Anthony Joshua could have another shot at the world title without having to face Daniel Dubois again.
Joshua was expected to play a second match with Dubois after suffering a brutal blow injury defeat in the fifth round, in the fight for his IBF heavyweight title in September.
However, due to injuries sustained in the fight, “AJ” was unable to pull out and Dubois will reportedly defend his title against Joseph Parker on February 22, although the fight has not yet been officially confirmed.
Joshua could now well miss out on a rematch with Dubois as the WBC will sanction a fight for their interim title between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel, while the full title is on the line when Oleksandr Usyk takes on Tyson in a rematch on December 21st Fury competes.
“The WBC has received a formal request to authorize such a fight for the interim title and the WBC will accept the authorization,” said the body’s president, Mauricio Sulaiman Sky Sports.
boxing” width=”660″ height=”432″ srcset=”https://www.proboxing-fans.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dand.jpg 660w, https://www.proboxing-fans.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dand-300×196.jpg 300w, https://www.proboxing-fans.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dand-642×420.jpg 642w, https://www.proboxing-fans.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dand-640×419.jpg 640w” sizes=”(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px”/>“Why? Because we have done everything in recent years to achieve the ultimate, great fights in every weight class, especially heavyweight.
“All along we have been very clear and unequivocal that the WBC will not impose any obligation that is contrary to the ultimate undisputed champion because they are fighting the best there is.
“There is no better fight than Usyk-Fury. Given these battles and the possibilities for the future, we have accepted the number 2 and number 3 seeds to fight for the interim title.
“Keep them active and ensure the division delivers the best fights possible.”
A showdown between Zhang and Kabayel over the proposed Dubois-Parker bill is expected to take place in Riyadh on February 22.
Joshua is ranked sixth in the governing body, two places behind Zhang, whom he beat at the 2012 Olympics, and Sulaiman admits he would consider punishing the former two-time heavyweight world champion against the winner.
“Absolutely,” Sulaiman added.
“This opens up the possibility that more fighting will continue to occur.”
Joshua will be a keen observer as Fury attempts to exact revenge on Usyk two weeks on Saturday after losing to the Ukrainian by split decision in May.
“AJ,” who has lost twice to Usyk, has yet to face “The Gypsy King,” despite years of calls for the two to meet, but a win for Fury could bring that seemingly elusive prospect closer to reality.
