Unified Heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua has been ordered to face Oleksandr Usyk by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO), in the wake of the collapse of his proposed undisputed clash with Tyson Fury.
WBA ‘Super’, WBO, IBF and IBO titlist, Joshua appeared on course to face unbeaten WBC champion, Fury on August 14 in Saudi Arabia, however that fell through on Monday after an arbitrator ruled for Deontay Wilder to face Fury for a third time by September 15.
The WBO had cooled their demands for a mandatory defence from Joshua against Usyk, who cemented his position with a unanimous decision victory over Derek Chisora in October with an undisputed fight seemingly in sight, after the Brit stopped Kubrat Pulev in nine rounds in December.
However, the WBO altered their position as result of the arbitration ruling, setting AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn a 48-hour deadline on Wednesday to provide proof that a showdown between the British world champions was still possible.
The prospect of a summer meeting is all but over, with Wilder and Fury having reportedly signed their contracts this weekend ahead of a potential meeting on July 24. Fury’s co-promoter, Bob Arum revealed to ESPN on Monday that the Allegiant Stadium had been reserved for that date, although a venue is unconfirmed.
The ‘Gypsy King’ claimed the WBC belt with a stunning seventh round stoppage win over ‘The Bronze Bomber’ at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in February 2020.
On Saturday, the WBO ordered Joshua to make a mandatory defence against Usyk, giving both teams 10 days to complete a deal, before purse bids are called if a deal cannot be reached.
According to The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger, both August 21 & August 28 are being considered to stage the fight.
Joshua-Fury war of words
Joshua and Fury engaged in a social media war of words earlier this week after their Battle of Britain fell apart in dramatic fashion.
@anthonyjoshua your more full of shit that Eddie, Spouting absolute shite! your full team knew there was an Arbitration going on, it was out of my hands! but i tell you what if i’m a fraud let’s fight this weekend bare knuckles till 1 man quits? let’s put up 20 mill each!!! 🖕🏻🖕🏻 https://t.co/NbCvwn6YfN
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) May 19, 2021
AJ accused his rival of letting boxing down, whilst Fury, who announced on his social media feeds last Sunday that the fight was sealed prior to the court ruling, fired back warning that he would “smoke” Wilder first before facing him next.
not going in to the details on line!
you’ll slap me about will you dosser please come and try Bum, i’m waiting… Femi AKA Bottlejob! 24/7 365. Ready. i’ll smoke wilder first then you will get yours aswell. #GK https://t.co/Led1X54PhS— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) May 19, 2021
A potential undisputed clash between the pair is now likely to be pushed back until either November or December, providing both men come through their next fights.
“It’s better to get rid of him and go about our business,” Arum told ESPN.
“We can make the Fury-Joshua fight for November or December.”
