Anthony Joshua’s career could take an unexpected turn following his devastating defeat to IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in September.
The 35-year-old suffered his fourth professional loss after attempting to become a three-time heavyweight champion in front of around 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
In a sizable upset, though, Daniel Dubois produced one of the most destructive performances of his career, stopping Anthony Joshua with an emphatic fifth-round finish.
But now, it appears that Joshua, despite swerving an immediate rematch with his domestic rival, could be presented with an opportunity to fulfil his ultimate ambition.
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Mauricio Sulaiman provides huge update on Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel showdown
With Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury gearing up for their fiercely anticipated rematch on December 21, the heavyweight landscape is slowly beginning to take shape.
Hard-hitting contenders Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel, for instance, are set to collide on a stacked Riyadh Season card that is being finalised for February 22.
Both fighters were initially linked to a clash with Martin Bakole, who is now expected to face fellow knockout artist Efe Ajagba in a final eliminator for Dubois’ IBF belt.
But since then, Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed that Zhang and Kabayal will square off for the WBC interim title, with the pair looking to face the winner of Usyk vs. Fury 2.
“The WBC has received a formal request to sanction such fight for the Interim title and the WBC will accept to sanction it,” Sulaiman, the sanctioning body’s president, told Sky Sports.
“There’s no better fight than Usyk-Fury. So with that [fight] happening, and then the possibilities for the future, we have accepted the No 2 and the No 3 to fight for the Interim title.
“Keep them active and keep the division having the best fights possible.”
- Read More [Heavyweight legend was ruled out of Daniel Dubois showdown due to Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson concerns]
Will Anthony Joshua earn a world title shot before Lawrence Okolie?
With Zhang and Kabayel looking set to fight for the WBC interim title, the winner would represent a clear route towards another world title shot for Joshua.
Despite his crushing defeat to Dubois, the Brit is ranked number 6 with the WBC, keeping him in the mix for a potential crack at the winner of Usyk vs. Fury 2.
However, former world cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie, who is yet to make his heavyweight debut, is placed one spot above Joshua in the sanctioning body’s ratings.
And so, it would appear that Joshua is not the only contender who could face the winner of Zhang vs. Kabayel.