US Heavyweight Boxing: Who Are The Main Contenders?

US Heavyweight Boxing: Who Are The Main Contenders?
11:46, 26 Oct 2017

With talk of Anthony Joshua potentially fighting in the United States in the future Jack Wynne decided to look at five Americans that have the credentials to step into the ring stateside with the Briton:

Deontay Wilder

The 32-year-old appears to be the next American Joshua will face, being the current holder of the WBC title.

The Alabama fighter first gained notoriety when he won bronze at the 2008 Olympics and has since showed a prolific streak in the pro ranks, recording 37 knockout victories.

The way Wilder is known dispatching of opponents before the end of matches may well provide an intriguing contest should he face Joshua, who is still yet to be taken the distance after 19 fights.

When Wilder beat Bermane Stiverne to become a world champion back in 2015 he ended an unhappy period for America, becoming the first US heavyweight champion in nine years.

Andy Ruiz

After notching up a record of 104 wins and just eight defeats during his amateur days Andy Ruiz looked to be an exciting prospect ahead of his professional debut.

However, the Californian has never really managed to make an impression at world level, only challenging for a world title once in 30 fights, losing on points against Joseph Parker.

Although the 28-year-old has yet to announce his next opponent after the disappointment of losing to the New Zealander he is still only 28 and so could soon look to challenge for another world title in the near future.

Jarrell Miller

One of the more unorthodox opponents that Joshua might face should he box in America, Jarrell Miller is making good progress in the boxing world despite first being well known for his kickboxing exploits.

The 29-year-old made his professional debut in 2009 and has since won 19 out of his 20 bouts in a boxing ring.

Last time out he went up against former world title challenger Gerald Washington and proved too much for the fellow American, finding the stoppage inside eight rounds.

Looking to see if he can extend his unbeaten streak, Miller will next face off against another well-known name in the heavyweight division, Marius Wach, who lost to Vladimir Klitschko on points in 2012.

Bryant Jennings

Despite nearly 18 months out of the ring after losing to Luis Ortiz in December 2015, Bryant Jennings made a winning return under new promoter Bob Arum, with a comfortable victory over Daniel Martz in August.

Arum has admitted he thinks the 33-year-old has the potential to challenge for world titles with any of the three current champions in the division.

In June 2015 the Philadelphia-born fighter stepped into the ring with Klitschko and despite losing by a unanimous decision he proved a tricky customer for the Ukrainian, who admitted afterwards it was one of his hardest fights in years.

Gerald Washington

Despite only making his professional debut at 30 years of age Gerald Washington still proved to be as ambitious as ever, setting his sights on one day becoming a world champion.

After amassing an 18-fight unbeaten streak the day of reckoning had come as he prepared to do battle with fellow countryman Wilder but the WBC champion had too much and stopped Washington in the fifth round.

Another defeat to Miller just a few months ago in New York put a dent in his chances of challenging once more for a world title and aged 35 he may soon find it too difficult to compete with the younger fighters.

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