Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua's next fight could likely be determined by the outcome of tonight's blockbuster heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The 'Gypsy King' will be desperate to get his revenge later this evening against the Ukrainian in what promises to be a mouthwatering sequel in Riyadh. Usyk won the first meeting back in May via a razor-thin split decision. Following the victory, 'The Cat' became the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis back in 1999.
Millions are expected to tune in tonight, but perhaps the most important viewer is Joshua. The Brit has been forced to start from scratch in his bid to become a three-time heavyweight champion after being brutally knocked out by Daniel Dubois back in September at Wembley Stadium.
After suffering the fourth defeat of his professional career earlier this year, many have called for the boxing legend to retire, but the Brit insists he can become a world champion once again. Tonight's monumental showdown could have real significance for Joshua's next fight.
If Fury levels the series, then he will go head-to-head with Usyk for a third time, according to the Brit's promoter, Frank Warren. When asked whether a trilogy bout between Fury and Usyk 'trumps' potential fights with Joshua and Daniel Dubois, Warren told Boxing News: "Oh it does because it's contracted. And whatever happens, that would be the case if Tyson wins... providing nobody retires.".
'The Gypsy King' himself has also distanced himself from a potential fight with Joshua, claiming he will go for the decider against Usyk if he wins tonight. “When I win on Saturday night, I think there’s got to be a trilogy next year for sure,” Fury told Al Arabiya. “Joshua’s in tatters at the moment. He has got to pick up the pieces from his last fight. But the fight with Usyk – one on Saturday and the one afterwards – would be fantastic for me.”.
