Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua may be one step closer to reclaiming his place at the top of boxing’s most competitive division. The World Boxing Council (WBC) has approved a bout between China’s Zhilei Zhang and Germany’s Agit Kabayel for the interim heavyweight title, opening a potential path for Joshua to challenge the winner. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the sanctioning decision, emphasizing the organization’s focus on delivering high-stakes matchups in the heavyweight ranks.
“The WBC has received a formal request to sanction this fight for the interim title, and we will accept it,” Sulaiman stated. He reiterated the WBC’s commitment to fostering elite contests, particularly in a division currently dominated by marquee names like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Daniel Dubois.
For Joshua, 35, this development offers a crucial opportunity to revitalize his career. After suffering a stunning knockout loss to Dubois in September at Wembley Stadium, Joshua’s immediate future seemed uncertain. Speculation about a rematch with Dubois faded as Dubois set his sights on an IBF title defense against Joseph Parker, scheduled for February.
The Zhang-Kabayel showdown provides a new route for Joshua, bypassing immediate encounters with Fury or Usyk, both of whom are tied up in their own high-profile bouts. Usyk and Fury are set to meet on December 21 in a long-awaited unification clash, following Usyk’s victory over Fury in May. Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF title subsequently elevated Dubois to full champion status, further complicating the heavyweight hierarchy.
Zhang, known for his power and resilience, is coming off a series of impressive performances, while Kabayel remains an undefeated force in the division. A victory for either fighter would set up a blockbuster clash with Joshua, whose popularity and legacy make him a perennial draw.
A win in a potential interim title fight could fast-track Joshua’s return to championship contention, positioning him for another shot at heavyweight glory. The stakes are high, and for Joshua, this could mark the beginning of a dramatic comeback in a division that thrives on seismic shifts and unexpected twists.
As the heavyweight scene continues to evolve, Joshua’s journey back to the summit promises to be one of the sport’s most compelling narratives.