Joshua wants to become a three-time world heavyweight champion in his next fight before chasing undisputed status next year but his dream could be ruined
Anthony Joshua’s hopes of becoming an undisputed champion could be ruined by Oleksandr Usyk’s plan to move back to cruiserweight.
Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight world champion in 25 years when he beat Tyson Fury in their historic fight last month. Joshua’s plan of facing Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight belts next year could now be in jeopardy as the Ukrainian wants to move back down to cruiserweight after facing Fury again in December.
“I think maybe after rematch, I want to go down to my weight at cruiserweight. We have spoken about that, go back down to cruiserweight and get undisputed for the second time in that division,” Usyk told Three Knockdown Rule. The Ukrainian has spent most of his career at cruiserweight and has only fought at heavyweight six times.
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk after their August 2022 rematch ( Image: Getty Images)
Usyk admitted he doesn’t enjoy the process of bulking up in size to compete with the likes of Fury and Joshua. “For me, I don’t like it. Three times, cocktail and water. Protein, banana,” he added. Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas then joked his fighter didn’t eat for two days after his win against Fury.
‘AJ’ has won four consecutive fights since losing his unified heavyweight world titles against Usyk and coming up short in their rematch. The Brit’s promoter Eddie Hearn revealed Joshua’s undisputed plans whilst speaking about a potential retirement date for the former two-time world champion.
“I think maybe the end of 2026,” Hearn told PA when asked about Joshua’s retirement. “If he wins in September and beats Fury or Usyk to become undisputed then what else do you do? It could even be next year, who knows? He’ll want to continue while he’s performing and right now he’s the best ever. He wants legacy, greatness.”
‘AJ’ is expected to fight Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September for his UK return. Joshua’s longtime rival Deontay Wilder could have revived his chances of facing the Brit if he would have beaten Zhilei Zhang last weekend, but the American was KO’d in another poor performance.
