Get ready for an explosive night in London this Saturday! Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is stepping back into the ring to face off against current IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. This highly anticipated match is set for 12 rounds of intense boxing action. Plus, there will be some exciting fights on the undercard leading up to the main event. If you want to catch all the action, it’ll be streaming live on DAZN!
Both Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are among the hardest hitters in boxing’s heavyweight scene. Together, they boast an impressive 45 knockouts out of 49 total wins, meaning they both have the power to end a fight with just one punch.
In boxing, the ultimate aim is to score a knockout, and when these heavyweights start swinging, the chances of that happening increase significantly. Historically, when you think of the greatest punchers in heavyweight boxing, names like Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Sonny Liston usually come to mind.
But who are the top punchers in 2024? Are Joshua and Dubois leading the pack? To figure this out, experts look at several factors, including fight results, knockout ratios, the number of first-round knockouts, and the quality of opponents faced.
Interestingly, neither the current undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk nor Tyson Fury, the man he defeated, made the list of top punchers. This just goes to show that having knockout power isn’t the only thing that matters in the ring—success requires a combination of skills. Still, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a knockout to electrify the crowd!
Top Heavyweight Punchers in Boxing
- Anthony Joshua
- Record: 28 wins, 3 losses (25 by knockout)
- Knockout Ratio: 89.2%
- First-Round Knockouts: 5
Anthony Joshua, often called “AJ,” is a well-rounded fighter who has honed his skills since his days with Team GB. At 34, he’s still a force in the heavyweight division. His jab is a powerful tool that helps him set up various knockout punches, making him dangerous with any shot he throws. His recent knockout of Francis Ngannou showcased just how hard he can hit. Under the guidance of trainer Ben Davison, Joshua remains a major player in boxing.
- Notable Knockouts: Dillian Whyte (KO in the 7th round), Wladimir Klitschko (TKO in the 11th), Alexander Povetkin (TKO in the 7th), Otto Wallin (TKO in the 5th).
- Zhilei Zhang
- Record: 27 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw (22 by knockout)
- Knockout Ratio: 81.5%
- First-Round Knockouts: 12
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 290 pounds, Zhilei Zhang packs a punch that can knock opponents out cold. An Olympic bronze medalist, Zhang may not fight often, but when he does, he delivers powerful strikes. Despite being 41 years old, he proved his strength by defeating heavyweights like Deontay Wilder.
- Notable Knockouts: Deontay Wilder (TKO in the 5th round), Joe Joyce (TKO in the 6th and KO in the 3rd), Scott Alexander (KO in the 1st).
- Daniel Dubois
- Record: 21 wins, 2 losses (20 by knockout)
- Knockout Ratio: 95.2%
- First-Round Knockouts: 5
Daniel Dubois was once seen as the next big thing in British boxing, but he faced a setback against Joe Joyce. He bounced back, recently winning the interim IBF title with a significant victory over Filip Hrgovic. Like Joshua, he uses a powerful jab to set up his right hand, which can knock anyone out.
- Notable Knockouts: Nathan Gorman (KO in the 5th), Kevin Lerena (TKO in the 3rd), Jarrell Miller (TKO in the 10th), Filip Hrgovic (TKO in the 8th).
- Martin Bakole
- Record: 21 wins, 1 loss (16 by knockout)
- Knockout Ratio: 76.2%
- First-Round Knockouts: 7
After a tough loss to Michael Hunter, Martin Bakole came back strong, winning nine fights in a row. His recent knockout of unbeaten American Jared Anderson has put him back on the map as a serious contender in the heavyweight division.
- Agit Kabayel
- Record: 25 wins, 0 losses (17 by knockout)
- Knockout Ratio: 68%
- First-Round Knockouts: 4
While not known for overwhelming power, Agit Kabayel has been effective in the ring. He’s currently on a knockout streak and recently defeated two undefeated fighters. He’s becoming a serious contender and deserves recognition for both his skills and power.
- Filip Hrgovic
- Record: 17 wins, 1 loss (14 by knockout)
- Knockout Ratio: 82.4%
- First-Round Knockouts: 4
Filip Hrgovic has the talent, but he needs more standout wins. Despite losing to Daniel Dubois, he’s still respected as a puncher. His experience from his amateur days helps him deliver powerful combinations.
- Deontay Wilder
- Record: 43 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw (42 by knockout)
- Knockout Ratio: 97.7%
- First-Round Knockouts: 21
Once a dominant force, Deontay Wilder’s recent performances have raised concerns. He hasn’t scored a knockout in his last five fights and suffered significant losses, leading to his drop in ranking. Still, his past knockouts against top fighters like Bermane Stiverne and Luis Ortiz showcase his power.
