The heavyweight boxing schedule now has a jewel in its crown after it was announced that Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua is signed.
The British world champions will meet twice this year to unify the titles – the first time in June or July with an immediate rematch in November or December. It’s expected they will earn around $100million each for the first fight alone.
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There are plenty of other great upcoming fights to look forward on a Friday or Saturday night – including that eagerly-awaited Alexander Povetkin vs Dillian Whyte rematch. Here is the heavyweight schedule as it stands.
Upcoming Heavyweight Boxing Fights
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Boxing Schedule: Heavyweight fighters without a confirmed next fight date
Deontay Wilder (42-1-1): Has not been out since former co-trainer Mark Breland threw in the towel at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to end his WBC heavyweight championship reign on 22 February, 2020. That devastating defat by Fury was his first as a professional, and it was followed by a string of wild allegations and excuses from the Wilder camp. Expected to return soon – Charles Martin has been mentioned as a possible opponent.
Oleksandr Usyk (18-0): Mandatory contender for Joshua’s WBO heavyweight title. Likely though to face Joyce next for the interim title – possibly in April. Should he come out victorious, a shot at the Fury vs Joshua winner should be next.
Joe Joyce (12-0): On a high after bursting the Daniel Dubois bubble to maintain his unbeaten record as a pro. Now ranked #2 by the WBO and likely to face Usyk – possibly in April – for the interim belt. Winner to then face Fury or Joshua.
Luis Ortiz (32-2): His 46-second defeat of Alexander Flores told us little about his remaining elite credentials. 2021 should tell us much more.
Michael Hunter (18-1-1): Returned in December with an easy defeat of Shawn Laughery, and now all the talk is of a likely IBF final eliminator against Filip Hrgovic.
Kubrat Pulev (28-2): At the age of 39, appears to be done at world-title level after a crushing ninth-round knockout at the hands of Joshua in London in December. The road back to those rarified levels may be too long for the tough Bulgarian.
Filip Hrgovic (12-0): Posted another impressive win in early November against the seasoned Rydell Booker. A potential showdown with Hunter for the IBF interim title is intriguing, and a clash with Martin Bakole has also been mooted.
Oscar Rivas (26-1): Has not been out since a July 2019 defeat by Whyte, and has been mentioned as a possible for the WBC’s controversial Bridgerweight division.
Agit Kabayel (20-0): Unbeaten German who had been slated to challenge for Tyson Fury’s WBC belt on December 5, before that date was cancelled.
Tony Yoka (10-0): Put in a decent effort in systematically breaking down Joel Tambwe Djeko en route to a 12th-round stoppage in Nantes. Gradually going through the gears, and gives the impression there is plenty more to come.
Junior Fa (19-1): Lost his unbeaten record but enhanced his reputation in a points defeat by Joseph Parker in Auckland in February. Showed really savvy and ringcraft in that defeat, and frustrated the heavy favourite Parker for long periods. Future appears to be bright after proving his ability to mix it at a higher level.
Carlos Takam (39-5-1): Was mentioned as a possible December 5 opponent for Fury. Another seasoned veteran who should be out again in 2021.
Otto Wallin (21-1): Improved his record with a unanimous decision win over former two-time world title challenger Dominic Breazeale in Uncasville in February. Charting a way to the top he hopes after giving Fury all he could handle back in 2019.
Dominic Breazeale (20-3): Recent defeat by Wallin was his first that did not come in a world-title fight. Exposed at the highest level previously by Joshua and Wilder. Difficult to see him again reaching those heights.
