Anthony Joshua may not have long to wait before he gets another crack at heavyweight world titles
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are locked in for a May 18 undisputed showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The unbeaten world champions have signed a two-fight deal, leaving many to believe there would be a long wait for another fighter to challenge for the belts.
Anthony Joshua has had a near-perfect couple of years in the ring. Since losing his rematch to Usyk in 2022, the Watford warrior has revitalised his career, racking up four straight wins, including three stoppages.
His most recent outing saw him face off against UFC Legend, Francis Ngannou. After the Cameroonian’s performance against Fury in December, many thought ‘AJ’ would have a tricky night ahead of him.
However, mirroring the ‘AJ’ of old, the 34-year-old put on a terrifying display in Riyadh. Knocking Ngannou out cold in the second round, with two prior knockdowns leading up to the stoppage.
With Joshua appearing to be firing on all cylinders, he may not have to wait for his chance to challenge for the undisputed title.
Turki Alalshikh took to Instagram, posting a hopeful message for all of Joshua’s supporters.
The post showed a photo of ‘AJ’ and Alalshikh, accompanied by a caption reading; “We are waiting for the result of Usyk vs Fury.”
If the Saudi Advisor’s statement is true, Filip Hrgovic will be made to wait for his chance to face off against the former unified title holder. Joshua and Hrgovic looked ready to face each other later this year, likely for the IBF title, after the sanctioning body seemed ready to strip the winner of Usyk vs Fury of the strap.
If the speculation is true, British boxing fans will be hoping Fury can pull through against Usyk next month, setting up one of the most highly anticipated British contests in boxing history.