Boxing’s Heavyweight Showdown: Fury vs. Usyk in Riyadh

Boxing’s Heavyweight Showdown: Fury vs. Usyk in Riyadh

Boxing fans, brace yourselves for a colossal clash this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The stage is set for a rematch that promises to be nothing short of electrifying as Tyson Fury aims to reclaim his throne against Oleksandr Usyk. This bout is not just about the unified heavyweight championship; it’s about settling scores and proving supremacy in the boxing world. The fight will be broadcasted at 2 p.m. ET on DAZN PPV, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

When Usyk triumphed over Fury via a split decision back in May, he didn’t just win a match; he made history. Usyk became the undisputed champion in a second weight class, having already conquered the cruiserweight division. This victory catapulted him to the No. 1 spot in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, a testament to his prowess and skill in the ring.

This year has been monumental for boxing, thanks in part to Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. His efforts have unified various factions within the sport, bringing fans the matchups they’ve longed to see. As a result, ESPN’s ranking of the top 100 men’s fighters has seen significant shifts, with new champions like Daniel Dubois and Sebastian Fundora making their mark.

While these rankings are subjective, they consider a fighter’s accomplishments, current form, talent, potential, and that all-important eye test. Some fighters just have that undeniable presence in the ring.

Editor’s note: To be eligible, boxers had to fight at least once in 2024 or, in rare instances, have a fight scheduled for 2025.

1. Oleksandr Usyk, 37, WBA/WBO/WBC heavyweight champion

Record: 22-0, 14 KOS
Last fight: May 18 – W, MD12 vs. Tyson Fury
Next fight: Dec. 21 vs. Fury
Previous ranking: No. 3

Usyk’s ascent to the top of the boxing world was solidified with his victory over Fury, marking the best win of his career. To maintain his position, Usyk must once again face Fury in the upcoming rematch. His previous victories over Anthony Joshua had already established him as a formidable heavyweight, but defeating Fury added a Hall of Fame-worthy achievement to his résumé.

Usyk’s ability to hurt Fury was particularly impressive. In their last encounter, Usyk unleashed a barrage of 14 unanswered punches in Round 9, nearly stopping Fury. If Usyk can remain undefeated against both Fury and Joshua, his legacy will be legendary. His knockout win over Daniel Dubois last summer has only grown in significance, especially after Dubois stopped Joshua in September.

2. Naoya Inoue, 31, undisputed junior featherweight champion

Record: 28-0, 25 KOs
Last fight: Sept. 3 – W, TKO7 vs. TJ Doheny
Next fight: Jan. 24 vs. Sam Goodman
Previous ranking: No. 2

Naoya Inoue, known as “The Monster,” continues to dominate the 122-pound division. His blend of speed, power, and precision has earned him a place among boxing’s all-time greats. Inoue’s upcoming fight against Australia’s Sam Goodman on Christmas Eve will be his fifth consecutive bout at this weight class.

Inoue’s achievements in the ring are unparalleled, having won titles in four divisions and becoming an undisputed champion at both bantamweight and junior featherweight. Although he hasn’t fought in the U.S. since June 2021, Inoue plans to return to Las Vegas in 2025. A potential showdown with his countryman, Junto Nakatani, at the Tokyo Dome could be his toughest challenge yet.

3. Terence Crawford, 37, WBA junior middleweight champion

Record: 41-0, 31 KOs
Last fight: Aug. 3 – W, UD12 vs. Ismail Madrimov
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 1

Terence Crawford’s recent struggle against Madrimov saw him fall from the top spot. Despite being heavily favored, Crawford eked out a decision in a fight that was closer than expected. His lack of activity has been a hallmark of his career, with 2019 being the last year he fought more than once.

Crawford has expressed his intention to retire after a few more fights, potentially making this his final year in the ring. A dream fight with Canelo Alvarez is being discussed for May in Las Vegas. If Crawford can move up two weight classes and defeat Alvarez, it would elevate his legacy to new heights. However, if the Canelo fight doesn’t materialize, no obvious superfights are on the horizon.

4. Artur Beterbiev, 39, undisputed light heavyweight champion

Record: 21-0, 20 KOs
Last fight: Oct. 12 – W, MD12 vs. Dmitry Bivol
Next fight: Feb. 22 vs. Beterbiev
Previous ranking: No. 7

Artur Beterbiev continues to defy age and injuries, maintaining his dominance in the light heavyweight division. Despite undergoing knee surgery this summer, Beterbiev looked as strong as ever in his October fight against Bivol. He turns 40 before their rematch, but there’s no reason to doubt his ability to perform at an elite level.

