Wilder vs Bakole? The top 5 fights to make at Heavyweight

With Oleksandr Usyk solidifying his position of 'King of the Heavyweights' following his stoppage of Daniel Dubois in round 5 and reclaiming undisputed status, the path to the top seems somewhat unclear currently.

Many top heavyweights have called out the champion but who actually deserves the shot and what have the rest got to do to earn it?

We have reviewed the rankings and determined the top 5 fights that can currently be made at heavyweight:

5) Bakole vs Wilder

27th June 2025 marked the return of the Bronze Bomber to the ring as he looks to rise to the top and reclaim his world title. In true Wilder fashion, a 7th round TKO saw off opponent Herndon. Fuelling the fire of the comeback. The now 39 year-old is inevitably nearing retirement and will need to fast track his way back into the top fights.

Pictured: Wilder in Wilder vs Fury III

Since being labelled the 'Bogeyman' of the heavyweight division following the devasting finish dealt to Jared Anderson in August 2024, things have taken a sour turn for Martin Bakole as he has failed to live up to the hype since. In a very admirable move, Bakole agreed to step in to fight leading heavyweight contender Joseph Parker on 48 hours notice. A move that could have placed Bakole right at the front of the queue for title contention. However, one that instead left his stocks shattered. Being outclassed and then finished inside 2 rounds. Bakole did not shy away following this and proceeded with his scheduled fight against Efe Ajagba just 3 months later. Another disappointing fight resulting in a draw. It is unlikely that any name currently solidified at the top would take the risk of fighting Bakole currently. Therefore, he will need to find a way to put his name back on the map.

Pictured: Martin Bakole knocks down Ihor 'Hulk' Shevadzutskyi

This fight is perfect for the current position of both fighters and would certainly grab the attention of fight fans. A risky fight for both which could result in retirement for one or rebuild for another, yet the rewards far outweight the consequences. Two fighters with immense power and devasting KO percentages. You can almost certainly say that this fight won't go the distance.

4) Dubois vs Okolie

Two fighters who have openly expressed their friendship but in boxing these are the challenges you have to face. A lot of scrutiny has been faced by both fighters on the back of their previous bouts at Wembley on July 19th. With Dubois heavily battered for 'quitting' and 'partying' whilst Okolie quite harshly labelled 'boring to watch' by many fans given his impressive KO ratio. Whether you agree with these views or not, it is clear that both fighters have some redemption to do if they want to rebuild their following.

Pictured: Daniel Dubois hits the canvas following impressive Usyk display

Despite the current reputations of both fighters, I think this would be the perfect match. Styles make fights and with such conflicting styles. Okolie likes to be at range with his punches, often throwing simple straight combinations which has proved very effective given his long reach. Which some deem to be dissatisfying to watch. On the oppiste Dubois, acts on the front foot applying pressure to his opponent early and has all the power to finish the fight in one punch. This provides an interesting dynamic to the fight and would surely see one of the figthers having to readjust their style to counteract, with this more likely to be Okolie. Both clearly possess great power and this really has the potential for some great exchanges if Dubois was to mount the pressure early.

3) Wardley vs Kabayel

I expect that this pick may divide opinion as many think Kabayel is deserving of a title shot but I think these two are in pretty much the same place currently. Kabayel currently holds the Interim WBC belt whereas, Wardley holds the interim WBA belt so both very much in line for a title shot and a fight between them would certainly decide who is to be next. It is hard to compare the resumes as they are very similar in terms of level of opponent.

Pictured: Fabio Wardley stops Justis Huni in the 10th round

In his last fight, Fabio Wardley took to the stage in an electric atmosphere in his hometown Ipswich. What appeared to be a night to forget for Wardley as the talent of Justis Huni was showcased ended in remarkable fashion. As Wardley dealt a devastating overhand finishing his opponent in the 10th round. A sight we have become accustomed to seeing with Wardley now, with a brutal knockout of Frazier Clarke in the 1st round which left viewers visibly disturbed. Now boasting an impressive 18 KOs in 20 fights, Wardley poses a real threat to the elites in the division offering a different challenge with his one-punch power.

