Anthony Joshua One Win Away from Undisputed Title Fight

In a significant development for the world of heavyweight boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed his belief that Anthony Joshua is just one win away from securing a shot at the undisputed world title. Despite a two-fight deal already in place between champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, Hearn remains optimistic about Joshua’s prospects.

The British boxer Joshua is set to face former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia this Saturday, adding further excitement to the already buzzing heavyweight division.

Meanwhile, WBC belt holder Fury is slated to take on Ukraine’s unified champion Usyk in May, also in the Saudi capital Riyadh. The winner of this highly anticipated showdown will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era, setting the stage for potential blockbuster matchups in the future.

Hearn shared his insights with BBC Sport, emphasizing Joshua’s longstanding aspiration to become undisputed champion. He stated, “If AJ beats Ngannou and Fury beats Usyk, the whole world will be calling for Fury v Joshua. It’s probably one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. Certainly the biggest fight in boxing now.”

The stakes are undeniably high, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a key player in the boxing world. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, has outlined ambitious plans for the winner of the Joshua-Ngannou bout to vie for the undisputed title next. Alalshikh’s influence, backed by the resources of the Kingdom, has positioned him as a major figure in boxing’s landscape.

However, despite the enthusiasm surrounding potential matchups, the road to undisputed status may not be straightforward. Internally at broadcasters DAZN, expectations are tempered, with Fury-Joshua not anticipated to materialize before 2025.

Additionally, Frank Warren, representing Fury and co-promoting Joshua-Ngannou, casts doubt on the likelihood of Usyk stepping aside to facilitate a Joshua-Fury showdown. Warren acknowledges the allure of the matchup but questions whether Usyk and his management team would forego the opportunity, particularly given the financial incentives involved.

The unfolding dynamics in the heavyweight division underscore the complexities and unpredictability of professional boxing. As fans eagerly await the outcomes of upcoming bouts, the possibility of witnessing historic clashes remains tantalizing, shaping the future of the sport.