Details of the plans for Anthony Joshua’s next potential fights have been revealed including opponents, venues and dates.
Anthony Joshua recently beat Andy Ruiz Jr to reclaim the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles he had previously lost to the Mexican-American in June.
The fight went the distance before Joshua took the win on points to reinstate himself as heavyweight champion.
Mandatory Fights
Inevitably, rumours are now flying with regard to who AJ will fight next, with the WBO and IBF declaring he must arrange a mandatory title defence against Oleksandr Usyk or Kubrat Palev respectively.
When asked about the WBO order in a press-conference, the British superstar replied coolly: “In 180 days? Let’s rock and roll mate.”
“No problem.”
Wilder or Fury
However, the 30-year-old has also maintained his interest in a fight with Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury. Talking to GMB, Joshua said: “I would love to make that my next fight.”
“I’m taking it one step at a time. Whenever they are ready they know where to find us.”
“I’m not a running champion, I’m someone who will fight the best in the world.”
“Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury are those guys. I’d love the opportunity to beat Wilder or Fury.”
“You can see I’d beat them.”
“I’ve displayed different styles of fighting. Sometimes inside fighting, sometimes knockout fighting and sometimes a boxing man’s fight.”
“So I feel like I have their number because I can display a variety of skills when it comes to boxing.”
Fury and Wilder will go head-to-head for a second time in 2020, following their split-decision draw in 2018.
Perfect Sense
Another potential opponent is Dillian Whyte, who Joshua beat back 2015. Whyte faced Mariusz Wach on the undercard of Joshua vs Ruiz II, winning via unanimous decision.
Speaking on the BBC 5 live Boxing podcast, commentator Mike Costello, boxing expert Steve Bunce and former super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall all agreed it would make ‘perfect sense’ for the two to meet again.
Bunce said: “Dillian Whyte at Wembley next year makes all the sense in the world,”
“Ukad have cleared him, Whyte and Joshua have got an old beef – that’s perfect.”
Also in the rumour mill is the possibility of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the venue for AJ’s next fight, as the 2012 Olympic champion looks for a return to home soil following fights in the US and Saudi Arabia.
Homecoming
Promoter Eddie revealed the 62,000 capacity stadium is the forerunner for Joshua’s anticipated return to the UK.
Hearn said: “Tottenham is a nice new stadium for a UK fight, we’ve got to look at it.”
“There are a lot of options internationally but he does want to box back in the UK.”
“We spoke to Spurs about hosting this fight, which they were keen to do, but unfortunately the dates didn’t work out.”
“They would be keen to do it and it would be a nice stadium to do it in London.”
When asked who the next opponent is likely to be, Hearn continued: “I’ve got to speak to the IBF and the WBO and see who goes first.”
“I think it sounds like it’s the IBF, but we’ll wait for confirmation of that. AJ will want to maintain the belts and if that’s the case, I think it will be Pulev, and then Usyk.”
“I think April or May, that’s a realistic kind of date [for Joshua’s next fight].”
With two mandatory challengers and a hit list of his own, there are a number of possibilities for Joshua in 2020 as he looks to defend his regained status.
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Sky Sports Boxing and Anthony Joshua)