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Joshua Aims for Third Heavyweight Title
Anthony Joshua is setting his sights on becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion with his next fight in Saudi Arabia on March 9. Unfortunately, Joshua's highly anticipated £100 million superfight with Deontay Wilder has been cancelled following Wilder's surprising defeat to Joseph Parker. Undeterred, Joshua is now eyeing a "creme de la creme" showdown with Croatian boxer Filip Hrgovic in Riyadh for the IBF belt.
Ringside for Fury vs Usyk
On February 17, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will meet for the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles in Saudi Arabia. Joshua plans to be in attendance, calling the fight "iconic." After the bout, the winner will be ordered to face Hrgovic, the IBF's mandatory challenger. Both fighters are willing to relinquish the belt in order to pursue a rematch, which would set the stage for a Joshua-Hrgovic IBF title fight on March 9, the original date for Joshua vs Wilder.
Pursuing Championship Glory
When asked about his priorities, Joshua stated, "If it's a fight for the heavyweight championship of the world or fight a big-name opponent, I will always choose the former because that’s the creme de la creme. It’s the most prestigious title you can win." The 34-year-old boxer has his sights set on becoming a world champion once again and views each fight as a stepping stone towards his ultimate goal.
Potential Vacant Belt
The IBF has a history of stripping champions to make way for long-waiting mandatory challengers. Should Fury and Usyk choose to pursue a rematch, the IBF could take action and declare the belt vacant. The Saudis have already scheduled March 9 to host a potential Joshua-Hrgovic showdown. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed his desire for Joshua to become a three-time world heavyweight champion, suggesting that there is still much to unfold with the IBF.
