TOP 10 HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECTS OF 2020!

With the majority of the current top 10 now well established in the division, Motivedia Boxing look at some of the less well-known heavyweight prospects of 2020 that continue gaining valuable experience in the paid ranks. With each possessing the talent and skills to rise to world title contention in the very near future.

First up, a man who was considered the fastest rising and most popular name on the list. Training out of Brooklyn, Kownacki (20-1) is the 30-year baby face of the heavyweight division, but don’t let his looks deceive you – he packs a huge punch, throws sharp combinations and has an incredible engine. After losing to the Nordic nightmare Robert Helenius, he now faces an uphill battle to get back into the division’s top 10 but could certainly still be a name to look out for.

Also moving towards one of the biggest nights of his career, Daniel Dubois (14-0) in an all British showdown against Olympian Joy Joyce. Originally gaining notoriety for the AJ sparring rumours, the past three years have seen him live up to his ‘dynamite’ monicker, bringing all manner of vicious knockouts and with 4 fights last year, totalling less than 12 round – he will be hoping for an equally destructive 2020.

Next up, a name that may look familiar and if it does it’s because Evgeny Romanov (14-0) was the man who allegedly knocked out Wilder in the amateurs 10 years ago. Turning professional in 2016, Romanov has moved comfortably to 14-0. Though he is yet to fight outside Russia, there are high expectations for the 34 year-old. So much so, we might even see the rivalry reignited in coming years.

Now fighting out of Germany comes another excellently schooled Ukranian to add to the collection, Vladyslav Sirenko (13-0). Renowned for his sparring sessions with Dubois, Usyk, Povetkin and many others, asserting himself on every occasion. Solid fundamentals, work rate and the ability (like his fellow Ukrainian maestros), to fight forwards just as comfortably as backwards – all of this combined with world class punching power.

Another heavyweight who has made a name for himself is Efe Ajagba (13-0). 18 months ago, his opponent Curtis Harper, bizarrely left the ring upon the sound of the opening bell. Whilst this turned out to be a financially motivated decision, just like Dubois, Ajagba upheld the hype which surrounded his name. Just 25 years old with an abundance of sharpness and power, the Nigerian now awaits his first major challenge.

Another rising Russian talent scored his 5th knockout of the year, beating former heavyweight champion Samuel Peter in Montreal. Peter is now 39, so it’s hard to take much away from the victory, but Aslanbek Makhmudov (10-o) is a great counterpuncher with formidable power. He invites his opponents left hand before firing huge overhand rights, something that will make the 30 year-old a danger to anyone he faces.

This fighter also having 10 fights to his name, Filip Hrgovic has progressed through the rankings much quicker than the Russian. Known originally as the man who caused David Haye’s 6 stitch sparring cut – ruling him out of the Fury fight. Hrgovic most recently put away Eric Molina in just 3 rounds and now stands as one of the divisions most hotly tipped prospects.

Another perfect knockout ratio, this time for a well-polished Kazak who trains out of Kissimmee, Florida. Hired as a sparring partner for Wilder’s first clash with Fury, Ivan Dychko (9-0) is a 2-time Bronze medallist and an incredible blend of size and skill. Though his start to the professional game has been marred by matchmaking frustrations, the 6 ft 9 giant looks to turn thing in his favour in 2020.

Tony Yoka (7-0) the man who pipped Joyce to win Olympic Gold back in 2016 is also a huge name to look out for. With troubles of his own, a cloud lives over the Frenchman who faced a year ban back in the summer of 2018 – for missing multiple blood tests. Though stepping up relatively quickly, he already has some solid names on his resume in Wallisch, Dimitrenko and Britain’s Dave Allen.

Last but certainly not least, another decorated Russian amateur – Magomedrasul Majidov. With an Olympic Bronze and 3 World Championship golds to his name, alongside victories over some of the divisions best – including Anthony Joshua in the unpaid ranks. Though now 33 and with just 2 wins in the pro game, you can expect Majidov to start making waves under the Matchroom banner. Another reason that some attention clearly needs to be paid to some of the rising eastern European talents in the heavyweight division.

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