After a scintillating 2017, it seems everybody wants their shot at Anthony Joshua in the New Year.

The Olympic champion propelled himself to stardom in April with a herculean performance against Wladimir Klitschko, before traversing the stern challenge of Carlos Takam in October. And with 2018 just days away, unification is the name of the game for AJ.

A bout with WBO champion Joseph Parker in March or April seems all but confirmed, yet it's where Joshua would go next that has fight fans excited.

Parker will be no pushover, that's for sure yet failed to impress in his recent defences against Răzvan Cojanu and Hughie Fury. So there's certainly reason to suggest Eddie Hearn will have on eye on the summer plans for his star fighter.

The obvious choice seems Deontay Wilder. The unbeaten American holds the WBA belt but issues over location, finances and the role of Dillian Whyte have stalled talks in the past.

Tyson Fury is also in the mix and announced his desire to return to the ring in October, passing his UKAD hearing this month. It remains doubtful that the 'Gypsy King' will be fit for a title shot by the summer, though.

And assuming all those issues remain, it could leave Joshua with a predicament as to his next fight or may even necessitate a mandatory bout.

In the opinion of Sky Sports' Johnny Nelson, though, Joshua should look elsewhere for a summer bout even if Fury and/or Wilder were available.

The former cruiserweight champion suggested: “But then it comes to the last of the three and everyone will say Fury or Wilder, but I am going to go for David Haye.

“Yes, that means I see him winning his rematch with [Tony] Bellew, but after that, him going in against Joshua will be a massive fans' favourite.

“That, in late summer, what a fight that would be!

“Haye brings huge support with him, so does 'AJ', and everyone would have an opinion on that one.”

It would certainly be an interesting fight, but there's no guarantee that Haye will overcome Bellew at the second attempt. Besides, were Haye to lose, there's no chance he'd be on Joshua's radar.

As a result, Nelson did speculate on alternatives, addressing the Parker fight by stating: “Joseph Parker is a given for the first one and then I am expecting 'AJ' to win it, but that's when the fun starts.

“Chuck in the mandatory then I guess I will have to go for Alexander Povetkin next - although I wouldn't mind if Kubrat Pulev got his chance again.”

What a year it promises to be.

Do you think Anthony Joshua v David Haye would be a good match-up? Have your say in the comments section below.