It looks like we’re going to have to wait a while longer to see an undisputed heavyweight champion.
Anthony Joshua already has Wembley pre-booked for April 13 next year but it now seems very unlikely that he will share the ring with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder until late 2019 at the earliest.
Wilder looks destined for an immediate rematch with Tyson Fury due to the controversial nature of the pair’s split draw in Los Angeles last weekend.
Joshua has been criticised by some for turning down the opportunity to be ringside at the Staples Centre for Wilder vs. Fury and promoter Eddie Hearn has recently hinted at a wildcard opponent for ‘AJ’ next.
If Fury or Wilder isn’t up next for Joshua, many expected Dillian Whyte to be in the driving seat for a rematch with ‘AJ’ if he manages to get past Dereck Chisora later this month.
But Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has heard otherwise and has revealed the opponent he believes Joshua will share the ring with in April.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Warren claimed that Matchroom and Sky are aiming to match ‘AJ’ up with cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who recently sent Tony Bellew into retirement.
“I am now hearing Joshua’s next opponent for April 13 is not going to be Dillian Whyte and will be Oleksandr Usyk, let them get on with it,” Warren said.
“This right here [Fury vs. Wilder] was the best heavyweight fight, ironically, since the Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko fight that was in the same Staples Centre venue in 2003.
“I know why they want to fight Usyk, he is a smaller guy and not much of a puncher.
“This rematch is the fight boxing fans want to see. Tyson was robbed of a historical moment, he is the people’s champion, we will put it right.
“I want it in the UK, Tyson has been saying he wants it in Manchester but I reckon we would only get a draw there too.”
