Dr. Z's top 15 heavyweight prospects

[JEdwards12]

When you all are ready to Update this list. Consider Joshua Edwards representing the US, I’m a tad biased but he put up a great performance against Jalolov in the Strandja Tournament this morning.

[FaustoGeraci]

Saying Hrgovic will beat Fury and would KO Wilder now is an absolute joke. Hrgovic gets destroyed by Jared Anderson right now.

[Boxing 112]

To qualify for the list of prospects, you must be under the age of 35 ( sorry Joyce you are too old) and have not fought for a WBC/IBF/WBA/WBO title.

You must also be undefeated. Okay, everyone got it? I have seen each person at least once. My rankings are a mix of results to date pro potential and accomplishments. Almost everyone is a super heavyweight, some with good skills. The game has changed to big out fighters with long reaches and a lot of power.


1 ) Hrgovic ( Rated inside the top ten by ring magazine ). Age 30

He's big. 6'6'' had great reach 82" and weighs about 245 lbs. He can take a punch. In fact, he took some real zingers from guys who can hit in the amateurs and pro and didn't even have to clinch. Chins are best tested when they are hit by punchers, and how you react to it when hit tells you a lot. Good skills, good hand speed, and very good power. Good heart for battle too. Very accurate punching. A good body puncher too. He can in-fight and likes it. Fresh off his victory over Zhang who would beat most on this list. He was off in that fight. He is ready to graduate from this list as he's now the IBF mandatory. Very likely the next champion. I think he's beat Fury within a year and would TKO Wilder in short order, who has beaten nobody decent and fights a 38-year-old fighter next. A world title belt awaits. He needs to work on a few things though he is not a finished product yet.

2 ) Sanchez ( Rated inside the top ten by ring magazine ) Age 30

He's fast-handed and can fight well. Not a knock-out artist, though, his power is average. 6'4" with a 78" reach he's good enough these days, but the so-so chined Pero beat him three times is the amateurs so he's not an elite level boxer, rather he's is good one. Good on defense, which is semi rare for a heavyweight these days. I don't view his potential as a pro as good as the two fighters below him but I'm listing him here for now because he was fought some competition.

3 ) Bahkhodir Jalolov Age 28. 6'7" tall with an 81" reach. 250 pounds. Oh what potential! Jarolov is a big southpaw who uses a punishing left . His straight left is the best in the game. Top end power is perhaps the second best on the list, which says something. He moves extremely well on legs of steel. Not an in-fighter, though. But with his length, power, speed and skills he doesn't have to be. The type of fighter who uses his legs, height and reach for offense and defense. The gold medal winner of the recent Toyko Olympics is a grade A prospect, which is why I rate him 3rd. In a year, he can be the top prospect sometime in 2023.


4) Arslanbeck Makhmudov Age 33. 6'5" 1/2 " 80" reach 260 pounds. Makmudov is a scary-looking dude and a rare puncher. When he hits guys they are immediately hurt, and unable to clinch or move out the way for the most part. Such are the marks of a true puncher regardless of who he is facing. He's has the best power in the game. And he's intimidating. Skills are only okay. He owns a sick uppercut. His power is so great that he has more than just a puncher's chance. He 33 now, so he should be moved quickly.

5 ) Jarrell Miller. Age 34. 300+ pounds. The first Amerian on the list is already 34 and a two-time PED abuser. He's a big man, fat but can move, and has stamina. His power is only good. A rare in-fighter who can take it. A finished product, with suspensions hanging over him, he must watch his weight.

6) Agit Kabyel. Age 29. 6'3" tall, 235 pounds. Not that big ( by today's standards ) not the fastest, and not that strong, he's your perfect opponent for a title match because he a low risk type. His upside rated lower than most on the list on potential, but he more accomplished than most. Hence he ranks 6th for now. Other guys below him have more professional upside.

7 ) Justis Huni 6'4" 245 estimated reach 77" 245 pounds. Age 23 The World Olympic junior champion. This kid is not your typical limited Samon slugger. He is in fact, a good boxer with better-than-average power. He is quick and young. Skilled he can box. He is not likely to go beyond the top 4 due to his power level.


8 ) Vlad Sirenko Age 27 6'3 1/2" estimated reach 79"/ This good looking by a fighters standard has both fast hands and power. He stepped his competition lately and did just fine. In the amateurs, he was stopped twice, and he does not have a good chin. However, he can get favorable marketing based on his offense and good looks.


