Anthony Joshua recently unveiled a tantalizing prospect to the media: "They're considering Usyk-Fury and Joshua-Wilder on the same night, possibly in April," he shared during his leisurely presence at the US Grand Prix in Texas. This revelation certainly sets the stage for an exciting twist in the world of boxing.
Much has been speculated about Joshua's potential clash with the formidable Deontay Wilder. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, initially exuded supreme confidence, asserting that all the details, including financial arrangements, had been meticulously sorted. However, unforeseen circumstances intervened, and the anticipated bout never came to fruition. The drama that unfolded was indeed noteworthy.
Yet, an intriguing obstacle stands in the way of this potential blockbuster. The charismatic Lion of British boxing, Tyson Fury, is slated to take on the relative newcomer to the sport, Francis Ngannou, in a pay-per-view showdown priced at $79.99, heralded as "the fight of the century." Joshua raises a pertinent concern: "If Fury manages to emerge victorious against Ngannou by late October, it remains doubtful that he'll have adequate preparation time for a showdown against Usyk in December."
According to Joshua, the next feasible timeframe for the much-anticipated undisputed fight would likely fall between March and April, aligning with the ideal schedule. Reports circulating in the boxing world suggest that the concept of having Joshua face Wilder on the same momentous card is gaining traction and resonating with many enthusiasts.
Undoubtedly, British champion Tyson Fury and Ukraine's sensation Oleksandr Usyk, holding the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, presently reign as the heavyweight division's foremost titans. The stakes are monumental, with the victor poised to secure the coveted title of the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the era of four major world titles. Fury's exceptional record, boasting 33 wins and just a single draw, is undeniably remarkable. Usyk, meanwhile, maintains an unblemished professional record, undefeated in 21 fights, with a recent successful defense against London's own Daniel Dubois in August.
Anthony Joshua, after suffering two losses to Usyk, roared back with a triumphant knockout victory over Robert Helenius at London's iconic O2 Arena in August. When questioned about his prospective December opponent, Joshua candidly asserted that it wouldn't involve the reigning champions, namely Usyk and Fury, and expressed lingering uncertainty concerning the Wilder situation.
The current climate in the boxing world appears to mirror a frenzied rush, where maximizing earnings takes precedence. In the early stages of Joshua's career, the focus centered on building one's record, maintaining consistent engagement in fights, and eventually progressing to the significant battles. However, the modern-day dilemma revolves around selecting the most lucrative venue for the fight, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the preferred choice.
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