Anthony Joshua will announce his next opponent next Wednesday in London for a Wembley Stadium fight this September.
The two-time world heavyweight champion is looking for the quickest route to make that three after losing his unified titles to Oleksandr Usyk back in 2021.
Joshua failed to win the rematch and the Ukrainian moved ahead to an undisputed bout with Tyson Fury, winning by split decision to become the first four-belt champion in the history of the division.
That may not last long as the IBF had been consistent in saying the winner of the undisputed clash must face its mandatory challenger or vacate. With a contracted rematch between Fury and Usyk, that can’t happen.
Daniel Dubois beat Filip Hrgovic for that top spot and the Interim title. If the belt does become vacant – although Usyk’s team are understood to have lodged an appeal to stop this happening – the 26-year-old will be competing for it in his next fight.
It’s for that reason that promoter Eddie Hearn says he is ‘100% focused’ on making the fight with Joshua and Dubois.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Hearn said that talks with were in the final stage and that the fight hinges on the decision of the IBF.
“Never rule anything out, but right now we’re focused on Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title. The aim of Anthony Joshua is to fight for the world heavyweight title ASAP. The only one of the names mentioned that could throw up that opportunity is Daniel Dubois with the IBF. If the IBF title’s not on the line, then maybe Dubois is not as much of a focus.
We’re in final negotiations with His Excellency and the team at Selah. Obviously talking to George Warren and Spencer Brown and we’re all working together on that card. Very hopeful that everything will be in order to announce the entire card net Wednesday in London.”
Other potential opponents are Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.
