The landscape at heavyweight appears to be changing.
A host of new fighters are making their way up the rankings, and they’ll want to occupy the top spots that are currently owned by the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Anthony Joshua.
With several of the aforementioned names approaching the end of their careers, who is ready to step into their positions?
Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke meet for a second time on October 12, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, and they’ll certainly fancy their chances of becoming the next huge heavyweight star.
Here, DAZN looks at several names who could emerge over the next year or so.
- Read next | Beterbiev vs. Bivol: Darren Barker, Joseph Parker and Ariel Helwani pick their favourites for showdown
Fabio Wardley
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
The Ipswich heavyweight has looked the part so far in his professional career capturing domestic honours whilst also looking menacing.
The only dent on his record came in 2024 when he was held to a draw by Frazer Clarke despite dropping his opponent, but he has the chance to put that right later this month.
Bulldozing his way past the likes of Nathan Gorman and David Adeleye, Wardley has been a staple at this level for a number of years now, but he must beat Clarke to advance further.
A frequent training partner of Dillian Whyte, this experience has been key for Wardley as he looks to emulate the man who has fought for a world title.
Possessing a no nonsense attitude, Wardley's biggest strength is his actual strength and he uses that advantage to get close to his opponents before landing big shots.
Wardley has long been earmarked for success and with Frank Warren now backing him, enormous fights could be fast approaching.
Frazer Clarke
The 2020 Olympic medallist finally arrived on the big stage earlier this year when he participated in one of the best fights of the year against Fabio Wardley.
Frazer Clarke demonstrated he had a huge heart as he climbed off the canvas to rescue a draw against his domestic rival.
Before the Wardley fight, Clarke's rise had been a slow one and there was some concern he was being left behind.
After proving his worth against his British rival, Clarke's future suddenly looks brighter and he seems set to be part of the mix for a long time.
With plenty of experience in the unpaid code, Clarke has the pedigree to box opponents, but he's proven that he can also have a fight if the situation requires it.
The rematch is next, and Clarke will want to jump into the world class bracket if he can past the Ipswich man.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
|---|
|
Bakhodir Jalolov
The outstanding Uzbek may have delayed his pro career to focus on Olympic glory, but now could be the time for his world title push.
Possessing 14 stoppages from as many fights since turning professional in 2018, Bakhodir Jalolov’s paid adventure has been sidetracked by claiming Olympic medals.
Fighting out of southpaw stance, Jalolov is a nightmare opponents, but he also has the power to go with his unorthodox stance.
As an amateur, Jalolov scored big wins over several current heavyweight prospects including Frazer Clarke and Richard Torrez Jr. It's almost certain both of his former rivals will be on his radar.
With the division opening up, this could be the perfect time for Jalolov to strike.
Richard Torrez Jr
Richard Torrez Jr’s Olympic silver medal in 2020 was something of a small shock, but the Californian heavyweight hasn't put a foot wrong in the pro game so far.
America likes to back a young heavyweight and following the recent setbacks of Deontay Wilder and Jared Anderson, could Torrez Jr be the man?
If his early days as a pro are anything to go by then the answer could be yes.
Building a good profile in his homeland, Torrez Jr is blazing his way through the rankings and it's likely a big fight is around the corner.
With fast hands and an eagerness to get close to his opponents, Torrez Jr could become the division's most entertaining fighter.
Kept busy since making his debut in 2022, Torrez Jr is being guided nicely by Top Rank and 2025 could be the year where he makes his mark.
Moses Itauma
(Getty Images)
Is 2025 too early for Moses Itauma to have a major say in the heavyweight division?
A big part of Frank Warren’s thriving heavyweight stable, Itauma has plenty of time on his side at the age of 19, but can he make history by becoming the youngest heavyweight champion?
If so, that would mean the London star has surpassed Mike Tyson, but his prospects shouldn't be pinned on overtaking the great New Yorker.
Neglecting a shot at big prizes in the amateur game, Itauma is learning on the job and his time under Ben Davison has seen him witness Anthony Joshua up close.
Itauma may be young, but he looks to have a wise head on his shoulders and his showings so far have demonstrated many qualities.
British fight fans have been spoiled by great heavies in recent years, is Itauma set to be the next star?
Watch Wardley vs. Clarke 2 on DAZN
Watch Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke 2, plus the whole Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol fight card on DAZN Pay-Per-View, which also includes Chris Eubank Jr, Jai Opetaia, Ben Whittaker and Skye Nicolson all fighting.
The PPV is priced at £19.99 for UK viewers. To purchase and find the prices in your region click here .
Purchasing the PPV includes a seven-day free trial of all of DAZN's programming across a range of sports.
DAZN is home of boxing, showing over 150 fights a year, broadcasting a variety of boxing programming - press conferences, weigh-ins, exclusive interviews, documentaries and much more - week in, week out, 52 weeks a year from all around the world, in all divisions, at all levels.
DAZNMore Boxing
- Boxing full schedule and calendar
- DAZN's upcoming Boxing shows
- Boxing rankings
- Boxing champions list in every division
- Fighter profiles and highlights
- How do weight classes work?
- What are the major boxing titles?
- How is boxing scored?