ANTHONY JOSHUA will be in line to challenge for Tyson Fury’s WBC world heavyweight title if he beats Francis Ngannou.

Joshua returns on March 8 in Saudi Arabia against ex-UFC champion Ngannou, in only his second boxing bout.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman with Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters

Anthony Joshua is the No1 rated challenger for Fury’s beltCredit: Reuters

AJ currently stands as the WBC’s No1 ranked challenger meaning if he is victorious, he could be mandated to face Fury.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told Gambling.com: “He has had a sensational career and if he beats Francis Ngannou, then he is number one in the WBC while Francis Ngannou is number 10 so the winner will certainly be positioned for great things in the immediate future.”

Ngannou put his MMA career on hold last year to fight Fury on his boxing debut.

And he amazingly scored a knockdown only to be beaten via controversial split-decision.

Fury, 35, now faces Oleksandr Usyk, 36, on February 17 in Saudi for the undisputed heavyweight crown.

Meanwhile Joshua, 34, takes on Ngannou, 37, just three weeks later.

Winners of the two super-fights could meet but as it stands, Fury and Usyk are already contracted to a rematch.

But WBC boss Sulaiman would consider altering plans if promoters requested.

He said: “The WBC already sanctioned Fury v Usyk and the rematch.

“We received the request and have already accepted a rematch if the promoters put it together so that’s where the WBC stands.

“If the promoters change their request for the rematch, we will certainly address it.”