Anthony Joshua has three potential opponents for next fight as Eddie Hearn provides update

05/06/2024 17:23

Anthony Joshua returns to the ring on September 21 at Wembley Stadium, but it hasn’t been confirmed who that’ll be against.

Daniel Dubois is thought to be the frontrunner to box AJ next although Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn insists Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker are also in the running.

“Firstly, there is nothing agreed or confirmed for AJ in September,” Hearn told iFL TV.

“His Excellency (Turki Alalshikh) would like AJ to headline at Wembley.

“Obviously it would be incredible for us, for Riyadh Season and for British boxing.

“Who the opponent will be is undecided. You’ve got Zhilei Zhang which is a great fight.

“You’ve got Daniel Dubois, now the IBF interim heavyweight champion and you’ve got Joseph Parker who is on a great run.”

Joshua has already fought Parker in the paid ranks.

AJ defeated the Kiwi via unanimous decision in 2018 to unify the WBA ‘super’, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

However, big wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhang in his last two outings have seen Parker’s stock rise considerably.

Joshua has also bested Zhang, although that was in the amateurs, when they squared off in the 2012 Olympic quarter-finals.

‘Big Bang’s’ KO win over Wilder last weekend has seen him claw his way back to the heavyweight top table.

But according to his promoter Frank Warren, there are plans for him to have a homecoming fight in China next.

Dubois is the only fighter out of the three Joshua hasn’t boxed and he looks to be the most appealing option.

Not only is he British, which will help shift tickets in London, but he is also now the IBF mandatory to Oleksandr Usyk after his career-best win over Filip Hrgovic.

Providing the IBF strip Usyk as expected, Dubois will promoted to full IBF champion, thus handing Joshua the opportunity to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

“The aim for us is for AJ to become world heavyweight champion and if the IBF belt becomes available which we we expect it to, then there's a chance of Dubois against AJ for the world heavyweight title,” Hearn added.

"That's definitely a fight that appeals, but nothing agreed or confirmed yet…

"The only way AJ could fight for a world title at Wembley is with the IBF so if that's the case I would say that is the frontrunner at the moment.”

Joshua’s next opponent will be officially announced at a press conference in London on June 25.