British-born Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, has said he wishes to fight both Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder before the end of 2023.
Either of both matches would mean a lot to the the career of the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, after losing three out of his last five fights, including two to Oleksandr Usyk.
The PUNCH reported that his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has revealed that a ring return for Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) with a date of April 1 is in view and the likely opponent would be Jermaine Franklin.
While Joshua awaits a fight with either Wilder or Fury, getting through his return fight with Franklin would help him jump straight to the top of the division once again with a big fight.
Joshua was quoted saying, “(Fury) or (Deontay) Wilder in 2023. Both of them will be a good night and a hard night’s work. But yeah, 2023 is (Fury or Wilder – or potentially both.”
Joshua has reportedly been in discussions to face Wilder and Fury throughout the years, with his team making considerable progress negotiating with Fury’s team over the last couple of years, however, the initial interest has always ended in failure due to a number of factors.
When Joshua was asked if the chances of a Fury fight was over once and for all, he remained positive on the possibility of a super fight.
“In my heart, no (it’s not over). But if you listen to what (Fury) says, it’s up and down. But I’m sure he’ll fight me. I don’t think his dad will let him not fight me. His dad’s a proper guy, I like his dad. So yeah,” Joshua said.
Joshua has also previously stated that the Wilder fight “has to happen” because they both are from the same era.
Hearn has shared that he wants Joshua to fight three times this year, but he’s floated the idea of Dillian Whyte as an opponent in the summer, and Wilder after that.