Beterbiev’s legacy as a first-ballot Hall of Famer and all-time great light heavyweight is secure, regardless of the outcome of his rematch with Bivol. With just 21 pro fights under his belt, Beterbiev has managed to preserve his body and extend his career.

5. Dmitry Bivol, 34, light heavyweight

Record: 23-1, 12 KOs
Last fight: Oct. 12 – L, MD12 vs. Artur Beterbiev
Next fight: Feb. 22 vs. Beterbiev
Previous ranking: No. 4

Dmitry Bivol’s controversial majority decision loss to Beterbiev left many fans and analysts believing he deserved the win. Bivol built an early lead but faded in the later rounds, allowing Beterbiev to secure the victory. The rematch in Riyadh offers Bivol a chance to even the score and add another Hall of Famer to his list of victories.

Bivol’s previous triumph over Canelo Alvarez in May 2022 earned him the title of ESPN’s Fighter of the Year. A win over Beterbiev in their upcoming rematch would further solidify his status as one of the top fighters in the division.

6. Canelo Alvarez, 34, WBA/WBC/WBO super middleweight champion

Record: 62-2-2, 39 KOs
Last fight: Sept. 14 – W, UD12 vs. Edgar Berlanga
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 5

Canelo Alvarez remains boxing’s biggest draw, consistently attracting massive audiences for his fights in Las Vegas. However, his 2024 campaign was underwhelming by his standards, with lopsided decision wins over Jaime Munguia and Berlanga. With David Benavidez now at 175 pounds, a matchup with Alvarez seems unlikely.

The only potential superfight for Alvarez is against Terence Crawford. If that fight materializes, it would be a blockbuster event, drawing fans from around the world.

7. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, 24, WBC junior bantamweight champion

Record: 21-0, 14 KOs
Last fight: Nov. 9 – TKO3 vs. Pedro Guevara
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 11

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez has emerged as the next great fighter in the 115-pound division, following in the footsteps of Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. Rodriguez’s 2024 campaign has been his best yet, highlighted by a seventh-round KO of Juan Francisco Estrada and a third-round TKO of Guevara.

Rodriguez’s superb balance, punch placement, and southpaw jab make him a formidable opponent in the ring. As he continues to rise through the ranks, fans can expect more exciting performances from this young talent.

8. Gervonta “Tank” Davis, 30, WBA lightweight champion

Record: 30-0, 28 KOs
Last fight: June 15 – W, KO8 vs. Frank Martin
Next fight: March 1 vs. Lamont Roach
Previous ranking: No. 8

Gervonta “Tank” Davis is one of boxing’s most electrifying finishers, known for his powerful southpaw counter-punching. His recent eight-round KO of Frank Martin showcased his star power and ability to deliver thrilling performances.

Davis’s upcoming fight against Lamont Roach, originally scheduled for December, has been postponed to March. While the matchup may not be the most exciting, Davis remains a top draw in the sport, and fans eagerly await his next marquee opponent.

9. Junto Nakatani, 26, WBC bantamweight champion

Record: 29-0, 22 KOs
Last fight: – W, TKO6 vs. Petch CP Freshmart
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 18

Junto Nakatani has quickly risen through the ranks, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division. Under the guidance of trainer Rudy Hernandez, Nakatani has developed into a well-rounded fighter with serious knockout power.

A potential showdown with Naoya Inoue at the Tokyo Dome would be a historic event in Japanese boxing, and fans are eager to see how Nakatani fares against one of the sport’s greatest talents.

10. Tyson Fury, 36, heavyweight

Record: 34-1-1, 24 KOs
Last fight: May 18 – L, SD12 vs. Oleksandr Usyk
Next fight: Dec. 21 vs. Usyk
Previous ranking: No. 10

Tyson Fury finds himself in unfamiliar territory as he prepares for his rematch with Usyk. Having never lost before, Fury is determined to avenge his defeat and reclaim his status as one of the best heavyweights in history.

Fury’s showboating in their previous encounter may have cost him the fight, but he has vowed to take the rematch more seriously. A victory over Usyk would further cement Fury’s legacy as a legendary heavyweight.

11. Devin Haney, 26, junior welterweight

Record: 31-0, 15 KOs
Last fight: April 20 – NC vs. Ryan Garcia
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 6

Devin Haney’s 2024 campaign was marred by controversy, as his fight with Ryan Garcia ended in a no contest due to Garcia’s positive test for a banned substance. Despite being floored three times, Haney’s performance against Garcia was impressive, showcasing his resilience and skill.

