As former heavyweight champions Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua prepare for their upcoming fixtures next month, the word is out that the two could meet next year in a high-stakes eliminator fight. 

This eliminator fight, however, is hinged on if the two of them emerge as winners on the same night. Anthony Joshua is billed to face Otto Wallin while Deontay Wilder will take on Joseph Parker on the night of December 23. As interesting as the card is, we are bound to get something better next year. 

The WBC, in collaboration with the IBF, WBA, and WBO, has confirmed that the heavyweight championship will be contested in the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk undisputed title fight on February 17, as well as an expected rematch between Fury and Usyk. The WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman further assured that the organisation was equally committed to seeing the emergence of an undisputed champion. 

Sulaiman stated, “The WBC board of governors has approved Fury against Usyk in February and then the rematch, so there will not be anything in the way, as far as the WBC, for both fights to take place.” Despite not directly competing for the WBC title, Joshua and Wilder’s upcoming bouts on December 23 could determine the mandatory challenger for Fury’s WBC heavyweight title.

Describing it as a natural WBC elimination tournament, Sulaiman highlighted the high rankings of Wilder, Joshua, Parker, and Wallin within the WBC. 

The prospect of a Joshua-Wilder matchup is gaining momentum, and Sulaiman acknowledged that it looks like they are on a collision course. Considering it could be a final elimination to determine a mandatory contender for the WBC title, Sulaiman expressed excitement, adding that the fans would be getting what they want at last. 

If all goes according to plan, a new undisputed heavyweight champion could emerge before the first half of next year is done with. 

Leon Osamor