ANTHONY JOSHUA has been ordered to face Oleksandr Usyk NEXT in a WBO mandatory defence – and has 180 days to do so.
The British hero, 30, regained his place at the top of the division after exacted revenge on Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia.
Anthony Joshua has been ordered to face Usyk in a WBO mandatory defenceCredit: Reuters
Joshua boxed expertly to outpoint the Mexican-American, six months after being stunned in New York.
But as the celebrations reigned down for the two-time champion – he was questioned who and what will be next.
WBO president Paco Valcarcel took matter into his own hands, as he announced AJ has until June 4 to agree a title defence with WBO mandatory Usyk.
After moving up from cruiserweight as the undisputed champion the WBO, as part of their rulings, immediately instated Usyk as the governing bodies heavyweight mandatory.
As Joshua was already contracted to rematch Ruiz the Ukrainian was forced to await the result of the Saudi rerun.
Usyk signed with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn last year, meaning the super-fight can easily be made and one that will come with consequences should it not happen.
Joshua told BBC Sport he will refuse to call out any of his heavyweight rivals – but welcomes all challengers.
He said: “What can I say? I have been speaking about these guys a long time.
“You see this time, when I had the opportunity to just focus solely on Andy, my head is in the right place.
“When Wilder, Fury, Ortiz and Usyk are really ready, they will make the call. Until then, I respect them. I won’t continue to call them out.
“I am making my own lane and if they want to be a part of that, they will call.
“Ruiz did it and created a legacy. If those guys want to do it, they can create a legacy too. Look at all I have done, come on. When I call them out and do all of that, I lose focus.”
The the WBO instantly announced Joshua will be mandated to face Usyk nextCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
