After failing in his bid for revenge against Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua’s quest to become world champion is set to resume almost immediately. The British heavyweight has expressed a desire to return to the ring before the end of the year, but what options await the 2012 Olympic gold medallist?
Dillian Whyte
A British blockbuster and a lot of history. Anthony Joshua’s 2015 classic with Dillian Whyte saw the fighters revisit their amateur rivalry. Joshua was buzzed for the first time in his career, but he demonstrated a tough resilience as he rallied to halt Whyte in the seventh round. Whyte has called for a rematch ever since and he may get his wish as Joshua looks to rebuild.
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Zhilei Zhang
On Joshua’s undercard against Oleksandr Usyk, Zhilei Zhang gave a great account of himself as he was narrowly defeated by Filip Hrgovic. The Chinese heavyweight was unfortunate not to become mandatory challenger to Usyk, but could he tempt Joshua to China? The fight would be a huge money spinner and it could provide ‘AJ’ with a much-needed confidence boost.
Derek Chisora
Could we see a fight between two fighters from the 258 stable? Chisora is chasing another payday after defeating Kubrat Pulev earlier this year, but could he get it against Joshua? The British heavyweights are both extremely popular, but does their business relationship come before a lucrative meeting in London?
Tyson Fury
Once the biggest fight in British boxing, does Joshua against Tyson Fury still have the same appeal? The history between the pair and the back-and-forth verbal spars ensure that the contest will always hold plenty of commercial value. Both men probably have more personal priorities in the ring, but the money involved could see both men accept this fight despite it being worth a lot less than a few years ago.
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Deontay Wilder
Where Joshua has failed to get past Usyk, his long-time rival Deontay Wilder has also found Fury just too good. That doesn’t mean that the pair don’t have a bright future at heavyweight, especially against each other. Two explosive punchers with a point to prove could deliver an al-time heavyweight classic if each fighter believes the risk is worth it.