Joshua may get WBO title chance
Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua could be in line for a shot at the WBO title, as Oleksandr Usyk is expected to relinquish the belt to pursue a unification bout with IBF champion Daniel Dubois.
The WBO has ordered Usyk to defend his title against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, but the Ukrainian heavyweight champion is reportedly prioritising a fight with Dubois instead.
“The WBO is planning to hold a fight between Usyk and Parker, but it will not happen. The Ukrainian is aiming for a fight with Dubois, they will play for three titles,” boxing expert Spencer Oliver said.
“It is obvious that the World Boxing Organization will take its belt from the Ukrainian and make Joseph a full-fledged champion,” he added.
This development could open the door for Joshua to challenge Parker for the WBO belt, despite his recent fifth-round knockout loss to Dubois.
“The New Zealander will enter the ring against Anthony Joshua, the most likely contender for the WBO title. Then we will see a fight between the winners for the title of absolute world champion,” Oliver explained.
“Joshua deserved his chance. He was a two-time heavyweight champion and a symbol of boxing for many years. He lost to Dubois, who was in great shape and put up a great fight. AJ is still a big name in boxing.”
Interestingly, Usyk, who has beaten both British fighters in his career, still rates Joshua higher than Dubois.
“Anthony Joshua is Olympic champion, two-time world champion. Daniel is a young boy, yeah? But Anthony is the best boxer,” Usyk told TNT Sports.
“You cannot compare the two guys. These are completely different types of athletes. The only thing that is in common is that they both are boxers.”
Meanwhile, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed that the British star is only interested in facing either Tyson Fury or a rematch with Dubois next.
“There are only two fights that Anthony is interested in. The first is with Tyson Fury and the second is with Daniel Dubois,” Hearn said as quoted by BoxingScene.
“In my dreams, Tyson Fury will have already made his return to the ring soon, ideally in the next few months, which would allow for a fight with Joshua this year. But as you realize, there are no guarantees here. But this is the biggest fight that can only be organised.”
