UK (Commonwealth) _ If Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois face off on June 1st, Anthony Joshua will probably be keeping a careful watch on them. The Croatian IBF mandatory challenger is reportedly ready to jeopardize his status in order to face the youthful British fighter in Saudi Arabia this summer.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion in the WBA, IBF, and WBO, could have the opportunity to win back his previous IBF title. According to rumors, this fight will take place on a massive bill that also includes the scheduled Queensberry-Matchroom 5 vs. 5 event, Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev, and Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang.
Additionally, AJ will be very interested in it since he could have to fight the winner for the vacant heavyweight world championship. Naturally, on May 18, when Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk square off to become the undisputed champion, all four titles will be on the line.
After that, though, the IBF is expected to finally order their long-overdue obligatory bout. Hrgovic defeated Zhilei Zhang in 2022 to secure a spot as their mandatory challenger, and he has been eagerly awaiting his opportunity ever since.
But because Fury and Usyk agreed to a two-way guaranteed rematch, it is anticipated that the victor will give up the IBF title and only bring the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles into the rematch. As a result, the IBF will have to decide whether to match Hrgovic against the next best opponent for their vacant heavyweight world championship. Right now, it is still Joshua. But there’s a risk Dubois may barge in.
The IBF would probably schedule AJ vs. Dubois for their vacant heavyweight world championship instead if he defeats Hrgovic on June 1. It will take time to see how things turn out.
Meanwhile, Frank Warren has disclosed that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will probably square off in Saudi Arabia in March of next year. Joshua won’t compete until 2025, according to the Queensberry promoter, who thinks Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will square off twice this year. The money associated with Usyk and Fury’s undisputed title fight on May 18—an estimated £100 million for the winner—leads him to believe that the loser will force a rematch.
“I’m sure that’ll set up a big fight in March of next year if Tyson does what I think he’ll do and AJ keeps winning,” Warren said to Sky Sports.
What’s occurring right now is like traveling back to the late 1960s or early 1970s. All of these guys are fighting with each other. Joshua and Fury could cross paths twice. They may agree to a two-fight contract, with one match taking place at Wembley Stadium, Eddie Hearn said earlier this week.
“I have to be honest, I think that’s where it will go,” he stated. Naturally, I would want them to be in the UK. When I go back to my earlier years, those many, many years ago, I see all those incredible boxers like George Foreman and Muhammad Ali. Where did they stage their major fights? The Jungle Rumble [in Zaire at the time]. Where did Frazier and George Foreman fight? in Jamaica?.
“Those bouts I mentioned happened in locations you’d never think boxing would take place.” Traditionally, it would have either gone to New York or, if the casinos were added, to Las Vegas.
These guys play professional sports. In contrast to other athletes, boxers have a very short career. It just takes one on your street to spread over the entire area. Make the most of your time while it’s still bright.
Before Fury, Joshua has to kill time and find a battle. After defeating Francis Ngannou, Joseph Parker, Deontay Wilder, and Filip Hrgovic are potential contenders.
