Anthony Joshua wants one of the biggest fights in boxing, according to Eddie Hearn, who has discussed his "next move" ahead of this weekend's bout between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker.
Dubois, who stopped Joshua in five rounds last year to retain his IBF belt, will return to action on February 22 when he defends his crown against Joseph Parker at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Despite being humbled by his fellow Brit in September, AJ will be ringside for Saturday night's event.
And if Eddie Hearn's latest comments are anything to go by, then the former unified world heavyweight champion could make an appearance in the ring to challenge the winner.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn was asked for his "realistic" thoughts on Joshua's next move.
"In an ideal world, to fight for the world heavyweight title," the promoter said. "And that's obviously being contested by Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois, so he'd love to fight the winner."
Hearn continued: "Whether there's a mandatory that gets in the way of that... we obviously know that Tyson Fury is probably not available next up but we'll still ask the question.
"Zhilei Zhang against Kabayel, Deontay Wilder... I mean we haven't really discussed what's next but obviously his eyes will be fixed on Dubois vs Parker. He'd love to fight the winner."
Asked if Joshua would need a win before fighting for the IBF, Hearn replied: "Not at this stage in his career. When you're part of a big fight like that, you can jump straight in with the IBF, subject to the committee ruling. They wouldn't object to him fighting for the world heavyweight title again."
"That's ultimately what he's in the sport for," the promoter added. "He's not in the sport for pay days. He's not in the sport for any other reason rather than legacy at this stage and to try and become world heavyweight champion."
In another interview with iFL TV, Hearn was pressed on a potential bout with Deontay Wilder.
"I think he has to come back and have a fight [first]," he said. "I don't think he wants to fight AJ straight off the bat. He's supposed to have a fight, I've seen rumours of a fight but I've not seen a fight [announced]."
Here's how fans on social media reacted to Joshua wanting to face the winner of Dubois and Parker.
One said: "You have to admire Eddie's persistence, but we all know AJ is no longer in the elite of heavyweight boxing other than the number of eyes he brings. Personally, I think Eddie guided him perfectly, avoiding Wilder and Fury until his last knockings."
A second wrote: "I’m sure he would, massive pay day. Needs to get in line a win a couple of fights against decent opponents before this is deserved."
A third commented: "He doesn't deserve the winner. Get back in the line. He was face planted in his last fight and didn't even win a round."
A fourth said: "How? Joshua doesn't deserve it," while a fifth added: "oshua got completely destroyed last time out."
Who do you think AJ should fight next? Let us know.
Topics: Eddie Hearn, Boxing, Boxing News, Anthony Joshua
Jack Kenmare