WBC President clears path for Anthony Joshua to face winner of Fury vs. Usyk
The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mauricio Sulaiman has affirmed that Anthony Joshua could potentially face the victor of the impending clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Currently ranked number one by the WBC, Joshua eagerly awaits his shot at either Fury or Usyk, who are set to collide on May 18 in Saudi Arabia for the unified championship.
The much-anticipated showdown between Fury and Usyk is scheduled to determine the undisputed champion before a presumed rematch later in the year.
Joshua’s position in the heavyweight landscape strengthened after he delivered a devastating second-round knockout against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, further fueling speculation about potential matchups with the division’s top contenders.
Sulaiman’s comments to Sky Sports underscored the WBC’s openness to facilitating a future bout involving Joshua, provided there are no contractual or promotional obstacles.
He emphasised the organisation’s commitment to supporting fights that resonate with fans, indicating a willingness to sanction a showdown between Joshua and either Fury or Usyk.
“The WBC was presented a sanction request which was to fight for the undisputed. The WBC accepted that sanctioning and we accepted the rematch they have requested,” Sulaiman told Sky Sports.
“But, if it is not anything to do with contractual or promotion, we would absolutely accept the winner to fight Joshua. The WBC has been very much attentive to this matter. So we have completely freed the ground for the undisputed, for a rematch, and for another fight of that level.
“The WBC position right now is very open to support the undisputed champion taking on the fights that the fans want to see,” Sulaiman added.
Reflecting on Joshua’s recent triumph, Sulaiman praised the former unified heavyweight champion’s performance, hailing him as a formidable force in the division.
He acknowledged the shifting narratives surrounding heavyweight contenders, highlighting the unpredictability inherent in boxing and the influence of fighting styles on outcomes.
“It was unbelievable,” said Sulaiman. “He looked like a champion of the world – tremendous, powerful, precise and he made a statement. I am very proud and happy for him.
“That is how the world is, they judge you by your last performance and now he is a power force and everybody is claiming he is the best heavyweight in the world, last year they were saying he was washed up.
“Now, everyone is saying Fury is all washed up but we will see on May 18.”
As anticipation builds for Fury’s encounter with Usyk, Sulaiman acknowledged the speculative nature of discussions among media and fans.
He stressed the complexity of boxing dynamics, citing historical examples to illustrate the unpredictability of matchups and the role of styles in shaping outcomes.
While Fury focuses on his upcoming bout with Usyk, Joshua remains poised to seize any opportunity that arises, including a potential showdown with IBF title challenger Filip Hrgovic should circumstances permit.
Sulaiman’s remarks underscored the dynamic nature of the sport, encouraging ongoing dialogue and debate within the boxing community.
