Next for AJ?

[Benelio]

Why is Wlad not on the rankings of a belt he still held this time last year? Do you literally vanish from the list once you are defeated? Seems bizarre.

[Batley18]

I think they will look to enhance his reputation with an American audience. That either means beating an American, or looking to take out someone quicker than Wilder did. Duhaupas fits the bill well for the latter point, but I reckon they will go for Bryant Jennings as he was on the radar before the Martin fight.

[MarkMcBurney]

I still wouldn't be surprised if it was David Haye. Fighting 21st May then 9th July is more than do-able given he has a knockover opponent in May. 7 weeks between the two gives plenty of time IMO and Haye would gladly look past Briggs for a few months in order to get a shot at AJ, and while he's confident (and I'd back him to take out Joshua right now), he wouldn't want him in 12-18 months IMO with a few defences against the likes of Stiverne et al under AJ's belt.

[stujones]

Stirvene for me - its the perfect fight for AJ. It is the durable opponent that Hearn was looking for when he got Kevin Johnson in.

No, Stirvene is arguably the worse title holder this millenium (behind Martin) and no, I don't think he stands any chance to win (if Wilder can outbox him, then so can AJ) - but he might, just might, have the chin to go a few rounds.

Scott will be another Martin.

Following his win over a pretty ancient Adamek (which he showed lots of heart), Eric Molina is just about acceptable - but I don't think it will be a good image for Joshua to fight Wilder's left overs. Wilder had enough criticism for his title defenses, so having the likes of Duhappass and Molina against AJ isn't a good image.

Even though both Scott and Stirvene are also Wilder's left overs, who lets be honest, Wilder was more convincing and dominant against them than Molina and Duhapass... but at least Stirvene has beaten some decent names.

[gobbles]

Can't believe anyone thinks he will fight Glazkov next, that is one guy he will never box.

That IBF top 15 will change a lot after recent results. Duhaupas would fit bill after beating Helenius. If not an American will probably be picked because they will be better for selling the fight on PPV and will keep Showtime interested.

[reggaereggae]

Stirvene for me - its the perfect fight for AJ. It is the durable opponent that Hearn was looking for when he got Kevin Johnson in.

No, Stirvene is arguably the worse title holder this millenium (behind Martin) and no, I don't think he stands any chance to win (if Wilder can outbox him, then so can AJ) - but he might, just might, have the chin to go a few rounds.

Scott will be another Martin.

Following his win over a pretty ancient Adamek (which he showed lots of heart), Eric Molina is just about acceptable - but I don't think it will be a good image for Joshua to fight Wilder's left overs. Wilder had enough criticism for his title defenses, so having the likes of Duhappass and Molina against AJ isn't a good image.

Even though both Scott and Stirvene are also Wilder's left overs, who lets be honest, Wilder was more convincing and dominant against them than Molina and Duhapass... but at least Stirvene has beaten some decent names.

If he fights Scott it's pathetic.

[Crease]

I was going to suggest Dereck Chisora (not knowing that he signed to fight Pulev for the European title) - in my opinion he stands little chance in defeating Pulev.

I'd rank Pulev in the top 8 Heavyweights of todays division, Chisora would be lucky to make my top 15 to be quite honest about it.

[Crease]

If he fights Scott it's pathetic.

Agreed. But Eddie Hearn being Eddie Hearn, I'd expect him to defend against another unbeaten opponent, probably someone like Adrian Granat or Andy Ruiz Jr.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I still wouldn't be surprised if it was David Haye. Fighting 21st May then 9th July is more than do-able given he has a knockover opponent in May. 7 weeks between the two gives plenty of time IMO and Haye would gladly look past Briggs for a few months in order to get a shot at AJ, and while he's confident (and I'd back him to take out Joshua right now), he wouldn't want him in 12-18 months IMO with a few defences against the likes of Stiverne et al under AJ's belt.

I think a Haye fight will be next year now. I think Haye will want to see the outcome of Fury v Wlad. Haye will be angling ultimately for as many huge paydays as possible. He'll fight Briggs after this next one, the casuals will lap it up, Haye will get more exposure, then he will look at his options. If it looks like Joshua isn't going to fight Fury soon, which seems most likely, he'll try and get a Joshua fight ASAP.

With each fight that passes, Joshua's chances get bigger and bigger against Haye, I already think that Haye may well be just too small to deal with Joshua, he'll be conceding, height, weight and reach, against a man who hits even harder than he does. I also think Joshua is quicker, and punches straighter too. Haye throws a lot of winging shots, which doesn't work from range against a taller man.

[Mimmy]

According to sky sports Hearn has said Fury later this year.

[jamesmcdonnell]

According to sky sports Hearn has said Fury later this year.

I'd personally be surprised if that happens, I've been wrong before, but it seems to me it's a bigger money fight with more time to build it. I also think they won't want to put Joshua in with Fury just yet, lack of experience would be against him.

[Horse]

According to sky sports Hearn has said Fury later this year.

What a liar.

[Bard of Boxrec]

According to sky sports Hearn has said Fury later this year.

I also think they won't want to put Joshua in with Fury just yet, lack of experience would be against him.

it may or may not be bigger financially 'down the line', but what exactly is going to make the difference in preparing Joshua? What is the profile of opponent that is perfect to make him 'ready' for Fury? Is it solely a case of 'going rounds'? If so, does he need more than the Whyte fight? Hasn't he already shown he can deal with adversity in that fight? Does he simply need the full 12? Duhauppas? But would he really need the full 12 against Fury? (I know you don't think so?) What does Joshua need to learn to get him prepared?

As you might have guessed, I think essentially he's ready, although I do think Joshua can polish his game a bit. All I see for him on the landscape is a long line of knockout wins. There are no tough, mean Ray Mercer or David Tua types on the horizon who will go 12 and fight back no matter what, barring perhaps Ortiz (seems sturdy), but I don't see that fight actually happening. Parker is a good duel down the line but ultimately he's a bit open defensively and I'm not sure he can take the bombs. Wilder is probably getting beaten long before Josh gets to him.

[Mimmy]

According to sky sports Hearn has said Fury later this year.

What a liar.

Me or sky sports?

[Horse]

Me or sky sports?

Hearn.

[jamesmcdonnell]

According to sky sports Hearn has said Fury later this year.

I also think they won't want to put Joshua in with Fury just yet, lack of experience would be against him.

it may or may not be bigger financially 'down the line', but what exactly is going to make the difference in preparing Joshua? What is the profile of opponent that is perfect to make him 'ready' for Fury? Is it solely a case of 'going rounds'? If so, does he need more than the Whyte fight? Hasn't he already shown he can deal with adversity in that fight? Does he simply need the full 12? Duhauppas? But would he really need the full 12 against Fury? (I know you don't think so?) What does Joshua need to learn to get him prepared?

As you might have guessed, I think essentially he's ready, although I do think Joshua can polish his game a bit. All I see for him on the landscape is a long line of knockout wins. There are no tough, mean Ray Mercer or David Tua types on the horizon who will go 12 and fight back no matter what, barring perhaps Ortiz (seems sturdy), but I don't see that fight actually happening. Parker is a good duel down the line but ultimately he's a bit open defensively and I'm not sure he can take the bombs. Wilder is probably getting beaten long before Josh gets to him.

I think it's possible Fury could make Joshua miss and score with the odd jab, to the extent where he brings Joshua into deep water, in the sense he's going into a longer fight than ever before.

I do agree though that I'm not sure there's anyone out there to give him many rounds. wilder if he did get there, would be battered senseless by Joshua, he's far too wide open.