Anthony Joshua, one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing, is once again at the center of speculation regarding his next opponent. Recent rumors suggested that Joshua could be facing either Deontay Wilder or Martin Bakole, two dangerous opponents who could significantly impact his career trajectory. However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has come forward to shut down these claims, insisting that nothing is set in stone. With Joshua’s career at a crucial turning point, fans are left wondering—who will he fight next?

Eddie Hearn Dismisses Wilder & Bakole Talk

For weeks, the boxing world has been buzzing about a potential clash between Joshua and Wilder, a long-anticipated matchup that has been years in the making. After Wilder’s shocking loss to Joseph Parker, speculation grew that Joshua might capitalize on Wilder’s vulnerability and finally make the fight happen. However, Eddie Hearn was quick to dismiss these rumors, stating that Wilder is not currently in Joshua’s plans.

Hearn also denied reports that Joshua would fight Martin Bakole, despite claims that the Congolese heavyweight’s team had made serious attempts to secure the bout. While Bakole has been calling for a fight with Joshua, Hearn made it clear that AJ’s next opponent will be carefully selected to align with his ultimate goal—becoming a world champion again.

Joshua’s Path to a Title Shot

Anthony Joshua’s recent fights have been all about rebuilding his confidence and fine-tuning his skills after suffering back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. His victories over Jermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin in 2023 showed signs of improvement, but he still has unfinished business in the heavyweight division.

Many believe that Joshua is strategically positioning himself for a title shot, likely against the winner of the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight. If Joshua secures another dominant win, he could be in prime position to challenge for a world title in late 2024 or early 2025.

Who Will Joshua Fight Next?

With Wilder and Bakole out of the picture, the question remains—who will Joshua face next? Several names have been floated, including:

Filip Hrgović: The Croatian powerhouse is the current IBF mandatory challenger and would provide Joshua with a legitimate test.
Joseph Parker: After his impressive win over Wilder, Parker is back in the conversation for major fights. A match with Joshua could be intriguing.
Zhilei Zhang: The Chinese heavyweight has proven himself with back-to-back wins over Joe Joyce. A fight between Zhang and Joshua would be a massive event.

The heavyweight boxing scene is once again buzzing with speculation as Anthony Joshua’s next fight remains uncertain. While reports initially suggested potential clashes with Deontay Wilder or Martin Bakole, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has now shut down those rumors, leaving fans and analysts questioning what’s next for the former world champion. With Joshua looking to regain his heavyweight throne, every move from his camp is being scrutinized.

Eddie Hearn’s Firm Response to the Rumors

For weeks, the boxing world has been eagerly anticipating Joshua’s next move, with many expecting a long-awaited showdown against Deontay Wilder. However, Wilder’s recent one-sided defeat to Joseph Parker has cast doubt on his credibility as a top-tier opponent. Despite this, rumors swirled that Joshua might capitalize on Wilder’s diminished aura and finally make the fight happen.

Eddie Hearn has been quick to shut down those expectations, insisting that a Joshua-Wilder fight isn’t currently on the table. Hearn made it clear that Joshua’s focus remains on the bigger picture—working towards a world title shot rather than taking unnecessary risks.

Similarly, speculation regarding Martin Bakole as Joshua’s next opponent has also been dismissed. While Bakole’s team had pushed hard for the fight, Hearn confirmed that Bakole does not fit into their immediate plans. With these two options eliminated, the question remains: who will Anthony Joshua fight next?

Joshua’s Road to Redemption and a Heavyweight Title

Following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua has been working on rebuilding his confidence and refining his fighting style. His victories over Jermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin showcased his steady progress under new trainer Ben Davison, but many feel he still needs a signature win to reestablish himself among the elite heavyweights.

Joshua’s ultimate goal remains winning back the heavyweight titles. He is likely biding his time, waiting for the outcome of the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight. If Joshua can continue his winning streak, he could position himself for a mandatory challenger spot by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Who Could Joshua Face Next?

With Wilder and Bakole ruled out, several strong contenders remain in the mix for Joshua’s next opponent:

Filip Hrgović – The Croatian heavyweight is the IBF’s mandatory challenger and has been calling for big fights. A Joshua-Hrgović matchup would be a legitimate test for AJ.
Joseph Parker – After dominating Deontay Wilder, Parker is a rejuvenated fighter. A rematch with Joshua could be a high-profile bout.
Zhilei Zhang – The Chinese powerhouse stunned the boxing world with back-to-back victories over Joe Joyce. A Joshua-Zhang fight could be an international spectacle.
Frank Sanchez – The Cuban heavyweight remains an undefeated, skilled contender who could give Joshua a real challenge.

The Stakes for Anthony Joshua

Every fight from now on is crucial for Joshua’s legacy. He knows that one loss could derail his comeback, making each opponent selection a strategic decision. While fans want to see him take on big names, his camp seems focused on making smart career moves rather than engaging in risky fights.

Eddie Hearn has emphasized that Joshua’s team is looking at all possibilities, ensuring that his next fight aligns with his goal of becoming a three-time world champion. Whether he fights a top contender or waits for a direct title shot, one thing is certain—the heavyweight division hinges on Joshua’s next move.

Final Thoughts

Eddie Hearn’s dismissal of the Wilder and Bakole rumors suggests that Joshua’s team is carefully planning his next move. While fans are eager for an explosive matchup, Joshua’s ultimate goal remains clear—to reclaim his place at the top of the heavyweight division. Whether his next fight is against a rising contender or a former champion, one thing is certain—the boxing world will be watching.