Anthony Joshua could receive a vacant IBF heavyweight world title shot as a result of the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk deal.
It was announced last week that Fury and Usyk have signed contracts for an undisputed showdown, which is eyed to take place on December 23 or in January.
The pair will unify all four of boxing’s major heavyweight world titles when they meet, as the Brit holds the WBC crown while the Ukrainian owns the WBA, IBF and WBO belts.
However, it’s now been reported by ESPN that they have also agreed a two-way rematch clause.
This all-but guarantees a second fight between them, as it contractually allows the loser the opportunity to force a rematch.
But if Fury vs Usyk II does indeed happen, then it will not be for the undisputed crown.
IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic is already overdue for his world title opportunity.
The sanctioning body have now sent letters to both Fury and Usyk confirming that the winner of their fight will be ordered to defend against the dangerous unbeaten Croatian next with no exceptions.
This means that the Fury vs Usyk winner will almost certainly be stripped of the IBF heavyweight world title before their second clash.
Remarkably, this may well open the door for Joshua.
If the IBF belt does indeed become vacant, then Hrgovic would be ordered to fight for it against the highest ranked available contender in the IBF rankings.
At present, this is AJ.
Joshua’s plans remain unclear at present as his team remain locked in talks to try and salvage his potential clash with Deontay Wilder.
It appears likely that the Brit would favour this long-awaited mega money showdown against the American, rather than an IBF heavyweight world title shot against the little-known Hrgovic.
However, should AJ vs Wilder not materialise, then Joshua vs Hrgovic could quickly become a more appealing option.
