Anthony Joshua and Martin Bakole are the two highest contenders in the WBA rankings and could be ordered to fight in a final eliminator bout; The British star has agreed his next fight against Francis Ngannou in March
Anthony Joshua could be ordered to face Martin Bakole to earn a shot at the WBA world heavyweight title.
Joshua and Bakole are the two highest contenders in the WBA rankings and the governing body will decide whether the pair meet in a final eliminator bout, with the winner becoming mandatory challenger for the WBA title which is currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.
The immediate plan for Joshua is a fight against Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on a reported date of Friday March 8.
A few weeks earlier, Usyk will defend his WBA, IBF and WBO world titles against WBC champion Tyson Fury in an undisputed world title fight in Riyadh on February 17.
Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom, who promotes the WBA No 1 ranked Bakole, told Sky Sports: “The WBA may order a final eliminator and we are waiting on direction from them.
“The aim for Martin is to fight early in the year and continue his impressive run. I’m looking forward to seeing him fully fit, when he will look even more devastating.
