Anthony Joshua in eliminator range for heavyweight title

Anthony Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, has risen two spots in the most recent Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings.

Joshua's rise comes after losing by knockout to Daniel Dubois late last year.

While Tyson Fury is ranked No. 1 despite declaring his retirement in January, Oleksandr Usyk is still in a class above the top 10.

The last time Anthony Joshua fought, he lost to Dubois via knockout at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

Following consecutive losses to Usyk in 2024—the first setbacks of his professional career—Fury made his decision. Many in the boxing community, however, question whether his retirement is permanent.

Bakole was knocked out by Joseph Parker after filling in for Dubois on short notice, while Zhang was halted by a stunning body blow from Agit Kabayel in the sixth round of their WBC interim heavyweight bout.

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Joshua's ascent in the rankings comes after the division underwent major changes.

Bakole, who was once ranked No. 6, is now No. 7, and Zhang plummeted from No. 4 to No. 6.

After his career-best victory, Kabayel climbed to No. 4, and Anthony Joshua is now No. 5 behind Zhilei Zhang, a German boxer.