Earlier this week, Eddie Hearn stated how there are as many as 10 fighters on a shortlist when it comes to who former heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua could fight next, this when he makes his ring return some time in the first quarter of next year. Now, there is of course a good deal of speculation regarding just who could be on the 10-man list.
One fighter Hearn confirmed is on there is Tony Yoka, the French heavyweight who is, like AJ, a former Olympian. But who else could be in the running for Joshua’s latest comeback fight? Hearn said we can expect the opponent to be a “top 20 guy,” so that does narrow things down.
Could Joshua Play It Safe Or Take A Dangerous Risk?
Here are some fighters that, off the top of my head and nothing more, may or may not be on the list:
- Michael Hunter. Not a dangerous puncher but a pretty big name.
- Mahmoud Charr. This fight has actually been discussed as a possibility before now.
- Martin Bakole. Too dangerous? There is talk of AJ boxing in Africa, and Bakole wants the fight.
- Guido Vianello. The Italian might fit the bill as far as being decent but not too dangerous.
Rematch, Revenge, Or A Faded Rival?
- Stephan Shaw. Another good fighter, and one who AJ and his team may feel would give him rounds but not present a real threat.
- Kingsley Ibeh. The big but limited Nigerian could also be another option of Joshua does fight in Africa.
- “Prince” Charles Martin. This would be a pretty funny rematch; AJ having crushed Martin to win his first world title all those years ago! Martin has always craved a rematch.
- Hughie Fury. You can imagine how this would be promoted! If AJ were to do a number on his cousin, would big Tyson come back to extract family revenge?
- Joe Joyce. Is Joyce sufficiently faded for AJ to now take a fight with him?