Anthony Joshua in line for heavyweight world title shot vs dangerous Croatian Filip Hrgovic after Deontay Wilder fight wrecked by Joseph Parker loss

24/12/2023 02:43

Anthony Joshua is now set to take a different path than expected in 2024.

The Brit boxed on the same card as Deontay Wilder on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, with contracts signed for them to meet on March 9, on one condition.

The deal was of course contingent on the fact that both men had to win.

Joshua fulfilled his side of the bargain by stopping Otto Wallin in impressive fashion.

However, Wilder failed to match his rival as he was instead comfortably outboxed by Joseph Parker and lose a wide unanimous decision.

There is a silver lining for AJ though, as his bout with Wallin has now set him up nicely for a chance to become a three-time heavyweight world champion in 2024.

When Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk meet for the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO crown on February 17, the winner will not likely hold all four belts for long.

The IBF have an overdue mandatory which will be quickly enforced upon the victor.

As Fury and Usyk have signed a two-fight deal guaranteeing a rematch, the IBF belt is likely to be vacated before their second bout as they will not be able to fight the mandatory.

Filip Hrgovic is currently the IBF number one.

Prior to Saturday night, Otto Wallin was the IBF number two.

Now that Joshua has beaten him though, he’s taken this position.

Therefore if the belt does indeed get vacated, the IBF will now order Hrgovic vs Joshua.

“It was a tough decision between the championship and Deontay Wilder,” AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn explained.

“We signed for Wilder, he lost tonight.

“But maybe it’s a blessing because he wants to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

“Now it’s gonna be AJ vs Hrgovic for the world title.”