DEONTAY WILDER can build on the momentum Tyson Fury has injected into the heavyweight division in January when he makes a voluntary defence of his WBC world title.
Fury and Wladimir Klitschko are set to fight each other again in May or April, meaning the charismatic American must meet a different dancing partner before a potential unification fight.
We’ve listed five men who could fit the bill. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
5. Lucas Browne
The big Aussie has not thrilled with his performances yet nor has he scalped any major names, however he continues to walk through most of his opponents and is highly ranked by several governing bodies. Wilder would be a significant step up in class but Browne clearly has the sort of power which could trouble the champion.
4. Kubrat Pulev
Blitzed by Klitschko last year, Pulev as won two on the bounce since then in a bid to rebuild himself. Though the opposition has been limited, he’s looked just as technically sound and physically strong as he was before Klitschko wrecked him.
3. Anthony Joshua
Like it or not, Joshua is the most marketable name on this list. The 2012 Olympic champion may only be 14 fights into his professional career but he is already considered one of the division’s top talents. He’s also ranked No 2 in the world by the WBC, meaning he could easily be granted a shot at Wilder.
2. Vyacheslav Glazkov
The unbeaten Ukrainian has risen to prominence recently as the man who could see Tyson Fury lose his recently-acquired IBF strap, given the governing body’s insistence on granting their mandatory challenger his shot. He is a class operator and would pose a serious threat to Wilder, although it seems he intends to continue down his IBF route – though more money could dissuade him.
1. Alexander Povetkin
Povetkin is, of course, Wilder’s mandatory and so could feasibly just wait for Deontay to make his voluntary defence first. But there’s no time like the present. The Russian is clearly the most attractive opponent for Wilder outside of Fury and Klitschko and the fight could be a fascinating blend of styles given their differences in stature but similarities in power and aggression.
