‘Joshua names next opponent in 10 days’ time’

Anthony Joshua will decide who his next opponent is “in the next seven to 10 days”, according to the father of his promoter, as he weighs up facing his mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin or chase a heavyweight title unification showdown with Deontay Wilder.

WBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight champion Joshua faces a dilemma over his next opponent, having beaten New Zealand Joseph Parker in his last outing to claim the WBO strap and continue on his desired path towards unifying the division. That would of course involve fighting Wilder, the current WBC champion, but talks with the American’s camp have proven at best, frustrating, and at worst, a complete farce.

What looked to be a $50m offer to fight Joshua from Wilder transpired to be nothing more than a publicity stunt, with Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, flying out to the United States for talks that were inevitably cancelled. As Hearn publically said: no contract, no proof of money, no genuine offer.

“Anthony Joshua calls the shots,” said Hearn. “He has a choice. I think his preference is Alexander Povetkin for his mandatory, Jarrell Miller is in the top five, and Deontay Wilder.

“They’re his three main choices and I expect him to make his mind up in the next seven to 10 days. He’s a smart young man and the final decision is always made by him.”