Eddie Hearn, promoter of ANTHONY JOSHUA, said that ANTHONY JOSHUA might fight in an interim fight while Oleksandr Uzyk is serving in the Ukrainian military.
Vladimir Putin's Russian invasion is being defended by the IBF, WBA, and WBO world champion in heavyweight.
Joshua could face another opponent before Usyk
While Usyk tends to other important matters outside of the ring, Joshua is getting ready for a rematch with the Ukrainian.
In September, Usyk defeated AJ in a unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Discussions about Joshua's resignation to allow a fight between Tyson Fury and Usyk, led to The Gypsy King deciding to face mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte.
Joshua was now in position to face Usyk again in the first half 2022. However, Usyk's military service could delay this match.
Usyk answered a question earlier this week about when he would be available to defend his belts.
"Me and my country are more important than a championship belt for me."
Joshua's promoter, Hearn, has hinted for the first-time that the Brit could fight Usyk before taking revenge.
He said, "It's hard to speak for Oleksandr Uzyk."
"First, my thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine and people who show incredible bravery out there. I'm thinking especially of Oleksandr and the great fighters from the past.
"He can have all the time he wants. We [Joshua] want Oleksandr Usyk's fight.
"Whether there is a delay in the fight or we have an interim bout, that will depend on Oleksandr Usyk's situation and how long he needs.
It's an emotional and personal time for people in Ukraine. We'll be respectful of them and help them whenever we can, but we won't be looking for ways to escape our obligation.
"Oleksandr Usyk is the only fight AJ wants at this time. We're open to fighting in the middle, but that is fine. However, we will respect Oleksandr Usyk's time and talk to his advisors.
"If the contractual period is delayed, we will grant it, but we are willing to fight for that delay.
"We don’t want this obligation to slip away."
Joshua has only fought twice since December 2019 when he reclaimed the heavyweight belts from Andy Ruiz Jr.
He was their defender against Kubrat Pulev in Dec 2020, but they lost to Usyk last Year.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://secondsaway.co.uk/boxing/im-disappointed-he-did-not-take-part-top-rank-president-on-whytes-absence-from-the-press-conference
