Anthony Joshua hits out at ‘annoying boxing politics’ as he accepts he will likely have to vacate world title

ANTHONY JOSHUA has accepted he could be forced to vacate one of his heavyweight belts.

The Brit got his revenge against Andy Ruiz Jr earlier this month when he outpointed the 20st Mexican.

That saw him reclaim the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world titles that he had wrenched from him in June when he was sensationally KO'd in the seventh round against Ruiz Jr.

But with the IBF and WBO organisations demanding he fights their respective mandatory challengers next, AJ might have to reluctantly give one up.

Kubrat Pulev is the IBF mandatory, with Oleksandr Usyk the WBO's. Pulev is the most likely next opponent for Joshua.

But the Brit is adamant he will win back any belts he is forced to relinquish.

VOWS TO RECLAIM BELT

Speaking to Sky Sports the 30-year-old said: "I would hate it because it's so hard to go round and collect all these belts, it's really difficult and I've kept hold of them for so many years.

"So to have to vacate because of the boxing politics would be annoying, but there's things that are out of my control.

"If I do lose one, I know I'll be able to get it back."

Boxing fans will be desperate for Joshua to fight whoever has the WBC strap after he has negotiated past Pulev.

JOSHUA READY FOR LEGACY

That title will again be on the line when Tyson Fury rematches Deontay Wilder in February.

And should Fury claim it as he should have done when they first met, it will set up a mouthwatering Battle of Britain undisputed clash against Joshua.

Speaking about the future AJ added: "Time moves so fast, it's easy to forget things.

"So we just look forward into the new year and more challenges, more competition and hopefully more memorable years to come"