Anthony Joshua’s next fight not yet agreed

By Emuobonuvie Ojeni

Anthony Joshua has not agreed to his next fight according to Eddie Hearn, who claims the heavyweight has not yet started negotiations with any opponent.

Speculation has been on social media that Joshua might face Deontay Wilder or Martin Bakole.

Joshua 35 recently lost by knockout to IBF champion Daniel Dubois in an all-British fight, but Matchroom promoter Hearn insists there are no firm plans in place.

In recent weeks, Bakole, a heavyweight from Congo, has discussed a fight with Joshua and even implied that he injured the two-time heavyweight world champion during a sparring session.

However, Hearn who has supported Joshua throughout his professional career, dismissed the rumour with a laugh, claiming that he has never seen Bakole “rock” Joshua during a spar.

Joshua who lost for the fourth time in his career at Wembley last September and for the second time by stoppage, which prevented him from reclaiming his position at the top of the heavyweight scene.

He was supposed to rematch with Dubois, however, he chose not to, and Dubois will now take on Joseph Parker on February 22.

There had been growing speculation that the Gypsy King may meet Joshua prior to Tyson Fury’s unexpected retirement announcement last month.

Joshua and Dubois have a history together; during their 2018 unification bout, Joshua deprived Parker of his WBO belt.

Given that Parker has won five straight fights, including victories over Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, Hearn is not sure Dubois will hold onto his IBF title.