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Boxing

Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury: Winner must face me next, claims Michael Hunter

Alexander Netherton
Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury: Winner must face me next, claims Michael HunterDAZN
The American heavyweight is putting his name forward.

American fighter Michael Hunter believes that a shot at the winner of Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury is "rightfully mine."

Hunter will take on Filip Hrgovic to decide the holder of the IBF mandatory designation. Joshua is the current holder of the IBF belt and is due to face Fury this summer as part of a two-fight deal.

Whoever emerges as the victor will almost certainly be the undisputed heavyweight champion, and assuming there are no vacated belts in the aftermath, the holder will have a host of mandatory challengers lining up to fight.

Dillian Whyte reclaimed the WBC interim championship with victory over Alexander Povetkin at the weekend, and went three years without a title fight during his last tenure. Whyte appears reluctant to take part in a much-discussed challenge from Deontay Wilder.

Hunter, though, told Sky Sports that he believes if he beats Croatian Hrgovic then he would be first for a chance.

"We do know it's a business, there's a lot of things that go on, but I think I have the opportunity to claim what's rightfully mine and put it out there, and shine," he said.

"I've got to this point. There's been many factors to get here, but now I've put them in a mandatory position, it's time to fight. There's nothing else to do."

Hunter expects that were he to get the nod, he would be fighting current WBC champion Fury.

"It's a very challenging fight for Anthony Joshua," said Hunter. 

"I see Tyson Fury edging it out.

"I actually think Anthony Joshua is a little more consistent, to be honest.

"If Tyson Fury feels good, I think he has enough skills to almost get off the couch and give Anthony Joshua hell any day."