The heavyweight division may be the hardest, particularly with the added stress of being labeled a ‘future world champion’ on the weight.
Nonetheless, 5 fighters obtained such a tag heading into late 2023. They discovered the arduous method that these sorts of predictions from promoters and followers may be as merciless as they arrive. Within the final 9 months, a quintet of proficient 200-pound-plus punchers hit the canvas with a bump fairly than lifting a model of the world title above their heads.
For all 5, the rebuilding course of is ongoing; for some, it hasn’t even begun.
World Boxing Information appears at 5 heavyweights who had been branded as world champions solely to be flattened when heading into fights as the favourite getting ready to a title shot.
Joe Joyce
British slugger and Olympic silver medalist Joyce had been treading water for eighteen months ready for his WBO title shot when Chinese language juggernaut Zhilei Zhang blew the Londoner away in three painful rounds. Joyce seemed a shadow of the contender who had positioned himself because the primary ranked problem earlier than Zhang ended that dream in model a 12 months in the past.
Joyce managed to get again to successful methods in March 2024 however was then defeated by wily canine Derek Chisora over the summer season. At this level, Joyce might by no means get his shot at 38 as a battle with Olympic rival Tony Yoka looms on the horizon.
A win towards Yoka, who himself was blasted out of world title competition, received’t be sufficient to push Joyce again into the fold.
Filip Hrgovic
The Croatian was interim champion and being guided to a sure title shot in 2024 till operating into Daniel Dubois. Dubois took Hrgovic out in eight rounds, crushing the possibilities of Hrgovic dealing with Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium this weekend.
Hrgovic is but to announce his return.
Frank Sanchez
The Cuban bulldozed his method by way of the competitors and appeared to be the following huge factor in his native nation. Sadly for Sanchez and his boxing followers, Agit Kabayel had different concepts.
Kabayel took it to Sanchez from the off in Saudi Arabia on the Usyk vs Fury undercard and wouldn’t relent till the battle ended within the seventh following two knockdowns.
At 32, Sanchez has the chance to rebuild and are available once more. Premier Boxing Champions will work on a plan to push Sanchez again into competition, together with a future rematch with Kabayel.
Arslanbek Makhmudov
Holding all of the stature to be a drive within the heavyweight division, the Russian large was on the warpath, having knocked out each one in all his opponents, barring the cussed Carlos Takam.
Pitted towards Kabayel in Saudi Arabia on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ invoice, Makhmudov got here up towards, you’ve guessed it, Agit Kabayel. Makhmudov lasted solely 4 rounds, blaming a damaged hand for the defeat.
After returning to successful methods in Could when blasting Miljan Rovcanin by way of the ropes in his native Canada, it appeared ‘The Lion’ had returned to the combo. It wasn’t to be as Italian stallion Guido Vianello took him out in eight rounds, all however closing out any world championship hopes.
Jared Anderson
Probably the most beautiful upset got here in August on the Riyadh Season debut card in america. After going by way of a turbulent 12 months, Anderson obtained hammered by Martin Bakole in 5 rounds.
Anderson was out of types, to say the least, as he dropped a primary defeat in 18 bouts. Bob Arum and Tyson Fury had labeled Anderson the heavyweight division’s future, solely to observe ‘The Actual Huge Child’ crumble on the first signal of a fringe world-class opponent.
At 24, Anderson can undoubtedly re-fire and go once more, however he must kind out his private life to concentrate on his final objective.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra concerning the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
