With Oleksandr Usyk no longer the heavyweight ruler, the next generation of the division is well and truly here, but fan-favourite contender Derek Chisora has declared that there are only two potential candidates who can truly dominate the heavyweight scene at present.
Usyk’s decision to vacate the belts has led to both Murat Gassiev (WBA) and Agit Kabayel (WBC) being elevated to full world champions, whilst a bout to crown a new IBF titleholder has been ordered.
Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois holds the remaining WBO heavyweight world championship and ‘Triple D’ is expected to rematch Fabio Wardley before the end of the year in the attempted first defence of a second reign as world champion.
Another fighter that is tipped for big things is Moses Itauma, who looks to move a step closer to a shot at world honours when he takes on Filip Hrgovic at The O2 Arena in August.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Chisora stated that Dubois and Itauma are the two men that are a level above their heavyweight rivals.
“There is only one person in this generation, right now, who can cause a headache for everybody and that is Moses [Itauma]. Then, I think that Daniel [Dubois] has got rid of his demons [too].
“[There are] them two, but I don’t see anybody else, could be in America, could be in Africa, can be anywhere, I don’t see anybody else troubling those two guys right now. I don’t see anybody.”
Chisora then went on to explain why he believes Dubois can keep up with the highly-rated 21-year-old, stating that Dubois, who is just 28 years old himself, is also continuing to improve.
“Daniel is going to improve, improve and improve and get better and better. So, Moses and Daniel are the guys to watch out for right now – they are the killers of the game.”
Chisora may get his wish as Itauma and Dubois could face off next year, with boxing’s hottest prospect currently positioned as the WBO – and therefore Dubois’ – mandatory challenger.
