The last decade in heavyweight boxing has been a thrilling rollercoaster, marked by epic battles, stunning upsets, and the rise and fall of champions. This period has seen a renaissance in the heavyweight division, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. As we reflect on the top heavyweights of the last decade, several names stand out for their skill, power, and ability to captivate audiences inside and outside the ring.
Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King's Reign
Tyson Fury, known as "The Gypsy King," has been a defining figure in heavyweight boxing over the past decade. His remarkable comeback story, from battling mental health issues and a significant weight gain to reclaiming the world heavyweight title, is inspirational. Fury's undefeated record, highlighted by his victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to claim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles, and his epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder, have solidified his place as a boxing legend. His agility, unorthodox style, and charismatic personality have made him a fan favorite and a dominant force in the division.
Anthony Joshua: Olympic Champion to World Champion
Anthony Joshua's rise from Olympic gold medalist in 2012 to becoming a unified heavyweight world champion has been meteoric. Joshua's impressive knockout power and athletic prowess have seen him capture the IBF, WBA (Super), WBO, and IBO titles over the decade. His memorable fights, including a stunning victory over Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 and his comeback win against Andy Ruiz Jr. in their rematch, have cemented his status as one of the era's greats. He has just come off the back of an incredible run of form over the last 12 months and a remarkable knockout over last weekend and fans have started betting him in the latest markets to topple Fury in the much anticipated future clash.
Deontay Wilder: The Bronze Bomber's Knockout Reign
Deontay Wilder, known for his devastating right hand, has been one of the most exciting knockout artists of the decade. The "Bronze Bomber" defended his WBC heavyweight title ten times, a testament to his power and dominance. His trilogy with Tyson Fury, particularly their dramatic draw in 2018 and Fury's victory in their 2020 rematch, showcased Wilder's ferocity and heart, earning him a place among the heavyweight elite.
Wladimir Klitschko: The Last Emperor
Although the latter part of Wladimir Klitschko's career fell at the beginning of the decade, his influence and legacy continued throughout it. Klitschko dominated the heavyweight division for over a decade, making him one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. His reign over the heavyweight division set the stage for the new generation of
champions, and his epic battles with Fury and Joshua were passing-of-the-torch moments that rejuvenated the heavyweight scene.
Andy Ruiz Jr.: The Unexpected Champion
Andy Ruiz Jr. etched his name in boxing history by becoming the first boxer of Mexican heritage to win a heavyweight title when he shocked the world by defeating Anthony Joshua in June 2019. Despite losing their rematch, Ruiz's victory remains one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, highlighting the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.
Conclusion
The last decade in heavyweight boxing has been a golden era, with titans like Fury, Joshua, Wilder, Klitschko, and Ruiz providing unforgettable moments that will be talked about for generations. Their rivalries, resilience, and remarkable achievements have not only defined their careers but have also revitalized the heavyweight division, reminding us why boxing is known as the "sweet science." As we look to the future, the legacy of these heavyweights ensures that the division remains in good hands, promising more excitement, drama, and history-making fights.
