This morning, I saw a post that inspired me… Right now, the heavyweight division in boxing seems to be waiting for a fresh spark.
Oleksandr Usyk, with his undisputed reign, sits atop the sport’s premier division, but the excitement and rivalry that once set this weight class ablaze has somewhat faded. It’s time to fire up the machine again.
In my opinion, nothing would reignite the heavyweight flame like an explosive UK vs. USA tournament, featuring the top 10 boxers from each country according to the BoxRec rankings. Similar to what Matchroom and Queensberry recently proposed, this format would revive historic rivalries, unite fans around a clear and competitive concept, and, most importantly, bring new legitimate contenders to the forefront.
Here’s how I would envision the matchups:
Position versus position, from #1 to #10 of each country:
- Daniel Dubois (UK) vs. Michael Hunter (USA)
- Fabio Wardley (UK) vs. Richard Torrez Jr (USA)
- Lawrence Okolie (UK) vs. Jared Anderson (USA)
- Anthony Joshua (UK) vs. Andy Ruiz Jr (USA)
- Tyson Fury (UK) vs. Jarrell Miller (USA)
- Dillian Whyte (UK) vs. Stephan Shaw (USA)
- Derek Chisora (UK) vs. Deontay Wilder (USA)
- Richard Riakporhe (UK) vs. Dante Stone (USA)
- Joe Joyce (UK) vs. Kingsley Ibeh (USA)
- Moses Itauma (UK) vs. Charles Martin (USA)
A tournament like this would shine a spotlight on each nation’s talent pool while giving us a chance to dream about fresh, unexpected matchups. The stakes are clear: prove which nation truly dominates the heavyweight scene today.
My predictions for each fight:
1. Michael Hunter defeats Daniel Dubois:
Hunter is mobile, smart, and durable. I believe his ability to absorb and avoid power shots would neutralize Dubois, who remains vulnerable under pressure. Hunter could surprise everyone by winning on points.
2. Richard Torrez Jr defeats Fabio Wardley:
Torrez fights at a relentless pace and never backs down. Wardley is dangerous on the counter, but his defense is shaky. Torrez could wear him down with constant pressure and score a late stoppage.
Photo: Richard Torrez- Boxing News
3. Lawrence Okolie upsets Jared Anderson:
I see this one as an upset. Anderson is smoother technically, but he struggled against Charles Martin—and especially Bakole. Okolie, who’s bulked up (he weighed 262 lbs in his last fight), could pose major problems with his reach, awkward style, and physical strength.
4. Anthony Joshua defeats Andy Ruiz Jr:
Joshua has learned from his first loss, and Ruiz hasn’t seemed the same since. He’s made a lot of money, and the hunger just doesn’t seem there anymore. Joshua is more disciplined now, and I think he’d win clearly by decision.
5. Tyson Fury stops Jarrell Miller:
Fury is still too complete, too crafty, too big. Miller brings volume, but he’s never faced a boxer with Fury’s intelligence and movement. I believe Fury would stop him before the final bell.
6. Stephan Shaw knocks out Dillian Whyte (uppercut in Round 6):
I’m going with emotion on this one… I’m really not a fan of Whyte, due to his multiple failed drug tests. Shaw has talent, and I’d love to see him land a perfect uppercut in the 6th. I want to see him shine.
7. Derek Chisora knocks out Deontay Wilder:
Yes, you read that right. I believe Wilder’s best days are behind him. Chisora, despite his age, is still capable of creating chaos. If Wilder can’t end it early, I see Chisora wearing him down, tiring him out, and stopping him in a messy, classic “Del Boy” exchange.
Photo: Derek Chisora – Boxing News
8. Richard Riakporhe defeats Dante Stone:
Stone is tough, but Riakporhe has more experience, more physical tools, and better ring generalship. He could control the pace and win by decision or late stoppage.
9. Joe Joyce defeats Kingsley Ibeh:
Ibeh is still learning. He’s picked up lessons from his fights with Anderson and Vianello, but he lacks top-level experience. Joyce, despite his slow style, is a steamroller. This is too much, too soon for Ibe.
10. Moses Itauma defeats Charles Martin:
Itauma has youthful fire and is starting to settle into the pro ranks. Martin has experience, but I don’t think he has the motivation or conditioning to handle pressure from a hungry young lion like Itauma.
Photo: Charles Martin – Premier Boxing Champions
Out of these 10 fights, I predict 6 wins for the UK and 4 for the USA.
And you? What are your predictions? Team UK or Team USA? And above all, which boxers would come out victorious in these matchups? I’m curious to read your analysis!
