Joshua has three alternative battle choices after Whyte rematch cancelled
Matchroom Boxing are scrambling to discover a alternative opponent for Anthony Joshua on August 12 after his rematch with Dillian Whyte was cancelled because of the ‘Body Snatcher’ failing a pre-fight medicine check carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). It is greater than doubtless that the promoters will look to raise one of many heavyweights who’re already on the undercard to a principal occasion slot however there are additionally loads of different contenders lining up for an opportunity to face the Watford powerhouse.
Here, Express Sport counts down the three finest choices that might logically step in for Whyte this weekend. And to place the report straight, neither Derek Chisora nor Gerald Washington characteristic on this checklist. Both males haven’t any enterprise being within the ring with Joshua.
Demsey McKean
Demsey McKean looks like the neatest choice for AJ. He’s already booked on the invoice towards Filip Hrgovic within the co-main occasion and does not carry the identical inherent danger issue because the Croatian puncher.
Of course, boxing followers wish to see the very best battle and that might undoubtedly be Hrgovic however whether or not Matchroom could be keen to throw their prize asset in with him on such quick discover appears unlikely – particularly once they danger dropping a blockbuster showdown with Deontay Wilder on the again finish of the yr in defeat. McKean is, in fact, no slouch and stays undefeated as an expert although Joshua could be closely favoured to win.
Andy Ruiz Jr
In a shock twist, Andy Ruiz Jr has thrown his hat within the ring to switch Whyte. The Mexican-American famously stopped Joshua again in June 2019 after coming in as a short-notice alternative for Jarrell Miller, who additionally failed a pre-fight medicine check.
AJ rallied to beat Ruiz Jr on factors six months later and had promised him a trilogy bout within the instant aftermath. Perhaps now could be the right time to do it. In a video posted to his social media channels, Ruiz Jr mentioned: “Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua, I think I found a new replacement again. Let’s run it back, let’s get the trilogy. Let’s get it!”
Filip Hrgovic
As acknowledged earlier, Hrgovic vs Joshua is one of the best battle that may be made on such quick discover. Whether Matchroom will put it collectively is one other factor.
Hrgovic is the IBF’s No 1 contender and a win over him would elevate Joshua to being subsequent in line to face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. The 31-year-old has had so much to say about AJ previously and will now have the prospect to again it up within the ring.
This battle is arguably higher than the unique principal occasion and will surely please hardcore boxing followers however it is usually a large danger for Joshua.