Anthony Joshua 'emotional' after regaining heavyweight world titles – BBC News, BBC News
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************ The fight as it happened
Joshua was transformed from their first meeting in New York and joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis , Floyd Patterson and Wladimir Klitschko as heavyweights who have reclaimed a world title.
In the aftermath, the WBO said he must face Ukraine’s Usyk within 728 days.
“Whatever I can do, I will,” Joshua told BBC Radio 5 Live. “If that is fighting the other top fighters in the division, then so be it.”
IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev is also in line to face Joshua and agreements will need to be reached as to whether he faces the Bulgarian or Usyk first.
Usyk – who stepped up to heavyweight having held all four world belts at cruiserweight – was ringside to watch at the Diriyah Arena.
When asked about the fact WBO tweeted of his mandatory status just moments after his win, Joshua said: “In 728 days? No problem, let’s rock and roll. “
Joshua would have to give up the IBF and WBO belts if he does not face his mandatory challengers and his promoter Eddie Hearn dismissed the chances of that happening.
If that is the case, any bout with WBC champion Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury appears some time away.
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