Although Anthony Joshua's heavyweight championship unification fight with Joseph Parker in Cardiff on March 31 is still more than five weeks away, promoter Eddie Hearn is already plotting an August return for "AJ" should he be victorious in the Welsh capital.

Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) only fought twice in 2017, but could be set for three fights in 2018 as he is tentatively scheduled to make his US debut in New York in August - opening up the possibility of a third fight later in the year.

Hearn confirmed that he is targeting WBA and IBF champion Joshua at a fight with Jarrell Miller (20-0-1) at New York's Barclays Center in August, admitting that his preferred option of a meeting with WBC champion Deontay Wilder seems out of reach currently - due to the Alabama-native's financial demands.

"While Deontay Wilder continues to live at a street address on ‘Fantasy Island,' this (Anthony Joshua Vs Jarrell Miller) is the fight that we will look to make in August," Hearn stated.

"I’m already in talks...all being well on March 31, Barclays Center, New York is the venue for Anthony Joshua’s next fight," said Hearn.

"If that’s not against Deontay Wilder, Jarrell Miller will be the guy," confirmed the Matchroom boss.

The unbeaten Miller will next face former heavyweight title challenger Johann Duhaupas (37-4, 24 KOs) at the Barclays Center on April 28 as part of a Matchroom USA card promoted by Hearn, and he will be keen to put on a strong performance in order to firmly stake his claim for a shot at the Joshua vs Parker winner.

London-based promoter Hearn was keen to clarify that his chief charge Joshua would not be looking past Parker - and that his plans for August were a necessary part of his role as a promoter.

"We have to win on March 31," warned Hearn.

"AJ’s not even thinking about August. It’s not like we’re overlooking Parker. It’s my job to plan the future, and the future is a fight in America in 2018."

Whilst Hearn's comments indicate that an Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder fight is further away from becoming a reality than fans would ideally like, a pair of wins for Joshua over unbeaten rivals Parker and Miller would only serve to increase the interest in an eventual showdown with Wilder.