Efe Ajagba will face Frank Sanchez in a final eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF heavyweight title.
Promoters Sampson Boxing won the purse bid to stage the Ajagba vs Sanchez bout. However, the promoters have not announced an official date. There is also no clear timeframe on when the winner will get their world title opportunity.
A Potential Opening for Joshua
The IBF has ruled that Ajagba must fight Sanchez by November 24 to secure his mandatory shot at the belt. If the eliminator falls through, Anthony Joshua stands as the next leading contender. The IBF currently ranks him just behind Ajagba, Sanchez, and Derek Chisora.
Joshua could step into the eliminator, or even compete for an Interim or vacant world championship. With the heavyweight division unsettled, he remains in a strong position to challenge for major honors again.
Usyk’s Title Picture
The IBF is one of four major titles Usyk holds. He recently defended his belts with a knockout win over Daniel Dubois. His next mandatory defense is scheduled under the WBO, where New Zealand’s Joseph Parker holds the challenger spot.
However, negotiations for that fight may face delays. Usyk’s camp has requested an extension due to the champion’s injuries. Sergey Lapin, CEO of Ready to Fight and Usyk’s director, explained:
“The champion deserves time to recover from training and injuries, to rest, and to spend time with his family. He has earned the right to decide his future at his own pace.”
Joshua’s Road Ahead
While Usyk recovers, other heavyweights are pushing for big fights. Joshua has not fought since his loss to Dubois last year. A natural clash would be with Tyson Fury, his long-time rival. But Fury insists he is retired, which leaves Joshua as one of the highest-profile heavyweights still active.
With the division in transition, Joshua remains well-placed to seize new opportunities and fight his way back into world title contention.
