Anthony Joshua Eyes New Opponents as Fury-Usyk Showdown Looms
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is actively seeking new opponents in the boxing ring after a change in his fight plans. Initially signed to face Deontay Wilder, Joshua’s path shifted due to his impressive victory over Otto Wallin, a former Tyson Fury opponent, and Wilder’s simultaneous defeat to Joseph Parker.
Now, with several potential contenders under consideration for Joshua’s next major fight which is expected to take place sometime in March 2024, his career is approaching a critical juncture as he aims to become a 3x heavyweight champion.
Anthony Joshua’s Potential Opponents
Among the contenders, Francis Ngannou stands out as a significant potential opponent. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, made an impressive boxing debut against Tyson Fury, narrowly losing via split decision after knocking Fury down in the 3rd round. His performance against Fury, one of the top names in heavyweight boxing and the current WBC champion, has positioned him as a formidable opponent for Anthony Joshua.
Additionally, Filip Hrgovic, the mandatory challenger for the IBF title, is also in the mix for Joshua’s next bout. This selection of potential opponents highlights the dynamic and unpredictable nature of heavyweight boxing, as fighters from diverse backgrounds and with different fighting styles vie for the top spot.
One final name that has emerged as a potential opponent is Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese heavyweight who holds the WBO Interim title. Zhang has recently come into the spotlight with two consecutive knockout victories over Joe Joyce. His history with Joshua, dating back to their amateur days, adds a layer of intrigue to this potential matchup. They previously faced each other at the London 2012 Olympic Games, where Joshua emerged victorious.
Meanwhile, in the broader boxing world, Tyson Fury is preparing for a high-stakes match against Oleksandr Usyk on February 17 in Saudi Arabia. This fight is expected to be a seismic event in the heavyweight division, potentially reshaping the landscape of heavyweight boxing. Fury’s previous outing against Ngannou, where he emerged victorious but not without difficulty, has added intrigue to his upcoming bout with Usyk.
Whether he faces Ngannou, Hrgovic, or another big name, Anthony Joshua’s path forward in the boxing world is sure to capture the attention of fans worldwide, especially after the statement he made in Saudi Arabia against Wallin and being under the tutelage of his new trainer Ben Davison.
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