ANTHONY JOSHUA'S plans to challenge for a world title this fall could go up in smoke.
The former two-time heavyweight champion looked set to challenge for the IBF title at Wembley in September against the winner of this weekend's Saudi showdown between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois.
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That's because the US sanctions body would get rid of the undisputed king of the heavyweights Oleksandr Usyk of the title so that mandatory challenger Hrgovic can finally compete for it.
But Usyk – that Brit beat Tyson Fury earlier this month — and his team made a last-ditch effort to prevent the stripping, which could happen within days.
Ukrainian manager Egis Klimas said this Boxing scene: “We are waiting for a decision.
“I think it's more important now for Tyson Fury, not for Oleksandr.
“Oleksandr is of course dually united [champion at cruiserweight and heavyweight] and if the next one battle is only for the three belts.
“I don't think it will be fair for either of the two guys. Whether it's Tyson Fury or Oleksandr.
“But in terms of importance, I think it's more important for Team Fury to win this title.
“Imagine Fury wins – he won't be unchallenged so he loses the opportunity.
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“The rematch, the clause, was so that both guys had a chance to be unchallenged.
“I hope the IBF will make the right decision.”
If the IBF makes a U-turn and lets Usyk retain the title, it means his rematch with Fury in October will be for all the heavyweight marbles.
It will also put a nail in the coffin of Saudi's plans boxing supremo Turki Alalshik for AJ will face the winner of Hgrovic vs Dubois for the red belt.
Alalshikh revealed those plans earlier this month during an appearance on The MMA Hour: We have Joshua's fight in September, it all depends on the outcome of the Hrgovic fight [with Dubois].
“Because we now have Wilder locked to Jared Anderson on the card in Los Angeles.”
Joshua, who is riding a four-fight win streak, revealed last month that he would be back in the ring in September.
He told talkSPORT: “Every time they tell me there's a date, you know I'm going to be 100 percent ready.
“It will be in London, at Wembley Stadium.
“This is what I'm being told. If that's what they say, they normally stand behind their word, so let's go with that.
“Wembley, September 20 or 21.”