- Luis Ortiz
A new signing for Matchroom Boxing, who also promote Anthony Joshua, it should be a straight forward fight to make. The Cuban is a heavy puncher and one of the most dangerous operators in the division. He is though not well known enough to make it a high profile fight for Joshua. Ortiz has failed a drug test in the recent past though and many will feel he doesn’t deserve the reward of a world title shot.
- Kubrat Pulev
The European champion is still around. He lost to Klitschko in an explosive encounter. He beat Dereck Chisora to win the European title and for months has been high up on the shortlist to challenge Joshua. High up in the IBF rankings, the gruff Bulgarian does not have an alternative fight scheduled himself and would be the most accomplished professional opponent so far in Joshua’s career.
- Hughie Fury
Tyson Fury is out of the sport for the time being as he resolves his issues. But there is another talented heavyweight in the family, Tyson’s cousin Hughie. Coached by excellent trainer, his father Peter, who also trains Tyson, Hughie has gone 20-0 (10). He hasn’t exhibited the same destructive power as Joshua but would pose a different challenge with more mobility than the IBF champion’s other foes. And Joshua-Fury does have a nice ring to it.
- David Haye
You could make a strong case for David Haye being the most appealing opponent for Anthony Joshua. He is a mainstream name, broadly known, and a former world heavyweight titlist. A big puncher and experienced, he would be a threat to Joshua. The case against him though is that David hasn’t fought a respectable opponent since Dereck Chisora in 2012. In this comeback his two fights this year have come against soft touches. There is a sense needs to do more on this run to earn a world title shot.
- Joseph Parker
Could the Anthony Joshua negotiations go a full circle? Joseph Parker, an exciting New Zealander, is Joshua’s mandatory challenger. He was once in poll position to get a shot at Joshua. Then different opportunities emerged, no less than the possibility of Anthony fighting Wladimir Klitschko. Parker too is exploring other options and is close to fighting Andy Ruiz for the vacant WBO title. But a world title unification battle with Joshua would still be huge and perhaps could be salvaged. It would then free Joshua of his mandatory obligations and open him up for bigger fights still in 2017. Parker has also shown his willing to fight. With time ticking down until December 10, it’s time to get a fight done. This could just be the most straightforward option to negotiate…
