With the British heavyweight scene witnessing a huge rise in popularity and big matches such as Dillian Whyte versus Lucas Browne and Anthony Joshua against Joseph Parker just around the corner, some would argue we are on the cusp of a golden age in the division.

Joshua and Parker will clash on March 31 in Cardiff's Principality Stadium with four world titles on the line in one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year. 

But before that Whyte and Browne will go head-to-head on Saturday in a bid to secure a number one contender's spot for a crack at Deontay Wilder's WBC world title. 

The clash will take place at the O2 Arena in London, providing Browne with an opportunity to re-establish himself as a top contender at the age 38. 

Standing in the Australian's way is Londoner Whyte, who is currently leading the race to face Wilder. Although, that could very easily change if Browne is able to land heavily enough.

 

Leading up to this crucial encounter, both fighters were asked to serve up who they think are the top five British heavyweight competitors currently on the scene. 

First up is Whyte, who ranked Joshua in first and then himself at second. Tyson Fury, Tony Bellew and David Haye then round up his top five.

"Anthony Joshua should be No 1. He's got the titles at the minute. I should be No 2. I'm the highest ranked heavyweight across the board, outside the world champions. I've been actively fighting," he told Sky Sports.

"I've fought everyone there is for me to fight in Britain. I've never turned down a fight. My world ranking should be higher as well. I'm ranked across the board - IBF, WBO, WBC, WBA.

"Tyson Fury is a former world champion, but the reason why I rank him at No 3, he hasn't been active. He hasn't fought for two years.

"Tony Bellew has only had one heavyweight fight. He beat David Haye but he's still not a proper heavyweight. Haye just lost to Tony Bellew and has been fairly inactive as well. He has to prove himself again against Bellew on May 5."

On Lucas Browne's list, Joshua is also in at number one but is followed by Fury, Haye and Dereck Chisora with his next opponent Whyte just scraping in at five.

The 38-year-old said: "Joshua is active and performing. He's got three of the belts, so he's top of the tree. Fury, just because of who he is. He's been inactive, which is why he's not No 1. He's 6'9'' and has a hell of a reach.

"Haye is a hard one because you just don't know anymore. But he's shown, and proved he can perform. He couldn't do much with an injured Achilles.

"Chisora is crafty. He does little things that you might not notice, from outside the ring. I'll put Whyte at No 5 to give me more credibility! He's got good stamina but, unfortunately, he's under pressure to perform [against me] so he might take chances - I look forward to that."

Throw in the emerging Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce too and there are so many big names to watch out for over the next few years.

Who would make your top five? Let us know in the comments below!