Boxing: Anthony Joshua gets title chance, Usyk to vacate belt

Former two-time heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua could be in line to face Filip Hrgovic for a world title next.

Reports gathered say Joshua will get this chance if IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk decides to vacate his belt to pursue a fight with Tyson Fury for the WBC title.

Recall that Joshua lost his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles to Usyk and then failed in his bid to reclaim them in their rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia back in August.

The British-Nigerian is now weighing up his options following his third defeat in his last four bouts after a proposed bout with Fury broke down after talks were in advanced stages.

There is now hope that his next fight could be for a belt with Usyk looking to defend the WBA, WBC and WBO titles against Fury.

The Ukrainian would then have to give up his IBF crown, meaning IBF chiefs would order Hrgovic and Andy Ruiz to meet for the vacant strap.

However, Ruiz is seeking a fight with Deontay Wilder and if that happens, Joshua would be the man to take his place.