The Anthony Joshua sweepstakes are open for business ahead of a rumoured return to the ring this summer.
Since outpointing an unambitious Joseph Parker back in March, speculation has been in overdrive about who Joshua’s next victim will be and also where the fight will take place.
The three men in the running to step in against the unified champion are:
Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been testing the waters over in the US over the past year, promoting two shows in New York. Brooklynite Jarrell Miller featured on both cards and fits the bill as a decent opponent for Joshua’s American debut.
For starters, Miller remains unbeaten – which still holds plenty of currency when trying to sell a fight. His performances to date have provided little evidence that he’s capable of scalping Joshua. And finally, he’s a loud, brash New Yorker, well versed in goading opponents into a war of words.
If AJ’s assault on the US market is next, and other lucrative fights bomb in the boardroom, the Miller match-up could be on the cards.
Alexander Povetkin
Two times drug cheat Alexander Povetkin was made mandatory to Joshua’s WBA crown back in April. Team AJ now have a finite amount of time to decide whether to fight, vacate or agree on a step aside deal to avoid being stripped of the title.
Povetkin brutally dispatched Liverpudlian David Price back in March on AJ’s undercard, but not before Price timed a sweet hook on the Russian that sent him sprawling across the ring.
Deontay Wilder
Two big, unbeaten lumps going at it for all the heavyweight marbles – this is what boxing’s about. And the one the fans are clamouring for to happen next.
Two week’s ago, the man from Alabama reportedly emailed a $50 million offer to Hearn, his team then proceeded to cancel a scheduled meeting in New York to get into the detail. Since then things have gone quiet from both parties, which can only be a good sign. Deals are done behind closed doors, not on social media.
AJ holds three belts (WBA, IBF, WBO), while the American has the famous, green WBC strap. A matchup to become undisputed heavyweight champion would be a global event.