Anthony Joshua Eyes Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Others as Next Opponent But Has One Condition

Anthony Joshua is itching to have a go again in the boxing ring. The British boxer is supposed to be next in line to challenge for the undisputed crown, currently held by Oleksandr Usyk. He won’t avoid entertaining other top contenders, given they meet one condition. ‘AJ’ revived his career after consecutive losses to Usyk and had a tremendous 2023 as he racked up 3 splendid wins. He would soon follow it up with the easy work of Francis Ngannou and effectively insert himself into the title frame.

Joshua, 34, is up for a steep challenge again, as explained by Eddie Hearn. The British promoter appeared in an interview with Matchroom Boxing, and when asked about Joshua’s next opponent, he mentioned, “He’s ready to fight anybody.”

“He’d love to fight Oleksandr Usyk again, he’d love to fight Tyson Fury. Happy to fight Filip Hrgovic, happy to fight [Daniel] Dubois, happy to fight [Joseph] Parker. Happy to fight any of them. Wilder.”

Hearn soon clarified that Joshua, at 28-3, wanted to reclaim his world championship title, which he last held in 2021. The 44-year-old promoter continued, “So, you have not got a problem with Anthony Joshua. Like literally, anybody who wants it can get it but at the same time, he wants to try and regain his world heavyweight championship.”

While Josuha has multiple options, one factor that has helped in his resurgence is his activity. In an age where top boxers are content with a fight-a-year policy, he walked to the squared circle 3 times last year and defeated Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin.

The Watford native has already fought once this year, and many expect him to enter the ring soon. The Matchroom Boxing head honcho has also suggested when fans can expect Joshua to make a comeback.

Eddie Hearn confirms AJ’s “ready to go” return timeline

When asked whether Joshua would fight in September, as speculated by many, Hearn admitted, “Maybe, yeah, potentially. He’s ready to go. I mean, he was out training all week. He’s going to go back to Riyadh for the 5v5. He’s excited for that one and he’ll be training again out there. And you know, he lives in the gym, so ready to go at any moment.”

The rumors hint that the former world champion will headline a card at Wembley in September and will fight the winner of Hrgovic vs. Dubois with the IBF heavyweight title as the reward. Notably, Usyk and Tyson have a rematch clause, which will not allow Usyk to defend his IBF title in time to retain it. The IBF might strip him, and it can fall into Joshua’s hands if things go as planned.

What do you make of these comments by Eddie Hearn about Anthony Joshua? Who do you think he should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.