Who can Anthony Joshua face next if he beats Tyson Fury in blockbuster WBA ‘super’ heavyweight title showdown on December 11

Anthony Joshua has already named his preferred next opponent if he defeats Tyson Fury in their long-awaited heavyweight showdown. Joshua and Fury are scheduled to meet on December 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with the WBA ‘super’ heavyweight title reportedly at stake. After years of failed negotiations, the two British rivals will finally settle their rivalry in the ring.But Joshua could already have another heavyweight champion in his sights. When asked which champion he would want to face after Fury, Joshua gave a clear answer: Murat Gassiev. The Russian currently holds the WBA heavyweight title and could become an important part of Joshua’s plans if the British star wins on December 11.Why does Anthony Joshua want Murat Gassiev next?Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will have much more than bragging rights on the line when they meet in Cardiff. Reports have stated that the WBA ‘super’ heavyweight belt will be awarded to the winner.If confirmed, it would be an unusual situation in the heavyweight division. The title would be contested by two fighters who currently do not hold a world championship.That situation has created a problem for Murat Gassiev.The Russian became the sole WBA heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk gave up his world titles in June. Gassiev had previously held the WBA’s secondary ‘regular’ championship. With no ‘super’ champion in the division, however, his position effectively became the WBA’s main heavyweight title.Gassiev defended his championship in July against short-notice replacement Peter Kadiru. He later learned through a report from Ring Magazine that his title status could be changed to make room for Joshua and Fury.Gassiev said he had not received official confirmation from the WBA as of Tuesday. His team then filed a formal objection.“If anyone should be fighting for the WBA Super heavyweight title, it is Murat Gassiev, the reigning champion, not two boxers who currently hold no world title between them,” wrote John Wirt, co-promoter and legal counsel for Gassiev.Fury has since confirmed that the WBA ‘super’ title has been sanctioned for his fight with Joshua. However, the belt was not discussed during Wednesday’s press conference.Joshua was later asked who he would like to fight if he gets past Fury. His answer was “Murat Gassiev.”That response could create an interesting path for Joshua after December 11.Under WBA rules, a ‘super’ champion is generally expected to defend against the ‘regular’ champion within 18 months. If Joshua wins the WBA ‘super’ belt, Gassiev could therefore become a potential mandatory opponent.However, the rule has not always been strictly followed, particularly in the heavyweight division.Mahmoud Charr is one example. He held the WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title for five consecutive years without facing the ‘super’ champion in a unification bout.That means Joshua naming Gassiev does not automatically guarantee that the two fighters will meet.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.