Anthony Joshua has named Deontay Wilder as his number one opponent choice if his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk falls through, according to his boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
The rematch between Joshua and Usyk was looking likely to take place in May or June later this year. AJ was aiming to regain his titles after losing them to the Ukrainian in September last year at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
The rematch is now looking in serious doubt, however, due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Usyk’s homeland Ukraine. The champ is currently fighting on the front line defending his nation.
According to AJ’s promoter, Joshua has his eyes on a fight with Wider, but it wasn't just the Bronze Bomber on his shortlist, as Hearn named three other fighters that Joshua and himself were discussing as options.
Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn said: “AJ was talking last night about Luis Ortiz, Otto Wallin – a southpaw, the same as Usyk, might make sense. Joe Joyce, even AJ talked about Deontay Wilder.
“I think if you said to AJ right now, ‘Who’s your top choice?’ I think he’d probably go for Deontay Wilder."
The Bronze Bomber is currently taking a hiatus from the sport after his trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.
Wilder suffered a broken hand during the third fight between himself and Fury, but will return to the ring despite rumours that he would retire.
The former WBC champion hinted at a potential retirement after he lost two and drew one of his fights against Fury. Hearn, however, sounded optimistic about the fight happening, stating: “A great fight if Wilder stays in the sport, I believe at some stage that fight will happen."
Hearn was quick to remind people that a fight with Wilder would still be a real test for Joshua, stating: “It’s not an interim fight, let’s be honest. One thing’s for sure, he’ll be fighting a top 10 heavyweight, a world-ranked heavyweight.
“Anthony Joshua has proved time and time again he’ll fight anybody.”
Anthony Joshua is focused on his next fight
Joshua will be keen to arrange his next fight as soon as possible. Things could move fast with this one over the next few weeks.