Anthony Joshua May Get WBO Title Shot as Usyk Eyes Unification with Dubois

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua could be on the verge of a major opportunity to reclaim a world title, as Oleksandr Usyk appears set to relinquish the WBO belt to focus on a unification bout with IBF champion Daniel Dubois.

The WBO had mandated Usyk to defend his title against mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, but it seems the Ukrainian superstar has other plans. Reports suggest that Usyk is prioritizing a highly anticipated showdown with Dubois, a fight that would see them battle for three heavyweight titles in total.

Boxing expert Spencer Oliver shared his thoughts, saying, "The WBO plans to organize a bout between Usyk and Parker, but that fight won't happen. Usyk is aiming for a clash with Dubois instead, so the WBO will likely strip him of the title and hand it to Joseph Parker as the new champion."

This move could create the perfect storm for Joshua to challenge Parker for the vacant WBO title. Despite a recent setback a fifth-round knockout loss to Dubois—Joshua remains one of boxing's most formidable figures.

“Joseph Parker will likely face Anthony Joshua, the most likely contender for the WBO title,” Oliver explained. “From there, the winner could potentially face the undisputed champion.”

Joshua, who has been a dominant force in boxing for years, deserves another crack at a major title, according to Oliver. "He’s a two-time heavyweight champion and a true symbol of the sport. Although he lost to Dubois, who was in top form, AJ still holds massive star power," Oliver added.

Interestingly, despite having defeated both British heavyweights, Usyk himself holds Joshua in higher regard than Dubois. "Anthony Joshua is an Olympic champion, a two-time world champion. Daniel is a young guy, but Anthony is the better boxer," Usyk said, reflecting on the difference in experience and skill.

Meanwhile, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has hinted that the British star's future plans include only two major fights: a showdown with Tyson Fury or a rematch with Daniel Dubois. Hearn stated, "The only fights Anthony is interested in are with Tyson Fury or Dubois. In my ideal world, Fury would return to the ring soon, and we could organize that fight this year. But, as you know, there are no guarantees."

With these developments, the future of the heavyweight division is shaping up to be an exciting one. Joshua’s potential title shot and the looming unification bout between Usyk and Dubois could lead to some blockbuster fights in the near future. Stay tuned!