Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0, 14 KOs) successfully defended his WBC Light Heavyweight title against Doudou Ngumbu, but the contest left many unsatisfied. In the fifth round, Ngumbu was unable to continue due to what appeared to be a calf injury.
Ngumbu wasn’t given a true chance to finish the contest, but it looked as though Gvozdyk was on his way to winning.
The contest was not competitive. At the time of the stoppage only one judge gave Ngumbu a single round. There is no need for a rematch. Instead, Gvozdyk should turn his attention to some of the more dangerous opponents in his division. Take a look at who he should take on next.
Dmitry Bivol
Current WBA Light Heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (16-0, 11 KOs) has been been impressive in his short career thus far. He is widely regarded as the best that the division has to offer.
Oleksandr Gvozdyk on the other hand would beg to differ. With Bivol’s punching power and underrated boxing skills, a match between the two would be action packed.
Fans love to see unification bouts and this one in particular would become an instant classic.
Sergey Kovalev
Sergey Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) was once the boogeyman of the division. It was for good reason. He routinely knocked out his opponents no matter how good they were. At age 36 he has slowed down a bit, but he still has plenty left in the tank.
After his last win over Eledier Alvarez, Kovalev stated that he still wanted all of the titles. Why not start with Oleksandr Gvozdyk? It would be an interesting clash of styles. Who ever wins this matchup would have a legitimate case as to who is the best Light Heavyweight.
Badou Jack
The last time we saw Badou Jack (22-2-3 13 KOs) he was getting beat to a bloody pulp at the hands of Marcus Browne. So why not put Browne in this spot instead?
For as bad as Jack looked that night he is still a two weight world champion who has been in there with the best of them.
One bad night at the office doesn’t mean he is no longer elite. Or does it? Jack against Oleksandr Gvozdyk would give us a good indication of where Jack stands in the division.
It will also tell us more about just how good the current WBC champion is as well. By the way, the matchup in itself would be a good one. Fans should be hoping to see them fight next.
