Former WBA heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has dropped to fifth in the latest World Boxing Association rankings.
Joshua lost his belts to Ukrainian heavyweight newcomer, Oleksandr Usyk in September. However, they have both agreed to a rematch billed for 2022.
Joshua was outclassed by Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in late September, losing his world heavyweight titles on a hugely difficult night.
Reports indicate that Usyk’s dominance in the fight and how the former champion performed, may have contributed to the governing body’s decision to drop his ranking among the top 10 heavyweight fighters.
Usyk claimed the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles with a brilliant display in London but will now have to honour his obligation of facing Joshua again rather than go for more gold.
In preparation for his rematch, Joshua has been on a tour of gyms in California and Texas, with hopes to improve his fighting.
Analysts are expecting a change or addition to his training team, as Joshua prepares to improve ahead of the rematch.
Should the 32-year-old reclaim his title, the chance opens up for a much anticipated undisputed clash with WBC champion Tyson Fury.
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