ANTHONY JOSHUA’s plans to fight for a world title this autumn could soon go up in smoke.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion was on course to compete for the IBF title at Wembley this September against the winner of this weekend’s Saudi showdown between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois.
That’s because the American sanctioning body was set to strip undisputed king of the heavyweights Oleksandr Usyk of the belt in order for mandatory challenger Hrgovic to finally vie for it.
But Usyk – who defeated Brit Tyson Fury earlier this month – and his team have made a last-ditch effort to prevent the stripping, which could happen in a matter of days.
The Ukrainian’s manager Egis Klimas told BoxingScene: “We’re waiting for a decision to be made.
“I think it’s more important for Tyson Fury now, not for Oleksandr.
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“Oleksandr, of course, is a two-time unified [champion at cruiserweight and heavyweight] and if the next fight is just for the three belts.
“I don’t think it’s going to be fair for either of the two guys. Either Tyson Fury or for Oleksandr.
“But as far as importance, I think it’s more important for Team Fury to get this title.
“Imagine if Fury wins – he’s not going to be undisputed, so he is losing the chance.
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“The rematch, the clause, was so both guys had the chance to be undisputed.
“I hope the IBF are going to make the right decision.”
Should the IBF perform a U-turn and allow Usyk to keep the belt, the southpaw’s October rematch with Fury will be for all the heavyweight marbles.
It will also put a nail into the coffin of Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh’s plans for AJ to face the winner of Hgrovic vs Dubois for the red strap.
Alalshikh revealed those plans earlier this month, saying during an appearance on The MMA Hour: “We have Joshua’s fight in September, it all depends on the result of the Hrgovic fight [with Dubois].
“Because now we have locked Wilder to Jared Anderson in the card in Los Angeles.”
Joshua – who is riding high on a four-fight win streak – revealed last month that he’d be back in the ring in September.
He told talkSPORT: “Whenever they tell me there’s a date, you know I’ll be ready 100 per cent.
“It’s gonna be in London, Wembley Stadium.
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“This is what I’m being told. If that’s what they say, they normally back their word so let’s go with that.
“Wembley, September 20 or 21.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
