Anthony Joshua’s two backup opponents for Wembley return revealed amid talk of Daniel Dubois title fight
ANTHONY JOSHUA has two backup opponents lined up for his Wembley return despite talks to fight Daniel Dubois.
AJ makes his UK homecoming in September with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh due to promote the show.
Currently, Dubois is the frontrunner for the stadium sellout after defeating Flip Hrgovic to claim the “interim” IBF title.
But, Deontay Wilder conquerors Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang are also in the running to welcome Joshua back to British boxing shores.
Promoter Eddie Hearn told Boxing Scene: “Ultimately His Excellency will decide who the opponent is, with myself, with Josh, with 258 [Management], but the key for ‘AJ’ is for him to become world champion again.
“If that’s Dubois for the IBF, that’s probably the frontrunner; if the belt’s not on the line, it might be Zhang, or it might be Parker.
“Those three, I think, are decent names, but no decision’s been made yet, and I don’t think it will be for another week or so.
“There’s a press conference on the 26th of June, and that’s when we’ll announce, but either or any of them – we don’t really care.”
Parker, 32, beat Wilder, 38, in December but is yet to return since.
And Zhang, 41, looks to have ended the American former WBC champ’s career with a KO win in Saudi.
How AJ punched his way to the top
ANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
From humble origins in Watford to Olympic hero, the boxer has made a heavyweight impact in and out of the ring.
Eddie Hearn claims a collision with rival Tyson Fury could be worth a whopping £200million.
The pair’s bitter feud saw them refuse to say a word to each other as they met Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua has already hinted at when he will hang up his gloves.
And he revealed why his son will NEVER be allowed to box. despite amassing a £215m empire thanks to the sweet science.
AJ enjoys a lavish lifestyle including private jets and a £350k watch.
His career and sponsorship deals have seen him swap his council estate upbringing for a luxury car collection.
London hairdresser Kika Osunde is believed to have swept the KO king off his feet.
But Joshua still lives with his mum Yeta when he is not on the road.
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The same night, Dubois, 26, stopped Hrgovic, 32, to become mandatory for the world title.
Oleksandr Usyk, 37, was expected to be stripped of the IBF title following victory over Tyson Fury, 35.
But there is hope he will retain the belt to defend it in their December 21 rematch.
Although Hearn is lobbying to have it vacated for Joshua, 34, to challenge for in the summer against Dubois.