9 ) Jared Anderson Age 22 6'4" 1/2 " 78 1/2" reach/ 245 pounds The best American young heavyweight in years. He's big, skilled, and can punch. Being moved fairly quickly. The promoters are salivating over him. Unless I miss my guess, he's going somewhere. Lacks big time amatuertuer sucess. Reminds me a bit of Rid**** Bowe. I think he's the best American prospect in a long time. Look for him to move up the prospect list in a year.

10 ) Mark Petrovski Age 23 6'0 estimated reach 76". 215 pounds. The young Petrocki recently went pro ( 1-0 ) after winning the world super heavyweight amatuer championship. He's a little small for a heavyweight, about 6'0" 215 pounds, but he can fight. And he's got a good chin and heart. He's a has moving/unloading style when he gets inside. He's got quick and accurate hands. Not one to take a step back. He has the right style for his size, but I wonder about his upper potential as a pro vs. the best big men who are all skilled super heavyweights that feature natural height, range, and power these days.

11 ) Ivan Dyhcko Age 32 The very tall and mobile came in 2nd in the world amateurs before turning pro. Can really move and jab losing in the Olympics via margin to Joshua and losing while ahead in the finals of the world amatuer championships to puncher Maijdov, who was a puncher and a multiple world amateur champion that flamed out via TKO loss in the pros. Dyhcko doesn't have bad chin since it was the only time he was stopped b a top puncher. Not a big puncher though, he can move, and he has the reach, as he is tough to outbox. Somewhat comparable to Fury due to his 6'9" height and estimated 84" reach and mobility. Has promotional problems getting the fights he needs.

12 ) Viktor Vykhryst Age 6'6" 235 pounds 81" reach. Age 30. Vkyhryst is a big technical fighter who does everything well but lacks a dominating trait. Good Counter puncher. He was the European heavyweight champion as an amateur. Another super heavyweight who is skilled. Down recently in a fight, so he doesn't have a good chin.

13 ) Gudio Vanellio Age 27. 6'6" 79" reach, 240 pounds. The Italian definitely has fast hands and power. Yet he had trouble in a MD fight vs a nobody. Could lack toughness. When you watch him initially, you are impressed. Well see if he is as impressive when he moves up. I have some reservations about him.

14 ) Stephan Shaw 6'4, 81" reach 235 pounds. Age 32. Shaw is your run in the mill heavyweight prospect. He's not special in any area, though, and had a brief and mediocre amateur career. Not likey to go very far.

15 ) Fabio Wardley 6'5", estimated reach 80" 235 pounds. There aren't any UK based prospects who qualify as prospects these days. Wardley does. He had 14 fights, and can punch. But hes' raw and has no listed amateur fights. Could have used amateur seasoning.


Agree or disagree with the order you can re-arrange it ( mind my rules as stated above in bold type ). Comments in general are welcome as I don't know everything and you might have seen fights I have not.

Final thoughts:

The style of the smaller heavy heavyweight, without top-level power, has been forced out of professional heavyweight boxing. There just aren't any more 6'2" and under boxer types without at least good power as heavyweight prospects. Otherwise, you'd see them. I find just one Joe Frazier type, a swarming in-fighter with good footwork and movement, plus the stamina, chin, and heart necessary for the style, and he's very young. I listed him in the top 15 heavyweight prospects. The rest of the prospects, well most of them are super heavyweights over 6'3" tall and 225 pounds. Boxing sees a need for a new division, the Brider Weight. It's above cruiser weight divson ( 201 lbs ) and ends at 220 pounds. My natural reaction was negative, but the way things are going, it is needed and there might be a lot of good 201-220 pound fights. You certainly will not find many fighters between this range competing at this range in the modern heavyweight division. Otherwise the go for the fame and money given to a world title belt holders heavyweight.

I know you wrote your criteria but Miller in a prospects list is crazy

[Dr. Z]

I know you wrote your criteria but Miller in a prospects list is crazy

I dropped Miller from the list. He is too inactive and a busted for PED tests. See q1 2023 rankings a few posts up in this thread.

