Sat. Nov 16th, 2024
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In January, Saudi Turki Alalshikh – one of boxing’s leading power brokers – revealed plans for the winner of Joshua-Ngannou to land a shot at the undisputed title next.

The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, with the riches of the Kingdom behind him, has quickly become one of the most influential figures in boxing.

“He wants to make the biggest fights out there,” Hearn said. “He’s a huge fan, like us and everybody else. If he has the ability to make the fight I’m sure he will do everything he can to make it happen.”

But despite Alalshikh’s grand plans and Matchroom promoter Hearn’s optimism, the prospect of Joshua challenging Fury for all four world titles in his next fight seems unlikely.

Broadcaster DAZN has indicated to BBC Sport it does not think it could happen this summer.

Queensberry’s Frank Warren, who represents Fury and is also co-promoting Joshua-Ngannou, is not convinced Usyk would step aside – unless an injury or other external factors prevent him from contesting the rematch.

“Of course, AJ-Fury is the fight we all want to see because at the end of the day it’s two Brits and there’s been that rivalry between them and the two promotional companies for god knows how many years,” Warren said.

“I think Tyson wins the fight against Usyk but then do you see Usyk and his management team stepping aside?

“I don’t. Especially for the monies that’s involved. But anything can happen in boxing.”

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