Anthony Joshua backed to land surprise world title shot in undisputed ‘tournament’ after Oleksandr Usyk order
Anthony Joshua has been backed to land a shot at the WBO world title if Oleksandr Usyk vacates.
That is according to talkSPORT pundit Spencer Oliver, who believes he has cracked the ever-complex heavyweight conundrum.
Oleksandr Usyk is keen to fight for the undisputed crown against Daniel Dubois with preliminary talks underway for a summer bout.
But a stumbling block was produced by the WBO who subsequently ordered Usyk to defend his title against Joseph Parker.
He could be forced to vacate if he chooses to face Dubois, or could look to file for an exception with the WBO to grant all four belts being on the line.
If he chooses to face Dubois and vacate the WBO strap, a small possibility could see Parker immediately upgraded or thrust into a shot at the belt.
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And Oliver discussed what he believes will unfold, with Joshua to be first in line for a shot at Parker if the situation resolves itself.
"Who I believe will be Daniel Dubois. I think that fight happens next even though the WBO will want him to fight someone new.
"I then believe he will vacate that WBO title, he will fight Dubois and then Parker will be elevated from interim.
"He will be a full world champion and then Anthony Joshua boxes him for that WBO title.
"Then the winners box each other for the undisputed titles, that is the route and road map I see."
When asked if Joshua was a credible challenger for a world title despite his defeat to Dubois, Adam Smith insisted it was a valid option.
He added: "Of course, he's reigned as a two-time heavyweight champion and a poster boy for boxing for many years.
"He's lost to Dubois who was in great form and brilliant. AJ is still a massive name in boxing.
"Of course he deserves it, under Ben Davison he was looking good, He got beaten up, but he can recover from that, he did against Andy Ruiz.
"The Fury fight is the big fight for Joshua, but I still think that can too so I worry before that.
"But does AJ deserve a chance to fight for a world title again? 100 per cent.";
Joshua was on a positive run beating Francis Ngannou and Otto Wallin before losing to Dubois.
It was a brutal stoppage in front of the glaring eyes of thousands at Wembley Stadium, but he is still determined to rebuild.
The British powerhouse is also still a commercial juggernaut, and was eyeing the huge fight with Fury this year.
But Fury chose to retire from the sport and his future remains uncertain having yet to pencil in his next meeting.
His promoter Eddie Hearn suggested it will still be another month or two before he can return to a full training camp, which could see him fight just once this year.