Joshua says he will not get drawn into what potentially happens next, but adds the "dangling carrots" bring extra purpose. If a rematch clause between Usyk and Fury is activated it is likely the IBF belt would be stripped and open the door for Joshua to fight Hrgovic instead.īut Joshua must beat Wallin for that to possibly happen as the Swede is currently ranked higher than AJ in the IBF's heavyweight rankings. Joshua appears to have two potential options if he beats 33-year-old Wallin - facing Wilder or having a shot at the IBF title against Filip Hrgovic.Ĭroatia's Hrgovic is the mandatory challenger for the belt held by Usyk, who meets Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title on 17 February in Saudi Arabia. "That's why the fight hasn't happened." Joshua motivated by 'dangling carrots'Įxpect passion, spite and knockout against Wallin - Joshua "Not only do I feel Joshua is intimidated of me, but I feel his promoter is as well," he added. I blame it on his handlers, on his promotion and his management." It comes with not having the heart, the will, the courage to step in the ring. On why the pair have not yet met, Wilder said: "Money hasn't been the issue. Joshua is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn, while Wilder has spent most of his career with Premier Boxing Champions and adviser Al Haymon, as well as being managed by Shelly Finkel. Wilder, 38, held the WBC belt from 2015 to 2020 until he lost to Fury and 42 of his 43 victories have come by knockout. Joshua, 34, is a two-time world champion - having unified the WBA, WBO and IBF divisions - with a record of 26 wins and three defeats. Wallin win can complete operation rebuild for Joshua.It's now or never for Joshua v Wilder - Groves.LISTEN: 5 Live Boxing podcasts from Saudi Arabia.On a stacked card in Saudi Arabia, Britain's Joshua tops the bill against Sweden's Wallin after Wilder takes on former champion Joseph Parker.īoth Joshua and Wilder are on the comeback trail after losing world titles in the past three years to Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury respectively. The future is bright and we are farther than we've ever been in history. And I know that's a little bit confusing, but what's understood doesn't have to be explained," the American told BBC Sport in the build-up to Saturday's event in Riyadh. "I've learned over the years especially dealing in boxing that nothing is for sure, until it's for sure. Wilder is one of the greatest knockout punchers in heavyweight history and, while not convinced about Joshua's intentions, remains hopeful of getting him in the ring. Joshua told BBC Sport he would "love to fight" Wilder, but said he would prefer to fight for the IBF title first. "I don't want to say he's 100% afraid, but I think he's 75%," said Wilder.
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