Anthony Joshua To Lose His IBF Title

Heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua is waiting to hear if he could be forced to vacate one of his two world heavyweight titles without actually losing it in the ring.

This comes in the wake of the possibility of deposed champion Wladimir Klitschko activating a rematch clause for later this year that was inserted in the deal.

As things stand, the Nigerian-born heavyweight champion would have to give up the IBF title he won against Charles Martin if boxing authorities rule he has to take on his mandatory challenger, Kubrat Pulev of Bulgaria.

However, there may be hope for Anthony Joshua (19-0) to retain his hard-earned belt as his promoter, Eddie Hearn is lobbying for him to be allowed to fight Klitschko for both the WBC and IBF titles with the incentive of the winner taking on Pulev, Express.co.uk writes.

“It is the IBF convention this week and we have put in a special exemption request to fight Klitschko next as we will with the WBC but that is a little bit more clear,” Hearn said.

“We will be allowed a special acceptation request with the WBC but whether we will be allowed one with the IBF, who knows.

“We want to fight Klitschko next and the noise from their camp is that is going to happen, and it will be discussed over the next few weeks.

“If Anthony doesn’t fight Klitschko he will fight Pulov who isn’t going to go away. Pullovers people have objected to the special exemption request.”

Joshua last week stirred controversy when he admonished Klitschko not to activate the rematch clause, alluding to an easy victory over the Ukrainian great.

But it appears his path to greatness is tied to the Ukrainian, and a rematch would be welcome by all, least of all him, in light of the present turn of events.