The anticipation for Anthony Joshua’s next fight is growing, with fans eager to see who will step into the ring with the former two-time heavyweight champ. While many believed Daniel Dubois to be the leading candidate, no official announcement has been made yet. The IBF has confirmed that there has been no request to sanction a Joshua-Dubois fight for their belt, leaving the door open for other potential opponents.
In addition to Dubois, two other big names have emerged as possibilities for Joshua’s next fight – Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker. However, it was reported that Zhang’s team has not been contacted by Joshua’s camp, casting doubt on a potential matchup. This leaves former WBO heavyweight champ Joseph Parker as the frontrunner, with Parker himself expressing his belief that he is the most deserving candidate for the September bout.
Ultimately, the decision on Joshua’s next opponent may lie with promoter Turki Alalshikh, who is backing the upcoming event at Wembley. While the fight will not take place in Saudi Arabia, Alalshikh’s influence on the boxing scene cannot be understated. It remains to be seen whether Alalshikh favors a Joshua-Dubois showdown, a clash with Zhang, or a matchup against Parker. With Alalshikh’s financial backing, the final decision may come down to his preference for the most exciting and marketable matchup.
As the speculation continues to swirl, there may yet be unexpected twists in the tale of Joshua’s next fight. With Joshua hinting at nearing the completion of negotiations and various contenders vying for the opportunity to face him, the boxing world is eagerly awaiting the official announcement. Could there be a surprise opponent lined up for Joshua, adding an element of unpredictability to the upcoming event? Only time will tell as the countdown to Joshua’s next fight continues.