[BodyBagz]

These are the dark ages for the HW div

[Dr. Z]

When you all are ready to Update this list. Consider Joshua Edwards representing the US, I’m a tad biased but he put up a great performance against Jalolov in the Strandja Tournament this morning.

I updated the Q1 2023 rankings. Did you see them here? I don't rate amateurs and Joshua Edwards is an amateur only. What was the result and scoring the event vs Jalolov? Edwards is the #1 amateur super heavyweight in the USA. If / when he goes he goes pro may rate among top 15 heavyweight professional prospects. What is his height, weight, reach, and does he have any KO wins?

[Dr. Z]

Updated Q2 2023 rankings coming soon. This will feature new Heavyweight prospects who did not make the cut if my top 15, and perhaps some of the amateur prospects competing in the 2023 in the World Amateur Championships going on now, which IMO is better boxing the the Olympics. Catch the action on your tube. The medal winners make $50,000 - $100,000 dollars. The crowd is very lively.

[Dr. Z]

Updated Q 2 2023 ratings



There have not been a lot of fights since Q1 2023, but I am adding a new face in the rankings.


1 ) Philp Hrgovic ( Rated inside the top ten by ring magazine ). Age 30

He's big. 6'6'' has great reach 82" and weighs about 245 lbs. He can take a punch. In fact, he took some real zingers from guys who can hit in the amateurs and pro and didn't even have to clinch. Chins are best tested when they are hit by punchers, and how you react to it when it tells you a lot. Good skills, good hand speed, and very good power. Good heart for battle too. Very accurate punching. A good body puncher too. He can in-fight and likes it. Fresh off his victory over Zhang, who would beat most on this list. He was off in that fight. He is ready to graduate from this list as he's now the IBF mandatory. Very likely to be the next champion. I think he'll beat Fury within a year and would TKO Wilder a declining Wilder in short order. A world title belt awaits. He may face John Ruiz. He needs to work on a few things though he is not a finished product yet. Rumor to fight Demsey McKean ( 22-0 ) for the IBF title wich should be an early KO for Hrgovic.. Hunter, Ruiz, and Parker already passed on him.

2 ) Bahkhodir Jalolov Age 28. 6'7" tall with an 81" reach. 250 pounds 12-0, 12 Ko's. . Oh what potential! Jarolov is a big southpaw who uses a punishing left . His straight left is the best in the game. Top end power is perhaps the second best on the list, which says something. He moves extremely well on legs of steel and keeps his range. Not an in-fighter, though. But with his length, power, speed and skills he doesn't have to be. The type of fighter who uses his legs, height and reach for offense and defense. The gold medal winner of the recent Tokyo Olympics is a grade A prospect, which is why I rate him 2nd. He won the world amateur super heavyweight tournament in May 2023 recently. In a year, or less he can be the #1 prospect!

3 ) Sanchez ( Rated inside the top ten by ring magazine ) Age 30

He's fast-handed and can fight well. He is not a knock-out artist, though, his power is average. 6'4" with a 78" reach he's good enough these days, but the so-so chined Pero beat him three times in the amateurs so he's not an elite level boxer, rather he's is good one. Good on defense, which is semi-rare for a heavyweight these days. I don't view his potential as a pro as good as the two fighters below him, but I'm listing him here for now because he has fought some competition.

4) Arslanbeck Makhmudov Age 33. 6'5" 1/2 " 80" reach 260 pounds. 16 -0 15 KO's. Makmudov is a scary-looking dude and a rare puncher. When he hits guys they are immediately hurt, and unable to clinch or move out the way for the most part. Such are the marks of a true puncher regardless of who he is facing. He has the best power in the game. And he's intimidating. Skills are only okay. He owns a sick uppercut. His power is so great that he has more than just a puncher's chance. He is 33 now, so he should be moved quickly.


5 ) Gurgen Hovannisyan Age 23 6'7" 270 pounds 81" reach. 4-0, 4 KO's.

Who's very big, looks like a bouncer, has natural charisma outside the ring , uncanny accuracy in the ring, and fast hand's. Oh he can hit hard too. And in-fight or outfight. And his stamina is good, and man can this guy move well for his size. No, I'm not talking about Grossberger from the movie Stir Crazy. The answer is Gurgen Hovannisyan. A former fat boy who achieved a fair amount in a short time in the amateurs, he has transformed his body and really opened my eyes. You just don't see guys string together combinations fluidly as he does at heavyweight. Deceptively flexible. He has been moved quickly and earns my high ranking based on how he has looked. Get to know him!


