Anthony Joshua moves up in latest heavyweight rankings

Despite his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has moved two spots up in the latest Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings.

Anthony Joshua last fought in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium, where he suffered a knockout defeat against Dubois.

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Usyk remains in a class of his own above the top 10, while Tyson Fury is ranked No.1 despite announcing his retirement in January.

Fury’s decision came after back-to-back losses to Usyk in 2024, the first defeats of his professional career. However, many in the boxing world doubt his retirement is permanent.

Read Also: Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua determined to become heavyweight Champion again

Joshua’s rise in the rankings follows significant shifts in the division. Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole suffered defeats in Saudi Arabia on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol II undercard.

Zhang was stopped by a devastating body shot from Agit Kabayel in the sixth round of their WBC interim heavyweight clash, while Bakole was knocked out by Joseph Parker after stepping in on two days’ notice as a late replacement for Dubois.

Bakole’s last-minute decision saw him endure a 3,800-mile journey from Congo to Saudi Arabia, taking three connecting flights. His bravery was widely praised, but the defeat cost him his IBF final eliminator status and a drop in the rankings. Previously ranked No.6, Bakole has now dropped to No.7, while Zhang fell from No.4 to No.6.

Kabayel surged to No.4 following his career-best victory, with Anthony Joshua now positioned at No.5 behind the German fighter Zhilei Zhang. Parker and the remaining heavyweights retained their original rankings.

Latest Ring Magazine Heavyweight Rankings:
Tyson Fury
Daniel Dubois
Joseph Parker
Agit Kabayel
Anthony Joshua
Zhilei Zhang
Martin Bakole
Filip Hrgovic
Fabio Wardley
Efe Ajagba

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.



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