Anthony Joshua will fight again on September 21 at Wembley Stadium, but the opponent has yet to be determined.
Daniel Dubois is regarded to be the leader to face AJ next, but Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn claims Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker are also in the race.
Eddie Hearn insists Anthony Joshua’s next opponent is still undecided.
“Firstly, there is nothing agreed or confirmed for AJ in September,” Hearn told iFL TV.
“His Excellency (Turki Alalshikh) would like AJ to headline at Wembley.
“Obviously it would be incredible for us, for Riyadh Season and for British boxing.
“Who the opponent will be is undecided. You’ve got Zhilei Zhang which is a great fight.
“You’ve got Daniel Dubois, now the IBF interim heavyweight champion and you’ve got Joseph Parker who is on a great run.”
Joshua had already battled Parker in the paid ranks.
In 2018, AJ won the WBA’super’, IBF, and WBO world heavyweight belts at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium by unanimous decision over the Kiwi.
Parker’s recent wins against Deontay Wilder and Zhang have significantly increased his stock.
Dubois is the favourite to box Joshua next and their fight could be for the IBF belt.
Parker is in the running to land a rematch against Joshua as well.
Zhang is also up for consideration as a possible opponent.
Joshua has also bested Zhang, although that was in the amateurs, when they squared off in the 2012 Olympic quarter-finals.
‘Big Bang’s’ KO win over Wilder last weekend has seen him claw his way back to the heavyweight top table.
According to his promoter Frank Warren, he hopes to have a homecoming fight in China next.
Joshua has not boxed any of the three fighters, therefore Dubois appears to be the best alternative.
Not only is he British, which will help sell tickets in London, but he is also the IBF mandatory for Oleksandr Usyk after his career-best win over Filip Hrgovic.
If the IBF strips Usyk as predicted, Dubois will be promoted to full IBF champion, giving Joshua the opportunity to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.
“The aim for us is for AJ to become world heavyweight champion and if the IBF belt becomes available which we we expect it to, then there’s a chance of Dubois against AJ for the world heavyweight title,” Hearn added.
“That’s definitely a fight that appeals, but nothing agreed or confirmed yet…
“The only way AJ could fight for a world title at Wembley is with the IBF so if that’s the case I would say that is the frontrunner at the moment.”
Joshua’s next opponent will be confirmed at a press announcement in London on June 25.