By Emegwoako C. Paschal
Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s promoter, has confirmed that if the WBC title is vacated, the British-Nigerian could face the winner of Deontay Wilder vs Andy Ruiz Jr.
Tyson Fury (WBC) and Oleksandr Usyk (WBA, WBO, IBF) have been in talks to stage the first undisputed heavyweight unification fight of the four-belt era in February or March of next year.
However, with the winner of the historic fight potentially facing mandatory challenges from all four sanctioning bodies, Hearn anticipates that the heavyweight scene will look very different in the coming year.
And that could help Joshua, who is ranked in the top five of each major body’s rankings: WBO (5), IBF (4), WBC (5), and WBA (5). (4). Hearn is doing everything he can to get his man back into the world title picture as soon as possible and sees a gap within the WBC.
Wilder and Ruiz Jr face off in a WBC final eliminator, and Hearn believes the Watford powerhouse could be in line to face the winner if everything goes as planned.
“So now it’s about positioning yourself, Dillian Whyte, Joshua of course, into a shot at the world heavyweight title,” he said on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.
“Dillian Whyte may face Joe Joyce for the WBO world title.” There are numerous possibilities. But the mandateories will apply pressure, as is natural when there is a unified and potentially undisputed champion.”
The IBF recently ordered Usyk to face mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic next, which could cause a significant delay in their four-belt shootout.
“It’s difficult for us because we obviously have a job to do for Filip Hrgovic, but we also know the Saudi team very well, and they’ve been working very hard to the undisputed fight.”
“So, I spoke with them, who obviously had their concerns, and that fight is very important for boxing.”
But, since Filip Hrgovic is required, I’m sure there will be a resolution.”
Despite all of the uncertainties surrounding the transaction, Hearn is confident that everything will work out in the end.
“Now they’re discussing the chronological situation of possibly making the WBA mandatory as well, which I believe is Daniel Dubois.” This is exactly what happens when there are undisputed fights. But I’m confident that it will be resolved.”
