BoxRec

http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/news ... 0623466/-?

Other options?

5. Luis Ortiz
A new signing for Matchroom Boxing, who also promote Anthony Joshua, it should be a straight forward fight to make. The Cuban is a heavy puncher and one of the most dangerous operators in the division. He is though not well known enough to make it a high profile fight for Joshua. Ortiz has failed a drug test in the recent past though and many will feel he doesn’t deserve the reward of a world title shot.

4. Kubrat Pulev
The European champion is still around. He lost to Klitschko in an explosive encounter. He beat Dereck Chisora to win the European title and for months has been high up on the shortlist to challenge Joshua. High up in the IBF rankings, the gruff Bulgarian does not have an alternative fight scheduled himself and would be the most accomplished professional opponent so far in Joshua’s career.

3. Hughie Fury
Tyson Fury is out of the sport for the time being as he resolves his issues. But there is another talented heavyweight in the family, Tyson’s cousin Hughie. Coached by excellent trainer, his father Peter, who also trains Tyson, Hughie has gone 20-0 (10). He hasn’t exhibited the same destructive power as Joshua but would pose a different challenge with more mobility than the IBF champion’s other foes. And Joshua-Fury does have a nice ring to it.

2. David Haye
You could make a strong case for David Haye being the most appealing opponent for Anthony Joshua. He is a mainstream name, broadly known, and a former world heavyweight titlist. A big puncher and experienced, he would be a threat to Joshua. The case against him though is that David hasn’t fought a respectable opponent since Dereck Chisora in 2012. In this comeback his two fights this year have come against soft touches. There is a sense needs to do more on this run to earn a world title shot.

1. Joseph Parker
Could the Anthony Joshua negotiations go a full circle? Joseph Parker, an exciting New Zealander, is Joshua’s mandatory challenger. He was once in poll position to get a shot at Joshua. Then different opportunities emerged, no less than the possibility of Anthony fighting Wladimir Klitschko. Parker too is exploring other options and is close to fighting Andy Ruiz for the vacant WBO title. But a world title unification battle with Joshua would still be huge and perhaps could be salvaged. It would then free Joshua of his mandatory obligations and open him up for bigger fights still in 2017. Parker has also shown his willing to fight. With time ticking down until December 10, it’s time to get a fight done. This could just be the most straightforward option to negotiate…

From the list, the 'easier' option would be Hughie Fury, because he hasn't had a big feel fight before and isn't as experienced as the others.

Pulev would be a good win for AJ

it will be Parker imo.

Ricky_ wrote:it will be Parker imo.

I think his camp would want the WBO title.. then can go for a unification title match next year instead of a mandatory.

...from that list above, I'll go with Parker or Ortiz, both will be a step up for Joshua...the rest don't deserve it for various reasons: Pulev fought a nobody and then struggled with Chisora, Haye is still dangerous but no way has he deserved title shot considering his recent level of opposition...not sure why the name of Hughie Fury keeps coming up...

PS: Ortiz being a doper, I actually should exclude him too..

greg wrote:Pulev fought a nobody and then struggled with Chisora,

Pulev never struggled agaisnt Chisora

I reckon Pulev

Ruthless-RKO wrote:

greg wrote:Pulev fought a nobody and then struggled with Chisora,

Pulev never struggled agaisnt Chisora

Chisora's been on a bum tour for 2 years..I was expecting Pulev to take him out half way, it was a 12 round split decision...

Pulev seems as though he doesn't want it. Other than Price, I can't see any other opponent. Funny really because they've messed Parker about and now they're on the verge of being left with egg on their faces

greg wrote:...from that list above, I'll go with Parker or Ortiz, both will be a step up for Joshua...the rest don't deserve it for various reasons: Pulev fought a nobody and then struggled with Chisora, Haye is still dangerous but no way has he deserved title shot considering his recent level of opposition...not sure why the name of Hughie Fury keeps coming up...

PS: Ortiz being a doper, I actually should exclude him too..

Do you think Povetkin should be allowed to fight Wilder for the WBC belt?

DannyMCR wrote:Pulev seems as though he doesn't want it. Other than Price, I can't see any other opponent. Funny really because they've messed Parker about and now they're on the verge of being left with egg on their faces :lol:

Parkers camp don't want it though anyway- they want him to fight Ruiz for the vacant WBO title as it's an easier matchup for a world title.

It won't be Ortiz- purely because hearn wants to build his profile up in preparation for fighting Joshua down the line. Ortiz should be matched up against Whyte. Would be a good way to get the UK audience familiar with him. I would say Price maybe aswell but I feel bad for Price thinking of that prospect.

lefty wrote:

DannyMCR wrote:Pulev seems as though he doesn't want it. Other than Price, I can't see any other opponent. Funny really because they've messed Parker about and now they're on the verge of being left with egg on their faces :lol:

Parkers camp don't want it though anyway- they want him to fight Ruiz for the vacant WBO title as it's an easier matchup for a world title.

The WBO situation only seems to have appeared in recent weeks, AJ/Hearn could have signed to fight Parker months ago

Haye would be nice... He says he's fighting in December no matter what as well.

Pulev hasn't shown any interest in fighting AJ - and he's turned down 3 offers from Matchroom.