Pictured: Agit Kabayel claims the vacant WBC iterim belt following his stoppage win over Zhilei Zhang

Agit Kabayel is the 'talk of the town' in boxing at the moment as many believe he is ready to face the challenge of Oleksandr Usyk. Off the back of a victory against 41 year-old Zhang this seems potentially a step too optmistic currently. Since making a name for himself in December 2023 in Riyadh where he put Makhmudov down 3 times, Kabayel has enjoyed two solid victories against strong opponents in Zhilei Zhang and Frank Sanchez. A key to his success has largely been attributed to his body shots and some feel this is what makes him a serious contender for Usyk who can be susceptible to a body shot.

Perfect for a Riyadh setting, this fight has the potential for several twists. The undeniable skill of Kabayel sets him a strong favourite to secure the victory and the body shots could really slow Wardley down and prevent his heavy counters. But as Wardley has proved time and time again when the odds are stacked against him he can pull it out of the bag with one punch.

2) Usyk vs Parker

Can anyone defeat the Ukrainian? The now 3-time undisputed champion has reigned supreme over both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions and appears to be running out of actual contenders. In May, Usyk stated he only had 'two fights' remaining (including the Dubois rematch) and if that is to be true he may opt for a more lucrative option with a 3rd fight with Tyson Fury at Wembley on the cards.

Pictured: Joseph Parker celebrates defeating Deontay Wilder

In world boxing right now, it is hard to argue that anyone else deserves a title shot more than Joseph Parker. Since defeat to Joe Joyce in 2022, a remarkable comeback was initiated. A historic night in Riyadh saw Parker secure a unanimous decision against Deontay Wilder before surviving two knockdowns to securer a majority decision win over Zhilei Zhang just 4 months later. Setting up a title eliminator against Daniel Dubois. Though, just 48 hours prior to the fight Daniel Dubois pulled out with illness. Instead of using this as an opportunity to take an easier fight, Parker took a fight against the 'Bogeyman' of the division Martin Bakole despatching him within 2 round. Somewhat, controversially Daniel Dubois was given the title fight against Usyk before Parker which seems harsh given he pulled out. However, now surely is time for Parker.

Pictured: Oleksandr Usyk crowned undisputed heavyweight champion for the 2nd time

It's hard to imagine what more Oleksandr Usyk can do in boxing. He has become the first boxer to be undisputed in both cruiserweight and heavyweight and looks unstoppable currently. His skill level is far superior to his counterparts and he has solidified himself as one of the GOAT's of boxing. Usyk has made lightwork of the heavier boxers who rely more on power and pressure than skill and speed including the likes of Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua. His closest fights of recent have come against Tyson Fury who is much quicker and sharper on his feet.

Of recent, Joseph Parker has looked sharp, lighter on his feet and much harder to hit. Providing the potential for a much more contentious bout with the champion than the likes of Dubois and Joshua. However, if Parker hopes to dethrone I think he will need a stoppage as Usyk really knows how to turn up the heat in the later rounds.

1) Fury vs Joshua

The Battle of the Brits: Will it ever take place? This would undoubtedly be the most significant British boxing match we've ever witnessed, likely breaking viewership records. These two fighters have been instrumental in peaking interest in British boxing and boast two of the largest fan bases in the sport. Fans have long been eager to see this matchup, but various complications have always stood in the way. Could this finally occur in their final fights?

Pictured: Anthony Joshua knocks Francis Ngannou out in Riyadh

Anthony Joshua comes in off the back of a shock defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley on his return fight to the UK. Since then, Joshua has taken some time out from boxing to recover from elbow surgery. Recently marked Joshua's 12th year as a Matchroom boxer and in a heartfelt message he seemed to suggest that this would be his last stating "twelve years later I will throw my last punch with you". There are several lucrative options on the table for AJ with suggestions of a match with Jake Paul heavily reported with purse figures you couldn't possibly imagine the ceiling for. It remains unclear currently what route he will choose but certainly a fight with Fury sounds the more appealing to fans.

Pictured: Tyson Fury defeats Dillian Whyte to retain his world titles

Tyson Fury has recently announced, in a move that many anticipated, that he will return to boxing after his fifth retirement in January. The 'Gypsy King' dominated the heavyweight division for years, showcasing one of the most remarkable and inspiring comebacks, participating in one of the best trilogies, and consistently providing entertainment. His career has encompassed it all. Fury will be returning following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

This one has been long in the making and has been talked about by both fighters for many years. With Wembley the perfect setting, there is sure to be in excess of 90,000 british fight fans creating an electric atmosphere. Both revel in this atmosphere and this would be sure to transmit to the ring setting the tone for a great fight.