Anthony Joshua insists he would ‘100%’ prefer to fight Tyson Fury next after he produced one of his most dominant performances in recent memory with an impressive stoppage of Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
The 34-year-old made it three wins from three in 2023 after the fight was called off following a thunderous fifth round which left Wallin unable to continue.
Joshua, having already beaten Jermaine Franklin Jr by unanimous decision in April before sealing a seventh-round stoppage against Robert Helenius in August, cruised to a 27th professional career victory.
But the identity of his next opponent is unclear following Joseph Parker’s shock defeat of Deontay Wilder on the same card.
In all likelihood, when Joshua next steps into the ring he will lock horns with Filip Hrgovic should one of Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, as expected vacate the IBF title ahead of the second contest of their two-fight deal.
Were the usual boxing politics not an issue, Joshua was asked who he would prefer to fight next out of the Gypsy King or the dangerous Croatian and AJ delivered an emphatic response.
He said: ‘100% Tyson Fury but I’m not dodging Hrgovic, I’ll fight Hrgovic as well.’
‘It was a tough decision between the championship and Deontay Wilder,’ Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn explained.
‘We signed for Wilder, he lost tonight. But maybe it’s a blessing because he wants to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.
‘Now it’s gonna be AJ vs Hrgovic for the world title.’
‘I would love to see him fight Tyson Fury,’ Hearn later added. ‘If Tyson Fury can beat Usyk I would love to see him fight Tyson Fury, I love that fight.
‘I hope Tyson can be triumphant in his fight. We’ll go away now, we had our plans for March but we’ve got to reassess.
‘I know he’ll want to stay active but he’s in a wonderful position. That was a statement to say he’s the man.’
MORE : Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua’s next opponent after Deontay Wilder plans are scuppered
MORE : ‘He’ll be back’ – Anthony Joshua sends message to Deontay Wilder after rival suffers shock defeat to Joseph Parker
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