That fight could happen if Oleksandr Usyk chooses to vacate the strap and fight Tyson Fury next. The news comes after the IBF ordered mandatory challenger Hrgovic to square off against sanctioning body champion, Usyk. Usyk has repeatedly said that he will only face Fury next and if he chooses to do so, then Joshua - who is ranked at No4 by the IBF - could be given the opportunity to fight for the world title. Under the regulator's rankings, Hrgovic is placed at No1, with No2 vacant, and No3 held by Andy Ruiz Jr. Ruiz has already been ordered to face Deontay Wilder in a WBC final eliminator for a shot at Fury's green strap. The former WBA, WBO, and IBF champion, only has the WBC title missing from his collection and is just one fight away from completing his goal of holding all-four belts. If he chooses to pass up the IBF shot in order to continue down that path then AJ is next in line. Ruiz Jr recently hinted that he will 'stay patient' for his shot at the WBC belt when explaining a 'gut feeling' he has about Wilder not wanting to face Fury again.
They just want AJ back for undisputed again. There has to be a way where Usyk can fight Fury next without getting stripped by the ibf.
Usually, a fight for unification stands above the mandatory title defense, but who knows - the federations have principles and rules on paper only.
If Wilder beats Ruiz then loses to Fury again will the WBC fast track Wilder to another title shot once again? How come Wilder was able to go 5 years without fighting his mandatory but at soon as Fury has the title we get perfectly executed WBC eliminators and title shots?