Daniel Dubois, Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker are the “frontrunners” as Anthony Joshua’s next opponents
Anthony Joshua’s next opponent could be announced at a press conference on Tuesday, June 26.
His promoter Eddie Hearn spoke to Boxing news yesterday at the press conference announcing Johnny Fisher-Alen Babic and revealed that ‘AJ’s’ next enemy could potentially come from one of three names.
“I’ve seen [Zhilei] Zhang on the list, [Joseph] Parker on the list, [Daniel] Dubois’ is clearly on the list,” Hearn said.
“AJ’s goal is to regain the heavyweight title so if he gets the chance to fight for the IBF title then Daniel Dubois will definitely be the frontrunner for that fight.”
Dubois put himself in good shape last weekend with a stoppage win over previously undefeated Filip Hrgovic. The Croatian went into the match confidently but knew that if he lost, his position as the IBF’s mandatory challenger would be gone. Dubois now has to wait and see what the governing body decides to do with Oleksandr Usyk. The undisputed heavyweight champion has asked for their title to be guaranteed in a rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21. If that is not granted then ‘Dynamite’ Dubois will fight for a the title remains vacant or is elevated from interim champion to full champion.
While not willing to narrow it down to a “list” of names, Hearn did confirm that Dubois, Zhang and Parker are “definitely the frontrunners.”
“Daniel is becoming a dangerous fighter,” Hearn added after watching the Briton defeat his man Hrgovic in the Queensberry vs. Matchroom 5 vs. 5.
“It was a big win, made some big shots, kept coming and really broke his will. I know it was stopped but it seemed like he was on his way to stop him legally.”
Zhang pushed himself back into the heavyweight world with a stoppage win over Deontay Wilder while Joseph Parker picked up wins over both men. However, the rejuvenated New Zealander has fought Joshua before and has made noise in recent months about a second attempt to try and beat the former unified champion after losing to him in November. 3 in 2018 in terms of points.