DannyMCR wrote:

lefty wrote:

DannyMCR wrote:Pulev seems as though he doesn't want it. Other than Price, I can't see any other opponent. Funny really because they've messed Parker about and now they're on the verge of being left with egg on their faces :lol:

Parkers camp don't want it though anyway- they want him to fight Ruiz for the vacant WBO title as it's an easier matchup for a world title.

The WBO situation only seems to have appeared in recent weeks, AJ/Hearn could have signed to fight Parker months ago

True but the talk for a long time was of Joshua and Parker meeting early next year with Parker appearing on Joshua's undercard for the UK audience to become more familiar with Parker. Then the whole Klitschko possibility came about and it all went tits up.

lefty wrote:

greg wrote:...from that list above, I'll go with Parker or Ortiz, both will be a step up for Joshua...the rest don't deserve it for various reasons: Pulev fought a nobody and then struggled with Chisora, Haye is still dangerous but no way has he deserved title shot considering his recent level of opposition...not sure why the name of Hughie Fury keeps coming up...

PS: Ortiz being a doper, I actually should exclude him too..

Do you think Povetkin should be allowed to fight Wilder for the WBC belt?

...I was involved in this discussion on the Russian website and my opinion regarding using meldonium is pretty much clear. If you are a confirmed doper, you should be banned for an extended period of time, which I thought should be applied to Povetkin. About 4-5 months later WADA(?) readjusted/reconsidered the meldonium values which basically exonerated Povetkin..so, legally speaking, yes he should be allowed although I still have my reservations...

greg wrote:

lefty wrote:

greg wrote:...from that list above, I'll go with Parker or Ortiz, both will be a step up for Joshua...the rest don't deserve it for various reasons: Pulev fought a nobody and then struggled with Chisora, Haye is still dangerous but no way has he deserved title shot considering his recent level of opposition...not sure why the name of Hughie Fury keeps coming up...

PS: Ortiz being a doper, I actually should exclude him too..

Do you think Povetkin should be allowed to fight Wilder for the WBC belt?

...I was involved in this discussion on the Russian website and my opinion regarding using meldonium is pretty much clear. If you are a confirmed doper, you should be banned for an extended period of time, which I thought should be applied to Povetkin. About 4-5 months later WADA(?) readjusted/reconsidered the meldonium values which basically exonerated Povetkin..so, legally speaking, yes he should be allowed although I still have my reservations...

Fair comment

Pulev is the best choice for Joshua right now. It is a step up fight, one more before he faces likes of Klitschko, Fury or Ortiz.

Perker is a great fight but it will be better when he has a WBO title and when it is an unification.

Klitschko as well will be better when he has WBA title and enough time to prepare it as a mega event.

Ortiz has a fight coming up and there is a plan to make AJ/Ortiz in the Summer already.

Haye needs a proper return fight so that we can see what current Haye is like.

Hughie is not yet ready.

Stiverne would have been a another decent fight if he was not promoted by a crook.

Just fight a universally ranked top 10 opponent. Not an IBF top 10 ranked, a universally ranked.

Haye needs more fights. Joshua needs more fights against lessor opposition. Makes sense.

Team Parker would be mad not to chase the WBO Title first.

lefty wrote:

DannyMCR wrote:Pulev seems as though he doesn't want it. Other than Price, I can't see any other opponent. Funny really because they've messed Parker about and now they're on the verge of being left with egg on their faces :lol:

Parkers camp don't want it though anyway- they want him to fight Ruiz for the vacant WBO title as it's an easier matchup for a world title.

I argue that Ruiz might be tougher than Joshua.

Styles makes fights and Parker seems to do better against taller oppponents.

Ruiz has the work rate of Takam but more power And
Takam almost beat Parker

Ruiz has no power.

greg wrote:

Ruthless-RKO wrote:

greg wrote:Pulev fought a nobody and then struggled with Chisora,

Pulev never struggled agaisnt Chisora

Chisora's been on a bum tour for 2 years..I was expecting Pulev to take him out half way, it was a 12 round split decision...

That was one of the most disgraceful scorecards I have ever seen. I like Chisora, and wanted him to win, and with the best will in the world I gave him two rounds. Pulev is not a puncher and Del still has a decent chin. It was a one sided fight and we'll have to assume you didn't watch it if you're going to call it a legit split decision.

clopixolacuphase wrote:

greg wrote:

Ruthless-RKO wrote:
Pulev never struggled agaisnt Chisora

Chisora's been on a bum tour for 2 years..I was expecting Pulev to take him out half way, it was a 12 round split decision...

That was one of the most disgraceful scorecards I have ever seen. I like Chisora, and wanted him to win, and with the best will in the world I gave him two rounds. Pulev is not a puncher and Del still has a decent chin. It was a one sided fight and we'll have to assume you didn't watch it if you're going to call it a legit split decision.

Mate Chisora came to fight. He banged Pulevs body relentlessly throughout the fight to the end bell. He did better than two rounds, constantly keeping pressure. His defence wasn't to bad early on. Pulev came back into the fight with very strong crisp punches that hurt Chisora. Chisora never hurt pulev but made him work, brought the fight to him and had a good game plan, shame he doesn't have much power and runs out of gas. It was a good fight and surprising performance by Chisora, hes not shot yet. He did better than two rounds. Close fight from what looked like a lazy Pulev or a confused Pulev who's underestimated Chisora.