It’s looking like there are only two candidates remaining in the race to fight Anthony Joshua next.
The list of potential opponents to share the ring with the undefeated British heavyweight has officially been narrowed down to two.
Names like Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Jarrell Miller and Alexander Povetkin had all been touted as options following Joshua’s victory over Joseph Parker last week, a win which saw ‘AJ’ add the WBO heavyweight title to his ever-growing collection of belts.
Don't act like you wouldn't listen to Fury as a commentator https://t.co/hydT1etiPs
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 2, 2018
Everybody wants a piece of Joshua now as he represents the biggest payday in the division by far and promoter Eddie Hearn has just provided an update on his star fighter’s next fight.
“The WBA called the mandatory yesterday for ‘AJ’ to face Povetkin next,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“We have a 30 day window to negotiate – at this stage it means it’s very likely Anthony’s next fight will be between Wilder or Povetkin.”
Povetkin cemented his candidacy by brutally knocking out David Price on the Joshua vs. Parker card and while he might not possess the profile, personality or potential to hype up a title fight like WBC heavyweight champion Wilder, he would pose a legitimate challenge to Joshua.
https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/980189100333559808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ftony-bellew-regrets-letting-his-emotions-get-the-better-of-him-on-air-170442
Joshua was in no doubt about who he hoped to face next when he was interviewed after going the distance for the first time in his career.
“Wilder or Fury, either one,” Joshua said when asked who he wanted.
“What would I have to do to beat Wilder? Get him in the ring and I’ll knock him spark out.”
