Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua’s commercial power places him in a unique position to choose his next world title opponent. With championships fragmented, Joshua’s path back to the top depends on his drawing power, not mandatory rankings.
The heavyweight division has been reshaped following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate three major world titles. This has created new opportunities, and according to his promoter, Joshua is set to be the primary beneficiary. Despite not holding a belt, Joshua’s status as the sport’s biggest commercial draw gives him leverage that mandatory challengers do not have. His immediate plan involves a fight against Kristian Prenga on 25 July, followed by a proposed bout with Tyson Fury.
Eddie Hearn outlined the straightforward strategy for the former two-time champion. Success in his next two fights would put him at the front of the queue for any of the newly crowned or existing titleholders. Hearn stated, “Go fight Tyson Fury and then fight for the world heavyweight championship. It looks like there could be four new champions. So AJ can walk into any fight he wants at any time. He’s the biggest fight in the division,”. This position is strengthened by the fact that Agit Kabayel is now the WBC champion and Daniel Dubois holds the WBO belt, with the WBA and IBF titles also set to be contested.
The logic is based on financial incentive. Any champion seeking a career-high payday would see a defence against Joshua as the most lucrative option available. Hearn believes that the perception of Joshua’s vulnerability after past losses makes him an even more attractive target for current champions. “Guys will think they can beat him. So it’s not going to be difficult to get a shot. But right now we’re fighting Prenga and then fighting Tyson Fury.”
While multiple routes to a title will likely open up, a potential rematch with Daniel Dubois could also appeal to Joshua for personal reasons. Hearn acknowledged that Joshua will ultimately make the final decision on his path, even if easier options are available. “There will be easier chances maybe to win a world title, but that’s my job, and ultimately he’s the boss, and he’s going to do what he wants to do,” said Hearn.
For now, Joshua’s focus remains on the immediate task. He must first get past Prenga in Jeddah before turning his attention to the highly anticipated clash with Fury, a fight that could serve as the final step before a shot at a third world heavyweight championship reign.
