Anthony Joshua Shocks the Boxing World: Unexpected Title Shot in Undisputed ‘Tournament’ After Usyk’s Mandate

In a development that has shaken the boxing world, Anthony Joshua has found himself in an unexpected title shot as part of a potential undisputed heavyweight tournament, following Oleksandr Usyk’s latest mandate.

The heavyweight landscape has been in flux with the long-anticipated showdown between Usyk and Tyson Fury for the undisputed championship. But now, with the sport’s governing bodies looking to enforce mandatory defenses, Joshua is back in the mix for heavyweight glory—a turn of events that many did not see coming.

This sudden shift raises major questions:

• How did Joshua secure a spot in the title picture despite recent setbacks?
• What role does Usyk’s mandate play in this decision?
• Could this tournament finally bring clarity to the chaotic heavyweight division?

Let’s dive into the shocking details and what this means for the future of heavyweight boxing.

The State of the Heavyweight Division: Usyk vs. Fury and the Chaos That Followed

Before discussing Joshua’s unexpected opportunity, we need to examine the current heavyweight landscape and the factors leading up to this moment.

1. Usyk vs. Fury: The Fight That Changed Everything

• The biggest fight in heavyweight boxing—the long-awaited clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury—is finally set to take place.
• This bout will determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
• The winner will hold the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles, officially unifying the division.

However, with multiple belts on the line, boxing’s governing bodies have already warned that the winner must fulfill mandatory obligations—or risk being stripped of the belts.

2. Usyk’s Mandate: A Complicated Situation

• As the reigning WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO champion, Usyk faces a mandatory obligation to defend against different challengers.
• The IBF is expected to enforce its mandatory challenger first, which could result in Filip Hrgović getting a title shot.
• If Usyk wins against Fury and refuses to fight Hrgović immediately, the IBF may strip him of the title—leading to a vacant belt.

This mandate chaos has created a vacuum in the heavyweight division, opening up opportunities for other contenders—including Joshua.

How Anthony Joshua Secured His Unexpected Title Shot

Anthony Joshua’s road back to a title shot has been anything but smooth. After losing back-to-back fights against Usyk, Joshua’s dominance was questioned. But his recent resurgence and smart matchmaking have placed him in a prime position for another championship opportunity.

1. AJ’s Resurgence: A Strategic Comeback

Victory over Jermaine Franklin marked a return to the ring, though in a cautious fashion.
Devastating knockout of Robert Helenius showcased his return to power-punching form.
Destruction of Otto Wallin: a dominant performance that reestablished his reputation.

These wins have convinced promoters and sanctioning bodies that Joshua is worthy of a title shot—especially in a division that desperately needs high-profile names.

2. Matchroom’s Influence and Heavyweight Politics

• Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, has been working behind the scenes to position Joshua for a title fight.
• With multiple belts at risk of becoming vacant, Hearn has leveraged Joshua’s star power to push for his inclusion in any upcoming title discussions.
• Given Joshua’s status as a former unified champion, the governing bodies recognize his marketability and ability to generate massive PPV sales.

3. The ‘Undisputed Tournament’ Idea

Due to the complexity of title defenses, there has been growing talk of an undisputed tournament to decide the next dominant heavyweight if the belts become fragmented after Usyk vs. Fury.

What the Tournament Could Look Like:

• Usyk vs. Fury (Undisputed Fight): The winner becomes the true king.
• Filip Hrgović vs. Anthony Joshua (IBF Mandatory Title Fight): If the IBF belt becomes vacant.
• Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang (WBO/WBC Title Fight): If Fury vacates belts.

Joshua’s entry into this tournament means he has a direct path to reclaiming gold without having to wait for Fury or Usyk’s long-term plans.

Can Joshua Overcome the New Generation?

Despite his past achievements, Joshua’s road to redemption won’t be easy. The new wave of heavyweight contenders is hungry, skilled, and eager to prove themselves.

1. Filip Hrgović, The Mandatory Nightmare

Strengths:

• Undefeated and highly durable.
• One of the most avoided heavyweights.
• Powerful and relentless pressure fighter.

Weaknesses:

• Still unproven against elite opponents.
• Can be slow and predictable at times.

If Joshua faces Hrgović for the IBF title, it will be a brutal challenge—one that requires AJ to be technically sharp and mentally strong.

2. Deontay Wilder: The Ultimate Grudge Match

The fight that fans have been waiting for—Joshua vs. Wilder—could finally happen as part of this tournament.

• Wilder’s knockout power makes him the most dangerous puncher in the division.
• If Joshua can survive Wilder’s bombs, he will cement himself as an elite force again.

3. Zhilei Zhang: A Dangerous Dark Horse

• The Chinese powerhouse shocked the world with back-to-back knockouts of Joe Joyce.
• His southpaw stance and counterpunching ability make him a tricky opponent for anyone.

Joshua will need to show his best form if he wants to beat fighters like Zhang and reclaim his heavyweight throne.

Final Thoughts: A Career-Defining Moment for Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua’s unexpected return to the title picture proves one thing—the heavyweight division is unpredictable.

Despite being written off by critics after his losses to Usyk, Joshua’s determination, brand power, and smart matchmaking have kept him in the championship conversation. Now, with a potential entry into an undisputed tournament, he has a clear shot at redemption.

Can Joshua rise to the occasion and reclaim his spot as the best heavyweight in the world? Or will the new generation of challengers prove too much for him?

One thing is for sure—the heavyweight division is about to explode with excitement, and Anthony Joshua is right in the middle of it all.