As the boxing world eagerly anticipates Anthony Joshua’s next fight at Wembley in September, speculation runs rampant regarding his potential opponents. While many initially believed Daniel Dubois to be the frontrunner, the absence of any official announcement has left room for other contenders to emerge.
Despite his impressive victory for the IBF interim belt, Daniel Dubois has not yet been confirmed as Joshua’s next opponent. The IBF stated that Sky Sports has not received a request to sanction a Joshua-Dubois fight. While there is still a possibility for this matchup, Joshua may have other options on the table.
Two other notable names, Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker, have been mentioned as potential opponents for Joshua. However, Zhang’s team has denied any contact from Joshua’s camp regarding a fight. This leaves former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker as a strong contender for the September bout.
Parker believes he is the most deserving candidate to face Joshua in the upcoming fight. He expressed confidence in his qualifications, stating, “There’s a lot of people who want to fight Anthony Joshua. I feel like with what I’ve done, I can be in a position to fight him.” Parker’s readiness to take on Joshua highlights his determination to secure the matchup.
As the mastermind behind the blockbuster fight at Wembley, Turki Alalshikh holds significant influence over the opponent selection for Joshua. While Joshua’s next bout will not take place in Saudi Arabia, Alalshikh’s financial backing ensures that he will play a crucial role in determining the final lineup.
The suspense surrounding Joshua’s next opponent continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting Alalshikh’s decision. Whether it’s Joshua-Dubois, Joshua-Zhang, or Joshua-Parker, the ultimate choice rests in the hands of the visionary promoter. As boxing enthusiasts anticipate an official announcement, the potential for an unexpected matchup adds an element of intrigue to the upcoming event.