A look at 5 potential next opponents for Anthony Joshua

We take a look at the fights that could be next for Joshua and how probable they are at coming off.

Published Sep 27, 2021

Anthony Joshua has signalled his intention to trigger his rematch clause against Oleksandr Usyk, who succeeded the Briton as the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion after a unanimous decision win at the weekend.

It is therefore highly likely the Ukrainian’s first defence will be against the fighter he put on a masterclass against at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but sometimes unforeseen issues and agendas can nix what is expected.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the fights that could be next for Joshua and how probable they are at coming off.

Oleksandr Usyk – almost certainly

Oleksandr Usyk is the new WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion (Nick Potts/PA)

Dillian Whyte – improbable

Dillian Whyte, pictured, would relish another fight with Anthony Joshua (Nick Potts/PA)

Andy Ruiz Jr – unlikely

A bloated Andy Ruiz Jr, left, lost to Anthony Joshua in their December 2019 rematch (Nick Potts/PA)

The loser of Tyson Fury v Deontay Wilder – very unlikely

Tyson Fury, left, and Deontay Wilder will fight for a third time next month (Lionel Hahn/PA)

The winner of Tyson Fury versus Deontay Wilder – even more unlikely

Fury, left, is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Wilder (Bradley Collyer/PA)