Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is currently recovering from an injury that will keep him out of the ring until late summer.
Whilst AJ is preparing for his return, promoter Eddie Hearn has been plotting his comeback, which will consist of up to three fights.
Joshua was last in action in September 2024, where he was sensationally knocked out in the fifth round by IBF champion Daniel Dubois, falling to his fourth defeat in 32 fights.
Firstly, the Matchroom Boxing chief provided an update on Joshua’s injury to Sky Sports, “Yeah, he had a niggle after the Dubois fight, he went back into camp, and he’s just not ready to start punching yet with the same ferocity that he needs to.”
Hearn then revealed his shortlist for Joshua, “So I think that there’s two fights for AJ that really stoke the fire. One is the rematch with Daniel Dubois, and the other one is Tyson Fury, which is out of our control at the moment, but we hope that something can kickstart that fight, but that’s down to Tyson.
“So if he doesn’t fight one of those two guys, he has to fight someone, and he’s going to want to fight someone in the top 10.
“And Joseph Parker right now is on one of the hottest runs. I mean, if Dubois doesn’t fight Usyk, I’d like to see Dubois fight Parker as well, because I think Joe deserves a shot at a world heavyweight title.
“But, obviously, if there’s a big unification fight for undisputed, then Joe is going to need another dance partner, and maybe it’s a Joshua rematch.”
Usyk and Dubois are already deep in talks to stage an undisputed showdown in a London stadium this summer.
Joshua defeated Joseph Parker seven years ago, in March 2018, to add the New Zealander’s WBO belt to his WBA, IBF and IBO titles. It was the Londoner’s 21st fight and first time he had ever been taken the distance.
As the WBO mandatory contender, Parker could potentially be promoted from WBO Interim to WBO World champion, meaning that a potential rematch with AJ could become a world championship contest.
AJ has repeatedly voiced his aim to become a three-time world champion, despite losing his last three world title fights.
Hearn concluded with the facts that the 35-year-old, who he has promoted since his debut in 2013, is in the twilight of his career now, “This is the final year, let’s not beat around the bush.
“He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation.”
Joseph Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, echoed Hearn’s enthusiasm to make the fight, “I think the whole world would like to see him [Parker] rematch with AJ.
“Our promotional partner right now is Queensberry, so Frank Warren and the Queensberry team will have a major say on it, but I think no one would deny that if Parker doesn’t get a shot against Usyk or Dubois, AJ-Parker is a blockbuster and the whole world would tune in.”
Higgins then added his prediction for that fight, “On current form, I think Joseph Parker puts AJ to sleep.”
