Nigeria: Joshua may get WBO title shot as Usyk pursues unification bout
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua may be in line for a shot at the WBO title, as current champion Oleksandr Usyk is expected to relinquish the belt to pursue a unification bout with IBF champion Daniel Dubois.
According to boxing expert Spencer Oliver, the WBO has ordered Usyk to defend his title against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, but the Ukrainian heavyweight champion is prioritizing a fight with Dubois instead. This development could lead to the WBO stripping Usyk of the title, making Parker the new champion.
Oliver stated, “The WBO is planning to hold a fight between Usyk and Parker, but it will not happen. The Ukrainian is aiming for a fight with Dubois, they will play for three titles… It is obvious that the World Boxing Organization will take its belt from the Ukrainian and make Joseph a full-fledged champion.”
This could open the door for Joshua to challenge Parker for the WBO belt, despite his recent fifth-round knockout loss to Dubois. Oliver believes Joshua deserves the chance, saying, “The New Zealander will enter the ring against Anthony Joshua, the most likely contender for the WBO title. Then we will see a fight between the winners for the title of absolute world champion… Joshua deserved his chance. He was a two-time heavyweight champion and a symbol of boxing for many years.”
Interestingly, Usyk still rates Joshua higher than Dubois, saying, “Anthony Joshua is Olympic champion, two-time world champion. Daniel is a young boy, yeah? But Anthony is the best boxer… You cannot compare the two guys. These are completely different types of athletes. The only thing that is in common is that they both are boxers.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed that the British star is only interested in facing either Tyson Fury or a rematch with Dubois next. Hearn stated, “There are only two fights that Anthony is interested in. The first is with Tyson Fury and the second is with Daniel Dubois… In my dreams, Tyson Fury will have already made his return to the ring soon, ideally in the next few months, which would allow for a fight with Joshua this year.”
It remains to be seen whether Joshua will get his chance at the WBO title, but one thing is certain the heavyweight division is heating up, and fans can expect some exciting matchups in the near future.
