Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has rediscovered the killer instinct that made him famous and has quickly regained his status as a top-three heavyweight contender, and now AJ has a big update on his chances of becoming world champion again in his next fight.
Oleksandr Usyk made history with his legendary win over “The Gypsy King” after beating Tyson Fury to become the first unbeaten quadruple heavyweight champion in boxing history. However, the IBF was patiently waiting to strip the Ukrainian of his belts after he lost his bout to mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovich.
As a result, there was much expectation that the vacant IBF World title would be on the line in the upcoming heavyweight showdown between Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois.
However, at the press conference for Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall II, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn explained that Usyk's win may have caused complications for the belt, and the short gap between the two fights meant Joshua would instead fight the winner of Hrgovic vs. Dubois for the vacant belt.
“To be honest, it's all happening a little too quickly. It's been difficult to make a decision. [by] I'm not sure about next Saturday [that the IBF title will be on the line].
“If it were Tyson Fury, I think Frank Warren has a close enough relationship with Fury to have a direct conversation with him and say, 'Tyson, you're going to have to give up this belt. Can you do it now so these guys can fight for it?' I would have to have that conversation with Alex Klashuk and Usyk, but it might not happen anytime soon.”
“One thing is for sure, the next time Usyk fights, the IBF Anthony Joshua Gets Big Update On Fighting For World Title In Next Fight It won't be in his hands, but when it becomes available, it will be left to lawyers and email correspondence.
“Yes, the winner of Dubois vs. Hrgovic is definitely the favorite to fight Anthony Joshua next, but honestly, you never know what's going to happen.”
Hrgovic vs. Dubois will compete in a fascinating 50/50 showdown on Saturday, June 1 as part of the Matchroom vs. Queensberry card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Joshua is rumoured to headline a card at Wembley Stadium in September, likely to face the winner of Hrgovic-Dubois, but could also face long-time rival Deontay Wilder if the American defies the odds and beats Zhang Zierei next weekend.
Elsewhere on the card, Nick Ball takes on Raymond Ford for the WBA featherweight title, Hamza Sheeraz takes on Amo Williams in an intriguing bout and Willie Hutchinson goes head-to-head with Craig Richards in a battle of all British fighters.
Finally, with Artur Beterbiev withdrawing due to injury, Dmitry Bivol will defend his WBA light heavyweight title against the unbeaten Malik Zinad.
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