…Promoter Hearn reveals AJ is mulling Fury or rematch with Dubois

World Champion, Usyk, to dump WBO for possible AJ-Parker fight

By Femi Atolagbe

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Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is facing a tough decision regarding his next fight.

According to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, Joshua is currently weighing two major options: a high-profile showdown with Tyson Fury or a rematch with Daniel Dubois.

This comes amid significant shifts in the heavyweight landscape, with reigning world champion Oleksandr Usyk reportedly preparing to relinquish his WBO title.

Usyk is expected to pursue a unification bout with IBF champion Daniel Dubois, despite the WBO mandating a title defence against Joseph Parker.

Boxing analyst Spencer Oliver believes that Usyk’s pursuit of a fight with Dubois will likely lead to him vacating the WBO belt.

“The WBO is planning a fight between Usyk and Parker, but it won’t happen. Usyk wants to fight Dubois for three titles,” Oliver explained.

 This scenario could pave the way for a potential clash between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker for the vacant WBO belt.

Despite his recent fifth-round knockout loss to Dubois, Joshua remains a strong contender.

Oliver emphasised that Joshua deserves another shot at the WBO title, highlighting his legacy as a two-time heavyweight champion and a dominant force in the sport.

If the WBO does strip Usyk of the belt, a fight between Joshua and Parker could be on the horizon.

“The New Zealander [Parker] is likely to face Anthony Joshua, with the winner possibly battling for the title of undisputed world champion,” Oliver added.

Interestingly, Usyk himself has stated that he rates Joshua higher than Dubois.

Despite defeating both fighters in the past, the Ukrainian sees Joshua as the more accomplished boxer.

 “Anthony Joshua is an Olympic champion, a two-time world champion. Daniel is a young boy, yeah? But Anthony is the best boxer,” Usyk remarked.

Meanwhile, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has made it clear that the British heavyweight is focused on only two potential opponents: Tyson Fury or a rematch with Dubois.

“There are only two fights that Anthony is interested in. The first is with Tyson Fury, and the second is with Daniel Dubois,” Hearn revealed.

 He expressed hope that Fury would return to the ring soon, allowing the long-anticipated mega-fight between Joshua and Fury to take place later this year, although he admitted that such a bout remains uncertain.

Joshua’s next steps remain undecided, but it is clear that his choices are limited to some of the biggest names in the division.