The good news is that heavyweight boxing has reached an attractive point where the stakes are higher than ever. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk Close to undisputed title fight and former champion match on May 18th anthony joshua It stands out impressively.
As for the question of where that leaves all the other strongmen…
“Every heavyweight other than the names Fury, Usyk and Joshua are marking time right now,” says Hall of Fame matchmaker bruce trampler The top ranker said. “They need to continue to fight and be ready when the time comes.”
That's how you find the top-ranked heavyweights Efe Ajagba (19 wins, 1 loss, 14 KOs) Guido Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs) Saturday night in the co-main event on ESPN television. Jared Anderson–Riad Mary The heavyweight main event took place at American Bank Arena in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Vianello, 29, strengthens his position in the rankings of the four sanctioning bodies as Usyk, 37, Fury, 35, and Joshua, 34, focus on elite-level competition and approach retirement. I feel the time has come. Year.
“Guido wanted to get a shot at the name, but Efe was in that position like any other top-10 player and was saying, 'What else do I have to do?'” Trump said. Ra said. “I won't be able to bite into a big apple for a while.”
Ajagba, also 29, will face the imposing Nigerian who is currently ranked 4th in the WBC, 9th in the IBF and 11th in the WBO.
“Guido stepped up and told him he wanted to fight a top-10 fighter,” Trampler said. “He wasn't looking for wins or sure wins. He has a career to worry about.
“So we gave him a chance to go after someone important. Guido's win moves him closer to the top.”
The 6-foot-6 Vianello, a former Italian Olympian from Rome, went 7-0 in his first 18 months as a pro, but his 2020 game against Rome ended in a disappointing draw. Kingsley Eve Top Rank Bubble and Loss in January 2023 Jonathan Rice, in which he suffered a cut near his eye in the sixth round, and the referee sent the bout to the scorecards in the seventh round. Since then, Vianello has won twice, most recently by first-round knockout in February.
If Vianello defeats Ajagba, Trumpler said his next opponent could be Jared Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs). As for Ajagba, he cannot fight Anderson for now as they are promotional teammates.
Ajagba said something could happen between the fragmented sanctioning bodies, given the Fury vs. Usyk rematch clause and the possibility of Joshua emerging as a participant in a title fight that requires an opponent. I am aware that I am interested in improving my rankings.
With an 85-inch reach, Ajagba is especially terrifying when wearing a stocking hat.
Still, Trumpler likens him to the former heavyweight champion. sonny liston and joe lewisthey struck fear into their opponents inside the ring, but were actually fun and chatty in their social circles.
“When I see Efe, I can't help but think, 'I don't want to see her in the alley,'” Trumpler said. “But if you've ever met him, he's a really sweet guy and someone who takes pride in being a sportsman and an athlete.”
