Joshua Could Get WBO Title Shot

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua could have a chance at the WBO title, as Oleksandr Usyk is expected to vacate the belt to focus on a unification bout with IBF champion Daniel Dubois.

The WBO had mandated Usyk to defend his title against Joseph Parker, the official challenger, but reports suggest the Ukrainian champion is prioritizing a fight with Dubois instead.

Boxing analyst Spencer Oliver weighed in on the situation, stating, “The WBO planned a fight between Usyk and Parker, but it won’t happen. Usyk is focused on a bout with Dubois for three titles.”

He further added, “It’s clear that the World Boxing Organization will strip Usyk of the belt and elevate Parker to full champion status.”

This development could pave the way for Anthony Joshua to challenge Joseph Parker for the WBO title, despite his recent fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.

Boxing analyst Spencer Oliver weighed in, saying, “The New Zealander will likely face Anthony Joshua, the top contender for the WBO belt. After that, the winners will meet to determine the undisputed world champion.”

He further added, “Joshua has earned this opportunity. He was a two-time heavyweight champion and a major figure in boxing for years. Though he lost to Dubois, who was in excellent form, AJ remains one of the biggest names in the sport.”

Usyk, who has defeated both British fighters in his career, still considers Joshua the superior boxer compared to Dubois.

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

He further emphasized, “You cannot compare the two. They are completely different types of athletes. The only thing they have in common is that they are both boxers.”

Meanwhile, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently stated that the former champion is only interested in facing either Tyson Fury or a rematch with Dubois.

“There are only two fights that interest Anthony—one with Tyson Fury and the other with Daniel Dubois,” Hearn told BoxingScene.

He added, “Ideally, Fury returns to the ring soon, allowing for a fight with Joshua this year. But as we know, nothing is guaranteed. This is the biggest fight that can be made.”