A rematch with Garcia is one of the most anticipated fights in boxing, and fans are eager to see how Haney bounces back from this challenging year.

12. David Benavidez, 27, WBC interim light heavyweight champion

Record: 28-0, 24 KOs
Last fight: June 15 – W, UD12 vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk
Next fight: Feb. 1 vs. David Morrell Jr.
Previous ranking: No. 17

David Benavidez has made a successful transition to the 175-pound division after dominating at 168 pounds. His upcoming fight against David Morrell Jr. on Feb. 1 promises to be his toughest test yet, and a victory would position him for a shot at the winner of the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch.

13. Teofimo Lopez Jr., 26, WBO junior welterweight champion

Record: 21-1, 13 KOs
Last fight: June 10 – W, UD12 vs. Steve Claggett
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 9

Teofimo Lopez Jr.’s career has been a rollercoaster, with impressive victories followed by lackluster performances. His recent win over Steve Claggett was unimpressive, but talks of a potential fight with Jaron “Boots” Ennis at 147 pounds could reignite his career.

14. Vasiliy Lomachenko, 36, IBF lightweight champion

Record: 18-3, 12 KOs
Last fight: May 12 – W, TKO11 vs. George Kambosos Jr.
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 13

Vasiliy Lomachenko’s future in boxing remains uncertain, but his dominant performance against George Kambosos Jr. in May proved he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. A potential superfight with Gervonta Davis was discussed but ultimately fell through as Lomachenko contemplates retirement.

15. Shakur Stevenson, 27, WBC lightweight champion

Record: 22-0, 10 KOs
Last fight: July 6 – W, UD12 vs. Artem Harutyunyan
Next fight: Feb. 22 vs. Floyd Schofield
Previous ranking: No. 14

Shakur Stevenson is in need of a standout performance after two consecutive wins that failed to excite fans. His upcoming fight against Floyd Schofield on Feb. 22 presents an opportunity for Stevenson to showcase his skills and set the stage for future matchups with elite opposition.

16. Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 27, IBF welterweight champion

Record: 33-0, 29 KOs
Last fight: Nov. 9 – W, UD12 vs. Karen Chukhadzhian
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 19

Jaron “Boots” Ennis has been steadily climbing the ranks at welterweight, but he needs to secure marquee matchups to reach the next level. A potential fight with Teofimo Lopez would be a significant step in that direction, as Ennis aims to unify the welterweight division.

17. David Morrell, 26, WBA “regular” super middleweight champion

Record: 11-0, 9 KOs
Last fight: Aug. 3 – W, UD12 vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic
Next fight: Feb. 1 vs. David Benavidez
Previous ranking: No. 23

David Morrell’s move to 175 pounds in August resulted in a shaky decision win over “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic. His upcoming fight against David Benavidez on Feb. 1 will be a defining moment in his career, with the winner positioned for a title shot against the victor of the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch.

18. Kenshiro Teraji, 32, WBC flyweight champion

Record: 24-1, 15 KOS
Last fight: Oct. 13 – W, TKO11 vs. Cristofer Rosales
Next fight: TBA
Previous ranking: No. 22

Kenshiro Teraji continued his dominant run in 2024 with victories in Japan, defending his 108-pound title and capturing a 112-pound title in October. A potential unification fight with Seigo Yuri Akui could be on the horizon in 2025.

19. Israil Madrimov, 29, junior middleweight

Record: 10-1-1, 7 KOs
Last fight: Aug. 3 – L, UD12 vs. Terence Crawford
Next fight: Feb. 22 vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Previous ranking: No. 86

Israil Madrimov delivered a breakthrough performance in his first loss, a razor-thin decision to Crawford. His athleticism and footwork gave Crawford fits, and Madrimov is set to face Vergil Ortiz Jr. on Feb. 22, a fight that promises to be a thrilling contest.

20. Sebastian Fundora, 26, WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion

Record: 21-1-1, 13 KOs
Last fight: March 30 – W, SD12 vs. Tim Tszyu
Next fight: TBA vs. Errol Spence Jr.
Previous ranking: No. 91

“The Towering Inferno” Sebastian Fundora stands out with his dizzying size for a 154-pounder. After a major upset KO loss to Brian Mendoza last year, Fundora bounced back with a decision victory over Tim Tszyu in March. His upcoming fight against Errol Spence Jr. will be a marquee event, showcasing Fundora’s skills on a grand stage.

As we look forward to these exciting matchups and the continued evolution of boxing’s top fighters, it’s clear that the sport is in a dynamic and thrilling phase. With new champions emerging and established stars defending their titles, boxing fans have much to anticipate in the coming months.