While talks for a possible Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder heavyweight super fight broke down for this year, it still might face some challenges to happening next year too.
Anthony Joshua holds three of the four recognized heavyweight titles at the moment in the form of the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF straps.
This comes with a lot of responsibilities as regards mandatory contenders.
As reported by Sky Sports earlier today, the WBO have issued a statement saying that Joshua after his next fight on September 22nd against Alexander Povetkin could be forced to face his next mandatory challenger with the organization within 180 days after that bout if he wins.
The mandatory hasn’t been named yet but UK heavyweight Dillian Whyte is rumored to be on the verge of getting the spot.
In some cases exceptions can be made without a champion being stripped – such as a unification fight with another champion – which the Wilder fight would represent.
A lot can happen between then and now of course.
Tyson Fury fights this weekend and if he wins likely he’ll go to Vegas in November or December to fight Wilder – which could change plans considerably for the entire heavyweight landscape.
Fury has gone on record saying he doesn’t believe a fight with him against Joshua, or Wilder against Joshua will happen due to boxing politics and team Joshua not wanting the fight.
The heavyweight boxing plot thickens once again.
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