Anthony Joshua has not held a world heavyweight title since his first loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, but could soon be given a route back to a belt.
For many years, Joshua was one of the main men in the division. He was a big punching knockout artist who beat the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Kubrat Pulev, Alexander Povetkin, Carlos Takam and plenty more on his way to holding three of the four world titles.
The first loss to Usyk in 2021, however, was followed by a second a year later, and last time out he was stopped by then IBF ruler Daniel Dubois inside five rounds and has not returned to the ring since.
Next month, he is back in action against Jake Paul, which promoter Eddie Hearn says is a tune-up for bigger fights in 2026.
Speaking to the BBC, newly elevated WBO champion Fabio Wardley has admitted that he has plenty of interest in a wide range of fights.
He plans to make a couple of defences of his belt before then chasing down unifications, whether that is with three-belt ruler Oleksandr Usyk or whoever else, though he has also said that one man he would love to fight is Joshua.
“I’d never say no to anyone. AJ is one of the reasons that I got into boxing. He kind of changed the face of UK boxing from when he got into the sport and really brought it back to life in a sense. It would be an honour to share the ring with him.”
Joshua and Wardley did share Ben Davison as a trainer, but AJ has revealed that he will now be working with Oleksandr Usyk’s coaching team, paving the way for a fight down the line.
