10 heavyweight fights on the horizon

1. Andy Ruiz Jnr vs Anthony Joshua II
   Few would have guessed this would be the must-see heavyweight fight of 2019, but, thanks to Ruiz’s exploits in New York earlier this month, it’s fascinating.
2. Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II
   This is another rematch that needs to happen but it’s hard to imagine it taking place this year. Instead, Wilder and Fury will probably steer clear of one another for at least one more fight before renewing acquaintances next March or April in a sequel that could break records.
3. Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz II
   Wilder has confirmed his next fight will be against Ortiz – the Cuban with whom he went to war last March – but has yet to announce a date or venue.
4. Dillian Whyte vs. Oscar Rivas
   Though overshadowed by other heavyweight fights this summer, the July 20 meeting of contenders Whyte and Rivas is probably, on paper, the best of the bunch.
5. Tyson Fury vs. Jarrell Miller
   In a battle of heavyweights with chequered pasts, Fury and Miller would certainly bring a lot of personality and spite to the table. But Miller getting a fight of this magnitude so soon after those infamous test failures is up for debate.
6. Oleksandr Usyk vs. Carlos Takam
   The heavyweight debut of cruiserweight king Usyk was supposed to have happened by now but was unfortunately delayed due to injury.
7. Joe Joyce vs. Bryant Jennings
   Joyce and Jennings clash on July 13 in London in what is a perfect bit of matchmaking. Joyce, undefeated in nine fights but 33 years of age, isn’t looking to hang around and Jennings, last seen losing to Oscar Rivas, is a good test for any contender on the periphery.
8. Joseph Parker vs. Dereck Chisora
   We’ve grown accustomed to seeing Parker and Chisora fall short in big pay-per-view fights and so it makes sense for them to get together and capitalise on their profiles and popularity. Parker fights Alex Leapai next, while Chisora meets Artur Szpilka. After that, they should talk.
9. Daniel Dubois vs. Nathan Gorman
   This fight takes place on July 13, arguably way ahead of schedule. Dubois and Gorman are 21 and 22 years of age respectively and have a combined 27 pro fights under their belt. They are, however, two of the most exciting heavyweight prospects out there.
10. David Price vs. David Allen
    While it carries little meaning beyond the UK scene, a battle between Price and Allen, scheduled for July 20, is still a fun mix of personalities and styles. They are two of boxing’s good guys and the winner stands to feature in a big fight later this year.