Anthony Joshua already knows who he will challenge after Francis Ngannou.
In preparation for their March match in Saudi Arabia, Joshua and Ngannou, an MMA fighter from Watford, are drawing up a plan to face Tyson Fury in one of the most highly anticipated fights in history.
Joshua lost the WBO, IBF, and WBA titles after being defeated by Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022.
In an attempt to reclaim his place at the top of boxing, Joshua has since gone on a redemption arc, defeating Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Jermaine Franklin.
Next up for him is Ngannou, who was controversially defeated by Fury in December via split decision.
In the event that Joshua prevails over the most formidable puncher in mixed martial arts, he might have to wait to take on Fury.
Notably, Joshua was in talks to fight Croatian Filip Hrgović instead of his countryman, according to Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh, who has been in charge of bringing big boxing events to the Gulf state.
Turki Alalshikh said to SBN, in response to a question about whether the winner of Joshua vs Ngannou would next face the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: “I will tell you a secret – what is in my mind.” You can expect a rematch between Ngannou and the winner, Fury, if Ngannou prevails.”
If Joshua prevails, the winner of Tyson vs. Usyk will have to wait a long time to face the 34-year-old in a rematch.”We are considering the possibility of a fight between the camps of Joshua and (Filip) Hrgović.”