ANTHONY JOSHUA could reportedly be offered some extra sparring by Luis Ortiz to help him prepare for the southpaw challenge of Oleksandr Usyk.
WBA, IBF and WBO champion AJ was given a 48-hour deadline last week to salvage his planned unification clash with Tyson Fury.
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That was not met, meaning he now looks set to fulfil his mandatory defence against Usyk.
He and Fury were set to finally lock horns in Saudi Arabia in August until Deontay Wilder won an appeal in an arbitration court for him to receive a third fight with the Gypsy King.
That is set to be held in Las Vegas in July with Joshua now looking at a bout with Usyk.
And he appeared to confirm that the Ukrainian is now his target via his Snapchat.
AJ shared a shot of himself at the end of a previous fight looking into the crowd, with Usyk sat staring straight back at him.
Now ‘King Kong’ Ortiz, who is a two-time world title challenger, has revealed he would be willing to help the Englishman in his preparation for the 34-year-old.
The Cuban told Sky Sports: “As far as for Joshua, I’d go help him get ready, but Usyk shouldn’t be a problem for Joshua.
“But then again it’s boxing and at this level every heavyweight is a problem.”
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Ortiz, 42, last fought in November when he knocked out Alexander Flores.
And despite his veteran years, he is also itching to get back into the ring himself.
When asked about his next fight, he added: “Hopefully by September or maybe sooner.
“It’s been tough to get a real good fight with the top guys.”
