eventually take knee to be counted out
Although this was a huge disappointment for him, it was also a massive learning curve and I believe this only help Dubois as goes into the next part of his career.
3. Fabio Wardley
Another young British heavyweight who still has much potential is of course Fabio Wardley. Having defeated some relatively known former contenders including former Wilder opponent Eric Molina. Wardley has continued to deliver the goods when it comes to stepping up in opposition.
I think Wardley definitely has the potential one day to challenge and is a dark horse on this list.
4. Efe Ajagba
The Nigerian is another favourite on this list and without a doubt has the potential to go all the way in the heavyweight division. As an Amateur boxing amateur he won a gold medal at the 2015 African Games and bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He is also know for the fastest victory in boxing history after his opponent was disqualified for leaving the ring one second.
Despite that weird record, he is in fact a very dangerous heavyweight with tremendous KO power. I recommend you check out my slap hook cross technique video to see my analysis on one his best KO’s to date.
5. Martin Bakole
At 28 the Congolese boxer still has much more potential to eventually push up the heavyweight ranks and challenge for the world title. Bakole originally turned pro in South Africa before moving to the UK soon after where he quickly started to make a name for himself.
He does have some notable names on his record including Mariusz Wach, Kevin johnson Sergey Kuzmin. With his one defeat coming at hands of American Heavyweight Michael Hunter. He still has a lot to do in my opinion, but has proved he can compete and win against the top contender in the division.
6. Joseph Parker
Joseph Parker believe it or not is only 29 from when I posted this list. The New Zealander has in fact already won a world title in 2016 against Andy Ruiz Jr.
Since then Parker has really been one of the best on this list in terms of who he has fought with his only two defeats coming in hands of Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. I do believe Parker is still young enough and can definitely challenge for the world title again due to his experience. However he will need to have another couple of big wins before he gets his chance again.
7. Tony Yoka
The Frenchmen is an Olympic Gold Medalist from the Rio 2016 games where he in fact defeated Joe Joyce. Yoka, however, has not really reached heights of Joyce in the pro game so far as he really took his time since turning pro.
He was once compared as the French Anthony Joshua, he certainly did not live up to the hype yet. Training under world renowned trainer Vergil Hunter, they are clearly taking their time with the former Olympic champion, but at 29 now they need to start moving him along now quicker or he could be left wondering what could’ve been.
8. Filip Hrgovic
The Croatian heavyweight has a hard hitting and meanness streak to him which makes me think he will get an opportunity one day. Finishing with Bronze medal at the 2016 olympic games where he was in actual fact defeated by Yoka. He for me has looked far more impressive in the pros.
He still needs to fight a big name on record, but maybe a fight with Michael Hunter or even a rematch with Tony Yoka would be good options for the Croatian to take him to the next level.
9. Frank Sanchez
The Cuban heavyweight is definitely one of the most talented boxers on this list. while also training with the highly regarded Team Canelo with Eddie Reyenoso. Having watched few times now I really like his use of combination punching and setting up traps to take out his opponent
Fairly unknown before joining Team Canelo, the Cuban has the platform to really excel himself in the years to come. Sánchez is also scheduled to face Efe Ajagba on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III who I mentioned earlier on this list which will be fascinating to see the outcome!
10. Otto Wallin
Finally we have the Swede Otto Walin who really became known after his fight Tyson Fury, where he really ended up giving him one of his toughest fights to date with some dirty tactics.
The Swedish Southpaw Star proved he can challenge with the best and with his most recent win over Dominic Breazeale, I believe that he can put up his hand to compete for the world title again if he gets some more notable names on his record and if the opportunity arises.
Hope you enjoyed this boxing list, let me know in the comments below who you think will challenge or win a world heavyweight title over the next few years. Personally I think Dubois, Ajagba or Sanchez look very promising.
Make sure check out my article on 10 boxers who can take over the welterweight division here.
Thanks for reading!
