Anthony Joshua has vowed to “stand as a champion” if he is forced to vacate a world heavyweight title and warned “I’ll get it back again”.
Joshua regained his WBA “Super”, IBF and WBO belts with a commanding points victory over Andy Ruiz Jr last month and has already been ordered to make title defences against Kubrat Pulev and Oleksandr Usyk, his IBF and WBO mandatory challengers.
With both the IBF and WBO attempting to enforce fights, promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping to reach a resolution that would allow him to fulfill both title obligations, but Joshua is relaxed about his next career move after avenging the only defeat of his career.
“I always said the belts do not represent me,” Joshua told Sky Sports. “I will stand as a champion, even if I have to give one up.
“It would give me an opportunity to face another world champion – I’ve beaten four world champions on my record now. If I give up a belt it creates more history and entertainment. If I have to, I’ll give it away – but I’ll get it back again.”
The champ’s next fight will likely be scheduled for April or May in London, but there are also reports that he could stage his next title defense somewhere in Africa.
Source: www.skysports.com
