Battle for the throne: Joshua’s quest to regain Heavyweight supremacy
Anthony Joshua is poised to once again captivate Wembley Stadium this September, with his opponent likely to emerge from Saturday night’s showdown in Saudi Arabia.
Since his setbacks against Oleksandr Usyk, which temporarily removed him from the title picture, the two-time heavyweight champion has staged a remarkable comeback, securing four consecutive victories while showcasing flashes of the devastating style that marked his early career.
While a highly anticipated all-British clash with Tyson Fury remains a priority, Joshua’s primary focus is reclaiming his world champion status. The path to achieving this goal may soon become clearer.
Despite Usyk’s recent triumph over Fury to become the undisputed champion, the IBF is expected to compel him to relinquish its belt due to a contracted rematch clause preventing him from fulfilling his mandatory fight against Filip Hrgovic.
Hrgovic is set to face off against Daniel Dubois this Saturday, and according to promoter Eddie Hearn, the winner could be in line to challenge Joshua for the IBF belt.
“AJ is willing to take on any opponent. He’s never been one to express preferences; he simply wants to know who his opponent is and is ready to go. Whether it’s Hrgovic, Dubois, Wilder, Fury, Usyk, Parker, he’s game for it all,” Hearn stated in an interview with Seconds Out.
“Of course, the ultimate goal is to reclaim the world championship. The prospect of the winner of Hrgovic versus Dubois facing AJ for the heavyweight title at Wembley is immensely appealing.”
Hearn also hinted at the possibility of a resurgence from Deontay Wilder, should he secure an impressive victory on Saturday night. “In the ever-evolving landscape of boxing, expect the unexpected. Saturday’s outcome will shed light on AJ’s next challenger, and rest assured, he’ll be ready,” he added.
While Usyk’s camp has reportedly sought to alter the IBF’s ruling, Hearn remains confident that the belt will soon be vacated. “The stipulation is clear: Usyk must face Hrgovic next. It’s evident he won’t comply. He’s been biding his time for a title shot, and it’s highly probable that opportunity will soon arise.”
All eyes are now on Riyadh, particularly for the Hrgovic-Dubois showdown, as the heavyweight division awaits its next chapter.
