Joshua could get a shot at IBF belt as Usyk could vacate the title to fight Tyson for WBC gong

FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua could be in line to face Filip Hrgovic for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title amid reports that current champion Oleksandr Usyk is considering vacating the title.

On August 20, Joshua failed in his bid to regain his World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and IBF  heavyweight titles that he lost last year,  In a development that shocked the sporting world in September 2021, Joshua, 31, was outclassed by Usyk, 34, at the at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, as the Ukrainian secured a unanimous points victory.

Having lost the rematch, Joshua is now looking to get his career back on track and as such had accepted an offer from Tyson Fury for a 60:40 purse split for the fight dubbed the Battle of Britain. Joshua was on the surprising end of a call from Fury, who was not willing to wait around for an undisputed clash with Usyk next year but that deal has now fallen through, leaving both boxers frustrated.

Rather than hang around waiting until next year, Usyk proposed that he and Joshua fight in early November  and after initial talks, a December bout was touted. However, with the deal having fallen through Joshua may get this chance if IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk decides to vacate his belt to pursue a fight with Tyson Fury for the WBC title.

Joshua is now weighing up his options following his third defeat in his last four bouts after a proposed bout with Fury broke down after talks were in advanced stages. There is now hope that his next fight could be for a belt with Usyk looking to defend the WBA, WBC and World Boxing Organisation titles against Fury.

However, the Ukrainian would then have to give up his IBF crown, meaning the federation would order Hrgovic and Andy Ruiz to meet for the vacant strap. However, Ruiz is seeking a fight with Deontay Wilder and if that happens, Joshua would be the man to take his place.