6 ) Agit Kabyle. Age 29. 6'3" tall, 235 pounds. Not that big ( by today's standards ) not the fastest, and not that strong, he's your perfect opponent for a title match because he a low risk type. His upside rates lower than most on the list on potential, but he was more accomplished than most. Hence he ranks 6th for now. Other guys below him have more professional upside. He will side down the list in time.. I think.


7 ) Zhan Kossobutskiy 19-0 6'3" tall, 235 pounds estimated reach of 77". 19-0, 18 KOs. Age 33. Not that big, fast and just a solid hitter, Kossobutiy has beaten some good amatuer and professional competition. On wins he should rate higher, but on pro potential I'm placing him here. He doesn't hit as hard the numbers might suggest but he does place his punches well. Fights Jarred Anderson next in July 2023.


8 ) Jared Anderson Age 22 6'4" 1/2 " 78 1/2" reach/ 245 pounds. 13-0 13 Ko's. The best American young Heavyweight in years. He's big, skilled, and can punch. Being moved fairly quickly. The promoters are salivating over him. Unless I miss my guess, he's going somewhere. Lacks big time amatuertuer sucess. Reminds me a bit of Rid**** Bowe. I think he's the best American prospect in a long time. Look for him to move up the prospect list in a year. Lack of defense needs improvement. Fights Kossobutsiky next in July 2023.


9 ) Justis Huni 6'4" 245 estimated reach of 77" 245 pounds. 7-0, 4 Ko's. Age 23 The World Olympic junior champion. This kid is not your typical limited Samon slugger. He is, in fact, a good boxer with average power. He is quick and young. Skilled he can box. He is not likely to go beyond the top 4 due to his power level.


10 ) Vlad Sirenko Age 27 6'3 1/2" estimated reach of 79". This good looking fighter's standard has both fast hands and power. He stepped up to his competition lately and did just fine. In the amateurs, he was stopped twice, and he does not have a good chin. However, he can get favorable marketing based on his offense and good looks. He looks to be sliding down as a prosect as others other contenders impress more than he does.


11 ) Mark Petrovski Age 23 6'1 estimated to reach 76". 215 pounds. The young Petroski recently went pro ( 5-0 4 ko's ) after winning the world super heavyweight amatuer championship. He's a little small for a heavyweight, about 6'1" and 220 pounds, but he can fight and punch. And he's got a good chin and heart. He has a moving/unloading style when he gets inside. He's got quick and accurate hands. Not one to take a step back. He has the right style for his size, but I wonder about his upper potential as a pro vs. the best big men who are all skilled super heavyweights that feature natural height, range, and power these days. Appears to be fast tracked with good match making, a sign he is going somewhere.


12 ) Frazier Clake 5-0, 5 Ko's 6'6 " 270 pounds. Estimated to Areach 80 " 31 year old. He beat quality competition as an amateur. He was only stopped once in 93 fights and that one was by Jalolov. He's big, he can box and he can take a punch. This man is going places.


13) Richard Torrez jr. 5-0 5 Ko's. 6'2" 220 pounds. The silver medalists in the Tokyo Olympic games flashed quick hands and good power as a professional. A high IQ fighter for sure and one with an aggressive style. There is something there. Fairly impressive in his last outing.


14 ) Arslan Yallyev . 14-0, 9 Ko's. 6'5'' 245 lbs with an estimated reach of 80" This young Russian big man has been making some noise lately. There must be a factory for these big easten europeans somewhere. Not a ture power hitter though.


15 ) Oleksandr Zakhozhy. Age 29, 6'9" 17-0 13 ko's. The big man has rolled over some of the usual suspects, either knocking them out or easily out-pointing them.




Amatuer stand out: Svetoslav Teterin. This thick Russian fighter is built like a bear, not a body builder. The young man features unusually fast hands for his build, good power and a confronting type of style. Likely has a good chin based on his sturdy build, never being stopped and is tough to move around when hit. He has not gone pro yet. If you think I missed anyone you can nominate him here.


- Dr. Z

A man who has an eye on the heavyweight talent.

[Hotsauce91]

Good thread op

[Ghost Jab]

Thank you, Dr. Z.