FORMER two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has offered a mini insight into who his next dance partner could be.
The 35-year-old has not fought since his devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois last September, back when he climbed off the canvas three times before getting halted in the fifth round.
Dubois has also remained out of the ring following their thrilling encounter, with a scheduled outing against Joseph Parker getting scuppered last February.
The IBF titlist was supposed to defend his newly-acquired belt but, after suffering an illness during fight week, was ultimately forced to pull out of their contest.
Instead, the 27-year-old is now gearing up for a rematch with heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, who will look to reclaim his undisputed crown at Wembley Stadium, London, on July 19.
Usyk dethroned Joshua, 28-4 (25 KOs), with a comprehensive unanimous decision victory back in 2021, before edging a more fiercely contested split decision to retain his three world titles in their immediate rematch.
But while most would expect an eagerness from ‘AJ’ to take on the winner of Usyk-Dubois 2, he has graciously admitted, in an interview with BoxNation, that Parker is more deserving of the opportunity.
Meanwhile, with domestic rival Tyson Fury teasing a possible comeback on social media, it would appear that Joshua has not lost hope in the potential mega fight.
“Hopefully [the Fury fight] happens,” he told BoxNation. “The industry should not be left without it, and those [who are] interested should be able to witness it.
After expressing his interest in colliding with Fury, the Olympic gold medallist then highlighted heavyweight contenders Martin Bakole, Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder as alternative options.
Joshua’s next fight, however, appears to still be a fair distance away, as with elbow surgery planned for later this month, his layoff will likely be extended for a short while longer.
