Joshua’s Upcoming Opponent to be Announced Next Week

The former IBF, WBO, and WBA heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua’s future will be decided in the coming week as he is gearing up to make his long-awaited return this spring.

Matchroom boxing chairman, Eddie Hearn has given an update on Joshua’s potential opponent for his upcoming fight. Hearn had put four names in front of AJ and his team but only one name caught his eye.

Hearn listed Otto Wallin, Demsey McKean, Filip Hrgovic, and Jermaine Franklin as the probable for AJ’s comeback. But considering the Brit’s fragility against the southpaws, Wallin and Mckean have been discarded.

“The linkup with a new trainer means a southpaw fighter, even though AJ just boxed one of them twice, is not ideal,” Hearn said.

The Hrgovic fight could have made a lot of sense but that fight is also off the charts as he has been ordered by the IBF to face Andy Ruiz Jr next in a title eliminator.

With that said, the only one left is the American, Franklin who had a decent showing in his last bout against Dillian Whyte. Many thought that Franklin deserved to win that night but the judges thought the other way.

Hearn believes Franklin has the ability to test Joshua and that he would have no problem accepting a fight against the former champ.

“I think Jermaine Franklin is a great fighter. People say, ‘It’s definitely Jermaine Franklin.’ Hearn added.

Nothing has been finalized yet but there is a high chance that his next opponent will be Franklin with the official announcement to be made next week.