Anthony Joshua will not be afforded much rest after recapturing the world heavyweight titles by beating Andy Ruiz – as the WBO have ordered him to fight mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk within 180 days.
The mercurial Ukrainian has successfully stepped up since cleaning up at cruiserweight, beating Chazz Witherspoon in October.
And WBO rules state that their champions are automatically elevated to mandatory challengers once they move up in weight, meaning AJ must now defend his titles against Usyk before next summer.
WBO President Paco Valcarcel stated: “Clash of the Dunes is over... Now clash of mandatories will be next. WBO mandatory challenger Usyk within 180 days.”
That means Joshua vs Usyk must take place before June 4 next year, putting the Briton in a tricky situation immediately after becoming a two-time champion.
The queue of potential opponents will grow by the day, too, with the IBF mandatory also due soon.
Kubrat Pulev has been biding his time for a shot at Joshua.
With Deontay Wilder, who holds the WBC belt, and Tyson Fury set to fight each other next February, and likely for a third time later in the year, Joshua will be forced to carve out his own route.
Ruiz called for a third fight, but Joshua played that down, perhaps aware of his precarious mandatory situation.
“I don’t know, I don’t want to talk too much. A big mouth is not what people respect. Whatever we can do, I will do,” Joshua told BBC 5 Live.
“Let the fans decide. We are up for anything. I’m made for this stage. Look at this, a purpose built stadium for a purposeful night tonight.”
