Anthony Joshua has three possible opponents for | Boxing News

Anthony Joshua has been lined up to struggle three potential opponents for his subsequent boxing struggle, however promoter Eddie Hearn insisted they are going to take their time to weigh up their choice. The 35-year-old hasn’t stepped into the ring his since his IBF heavyweight defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 at Wembley. Joshua hit the deck within the first, third, fourth and fifth rounds earlier than he was counted out by the referee, main some critics to call for his retirement. But it appears the previous world champion is set to squeeze in one other top-scale struggle.

Joshua has been craving for the chance to struggle Tyson Fury however a bout by no means materialised. Fury then introduced his choice to step away from boxing following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn has recommended that Fury could be their first port of call if he decides to renege on his retirement from boxing. But the promoter accepts that his hopes of such a U-turn occurring are inconceivable and he could have to look for an various opponent as an alternative.

“In an splendid world, Tyson Fury will get off the couch and goes, ‘I’m bored. I wanna roll the cube with AJ’,” Hearn informed the Sun. “And that phone call would be the most beautiful phone call I’ve had in my career, and it may come, but if it doesn’t, we’ve got to find an opponent. And, he’s [Joshua] got to be 100 per cent physically right because this is arguably the most important decision and moment of his career because it’s the final ones [fights].”

It appears unlikely that Fury, 37, will go back on his word, and Hearn’s next move could be to seek a rematch with Dubois. However, the reigning IBF champion is keen on arranging a rematch with Usyk, who beat him in 2023 via a ninth-round knockout.

If neither Fury or Dubois agree to fight, it would leave Joshua with Agit Kabayel, Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder. Kabayel is the WBC interim belt holder, while Parker holds the WBO title. Facing his long-time rival Wilder again could represent an enticing option for AJ, but the American has just confirmed a fight with Tyrell Herndon in June – ruling him out for the foreseeable future.

Matchroom Supremo Hearn is adamant they won’t rush their decision and hinted that the identity of Joshua’s next opponent is not nearly as important as him getting back into the ring.

“We’re in no tearing rush. The next move is so important for the last chapter, because that’s what it is,” he added.

“We’ve simply bought to get it proper and if we will not get Dubois or if we will not get Fury, then we have to struggle another person. And that may very well be Parker, that may very well be Kabayel, that may very well be, I do not know, Wilder… anybody.”