Heavyweight rankings: A deeper look at the top five

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 22: Tyson Fury enters the ring prior to the Heavyweight bout for Wilder's WBC and Fury's lineal heavyweight title against Deontay Wilder on February 22, 2020 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder celebrates after knocking out Luis Ortiz in the seventh round of their title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 23, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) /

3. Deontay Wilder

Wilder very well may be the second-best heavyweight in the world, and I would favor him against Joshua, but the last we saw him he got dismantled by Fury, and lost his belt. On top of that, Joshua avenged his loss to Ruiz, and is again a unified champion.

Wilder’s resume is not quite as good as Joshua’s or Fury’s, but it is very solid. He has some wins against Luis Ortiz (twice), Dominic Breazeale, and Bermane Stiverne among others.

On top of the solid resume, the way in which Wilder defeats his opponents is what makes him so intriguing. He has scary power, and his straight right hand is in the conversation for best single punch in the history of the sport.

Fans often attempt to discredit Wilder because his skills are not exactly world-class, but his combination of athleticism, length and power make him a tough out for anyone. His opponents have to be perfect all night to not get knocked out, Wilder only needs to be perfect for one second and he can end any fight against any fighter.

And say what you want about his skills as a boxer, the man was heavyweight champion and his only loss came at the hands of Tyson Fury, who looks like he may end up as an all time great heavyweight champion.

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