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26-year-old Anthony Joshua is a rising star in the heavyweight division and could be nearing a title shot. The IBF has announced that Joshua could fight for their mandatory challenger position but are currently awaiting some drug test results.
Ekran Teper, who is currently rated higher than Joshua by the IBF, recently tested positive for a banned substance and the IBF is waiting on the results of Teper's B sample before going ahead to sanction an Anthony Joshua-Carlos Takam bout. The winner of that fight would be named Charles Martin's mandatory challenger.
IBF championships chairman Lindsey E Tucker told Sky Sports: "Teper and Takam are the next two, but if there is a problem with either one, we would go to Joshua
"If Teper is out, yes it will be Takam and Joshua. They will be fighting for the No 1 position, which is the mandatory challenge."
Meanwhile, promoter Eddie Hearn is still working to finalize Joshua's first opponent of 2016, scheduled at the O2 Arena on April 9th.
"We have opportunities everywhere and a list of fighters calling AJ out longer than my arm. Stay tuned for next week's announcement," said Hearn.
Fellow heavyweights such as Dereck Chisora, Bryant Jennings, and Joseph Parker have all expressed interest in facing Joshua.