Anthony Joshua Ordered To Defend WBO Title Against Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua has been ordered to defend his WBO title against Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua, who holds the IBF and WBA belts, was set to face Tyson Fury to fight in August to become the undisputed champion. However, an arbitrator ruled Fury must fight Deontay Wilder again so now the WBO has ordered him to fight Usyk.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter wanted more time to try and salvage the Fury fight but the WBO has ordered him to face Usyk. The date is not yet set.

“According to my knowledge, AJ is ready to take the challenge,” Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk previously told Sky Sports. “It may happen anywhere including Wembley, but yet no serious venue commitments have been made.”

The news is frustrating for many and Joshua and Fury even had a back-and-forth about it.

“The world now sees you for the fraud you are,” Joshua posted on social media towards Fury. You’ve let boxing down! You lied to the fans and led them on. Used my name for clout not a fight. Bring me any championship fighter who can handle their business correctly.”

Fury replied, “You are more full of [rubbish] than [promoter Eddie Hearn]. Your full team knew there was an arbitration going on, it was out of my hands!

To which Joshua said “If there was an arbitration going on, why announce to the world we are fighting! The fight was signed!”

Anthony Joshua is coming off a KO win over Kubrat Pulev and prior to that had the back-to-back fights against Andy Ruiz.

Who do you think will win, Joshua or Usyk?