Anthony Joshua one of the biggest name in the world of boxing, a two-time unified world heavyweight champion, having held the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles since December 2019, and previously between 2016 and June 2019 has been ordered by WBO to fight his rival Tyson Fury who also has the WBC strap.
On Monday a US judge in a court of arbitration hearing told Fury he must fight Deontay Wilder for a third time due to a preceding contractual agreement between the pair. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) now demands that Joshua face Usyk who was formerly promoted by Hearn.
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk now have until May 31 to agree on terms to a fight or purse bids will be called; WBO rejected a delay in ordering this fight from promoter Eddie Hearn; AJ is now set to fight Usyk while Tyson Fury takes on Deontay Wilder again.
Anthony Joshua who Broke the record; the highest amount paid for a British fight proposed undisputed title showdown with Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia dramatically fell apart this week meaning Usyk is next in line for a shot at the belt.
Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian who has beaten Tony Bellew and Derek Chisora and formerly held the undisputed cruiserweight title, is now set to challenge Joshua.
According to Mirror, the chairman of the WBO in an email is quoted saying “
“Wherefore, having exchanged numerous internal communications with Team Joshua, having granted Team Joshua multiple extensions, having reviewed all relevant communications between Team Joshua/Team Usyk, having examined the parties arguments and positions regarding the subject matter, and having considered that sufficient time has elapsed on the matter before this Committee, and pursuant with our WBO Rules and Regulations of World Championship Contests and their enforcement in these matters, it is hereby ruled as follows: The extension request is hereby denied.
“In light of the foregoing, the parties are hereby granted 10 days upon issuance of this notice to negotiate and reach an agreement for the WBO Heavyweight Mandatory Championship Contest between Joshua/Usyk, or a purse bid ceremony will be called immediately per WBO Rules and Regulations of World Championship Contests.”
This confirms the WBO decision that Wilder takes on Fury on July 24, while Joshua will need to fight Usyk unless they can arrive at an alternative financial agreement.
