Anthony Joshua teases next fight with cryptic Instagram post and sparks fears over Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk showdown
ANTHONY JOSHUA has teased an imminent fight announcement is around the corner – just weeks after his destruction of Francis Ngannou.
The Watford warrior made light work of the former UFC heavyweight champion earlier this month, brutally knocking him out in the second round of their Saudi showdown.
AJ, 34, is now in prime position to face the winner of the historic undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in May.
But the London 2012 gold medallist has hinted that he’ll be back in the ring sooner rather than later.
On Friday night, AJ posted a photo of himself on the phone to his Instagram story with a caption suggesting he may have received a “call” about his next fight.
It read: “Incoming call from @258management. AJ: ‘How can I help?’ @258mgt: ‘They want you to fight.’
“AJ: ‘I will get ready.'”
Joshua’s cryptic post spread like wildfire on social media, with some boxing fans fearing it meant bad news for the previously postponed Fury vs Usyk.
One asked on X: “Fury or Usyk is dropping out of the fight?”
Another said: “Which ones pulled out? Fury or Usyk? I’ll go the latter this time?”
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And another said: “Fury out again? Usyk AJ 3?”
Most fight fans, however, were convinced AJ is teasing a rematch with the resurgent Joseph Parker, who has won his last five on the bounce.
One said: “It means he’s fighting Joseph Parker in July.”
Another said: “Means Parker 2 man I’ve tried to deny it but that’s probably what’s happening.”
And another said: “Joe Parker if [Deontay] Wilders taking on [Zhilei] Zhang.”
Former two-time faces a long wait to face the winner of Fury vs Usyk as the pair have a rematch clause in their contract.
He could find himself or the IBF heavyweight title later this year as the sanctioning body are set to strip the winner of Fury vs Usyk of the belt.
That stripping will take place in order for long-time mandatory challenger – Filip Hrgovic – to vie for the belt.