Anthony Joshua has speculated that four of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing could perform on the same card in April 2024.
Speaking to BBC Sports Joshua said:
“When Fury gets through Ngannou, it is going to be late October, early November, so I doubt he will now prepare for Usyk and fight in December, it’s too short.”
“So the next window will probably be in March-April, so that’s probably when the undisputed fight will potentially happen. “Then obviously what we are being told is they want to make it a mega card and they like the sound of Joshua v Wilder on the same card as well.” Joshua added.
Four Great Heavyweight’s Collide
So there is a possibility to have all four fight on the on the same card, with the likely destination being Saudi Arabia. The night would see an undisputed heavyweight crowned between fury and Usyk, and could lead to a potential British classic between Joshua and Fury for the undisputed title if things go their way on the night. But Wilder will be hoping to disrupt those plans and put himself back on top of heavyweight boxing.
Joshua is a two time world heavyweight champion, he won his first title in 2016 defeating Charles Martin in London for the IBF title. He then won the IBO and WBA titles defeating Wladimir Klitschko via KO in 2017 in one of the all time great heavyweight bouts. He suffered a shock loss to Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr in March 2019, where the underdog Ruiz picked up a 7th round TKO in Madison Square Garden. Joshua regained his belt in the rematch in December of the same year before going on to drop the belts to Usyk. This could be the Brit’s final opportunity at getting back in to the world title picture.
Wilder held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020 making 10 successful defences before his two losses against Fury to end their historic trilogy. The American has only fought once since then, defeating Robert Helenius with a first round KO. There is no doubt that Wilder has the power, but now at 38 his time at the top of the heavyweight division may well be over if he fails to defeat Joshua.
Fury
Fury is the current WBC heavyweight after his trilogy with Wilder. He has defended the belt twice more since, defeating British heavyweight’s Dillian Whyte and Derick Chisora via TKO. The Gypsy King has now got his sights set on defeating Ngannou this weekend, before an undisputed clash with Usyk.
Oleksandr Usyk is undefeated and currently holds the WBO, IBO and WBA titles after defeating Joshua. He defended the belts in a rematch with Joshua before going on to beat Brit Daniel Dubois in a controversial win. Many believed that a punch landed by Dubois should have seen him crowned champion, but it was deemed a low blow, leading to the Ukranian getting a 9th round TKO. Usyk now has his sight set on becoming undisputed and defeating unbeaten Fury.
Anthony Joshua to Fight in December Before Wilder Clash
Joshua has said he is looking to fight again in December before any clash with Wilder. He has said that the fight is likely to take place at the O2 London but hasn’t disclosed any names on an opponent.
“For an event, that’s good [potential card with all four], but for a career, I’ve got to stay busy. So in terms of opponent, we have to find the right opponent. I am switching trainers, I’m following my process.” said Joshua.
“So I am just following my process, I am not listening to all the noise about Wilder and these guys, when the opportunities comes we will be ready, because I will have trusted where I am going and it will have led me to the fight, but I am not waiting around for big opportunities” said the 34 year old.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
