British Trainer Lists Top 10 Opponents for Usyk: Joshua Only 10th
10 Nov
British trainer Barry McGuigan has compiled his own top-10 list of the most desirable opponents for Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed Heavyweight champion. He used the Ring Magazine rankings as a reference, where Tyson Fury occupies first place — although Fury has announced his retirement and has not fought since 2024.
McGuigan says he does not fully agree with that ranking and offers his own version.
“No.1 – Fabio Wardley. He deserves this spot. Wardley was losing to Joseph Parker, but as I predicted, he found a way to win.
No.2 – Moses Itauma. A southpaw with lightning-fast hands. Itauma is the most exciting prospect on the planet. He punches accurately and with power, and the combination of speed and strength creates an explosive mix. Can he handle late rounds? Can he absorb the shots of elite heavyweights? Those questions remain open.
No.3 – Agit Kabayel. An undefeated fighter with tremendous toughness. Maybe he lacks that “spark” that makes a champion, but he is durable and solid — which makes him dangerous for anyone.
No.4 – Joseph Parker. A technical, pedigree fighter. He has come back from defeats before — maybe he will do it again. Some saw conspiracy theories in his win over Wardley. I didn’t. The referee’s work saved him from bigger trouble, and he may one day be grateful for that.
No.5 – Daniel Dubois. Vulnerable, but very powerful. He has the strength to beat anyone — as he showed in the brutal dismantling of Joshua. And he is still young enough to come back.
No.6 – Tyson Fury. Does he still have the desire and fire to return? If yes — he can still beat anyone. But there are doubts about his motivation.
No.7 – Filip Hrgovic. Big, athletic, with good punching power. The loss to Dubois 16 months ago was a setback, but two convincing wins since then put him back in the race.
No.8 – Zhilei Zhang. He has proven to be extremely tough and on the right night can trouble anyone. Huge, with fast hands — that makes him dangerous.
No.9 – Martin Bakole. It’s possible his best days are behind him. He lost heavily to Parker in February and looked too heavy. But if he cuts weight — he can revive his career.
No.10 – Anthony Joshua. We’ll see what next year brings, but the loss to Dubois seems to have ended his chances of becoming a three-time world champion. Though never say never,” McGuigan wrote.
Earlier, British analyst Gareth A. Davies explained why the reported joint training between Usyk and Joshua may complicate attempts to make a trilogy between them.