By Shaun Brown
As many as five fighters are in the mix to face Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs) on April 9.
The British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, currently ranked at number two with the WBC and WBO, will have his 16th professional contest at the O2 Arena, London.
His promoter Eddie Hearn would not be drawn on any names that are currently being targeted. So Boxing Scene tested the waters by asking him if former WBC world heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne, who sits at 4 in the WBC ratings, would be a possibility.
“Not for April 9, no,” Hearn answered.
Last time out, Joshua stopped Dillian Whyte with a seventh round stoppage that has, for the time being, put a temporary stop sign over their long-term rivalry.
“People didn’t know how good Dillian Whyte was because he’d never been pushed at that level before,” Hearn commented. “So I think we need a fighter that we know is at a certain level. We need a fringe world level guy who Joshua can build on the experience and lessons he gained and learned against Dillian Whyte, and show his improvements. I think he’d only do that by stepping up a further level in his development.
“From our point of view there will be no step backwards from now. We’ve got a fantastic event to build on from December 12 and we’re looking forward to continuing the journey and the progression on April 9.”
One name that is currently out of the picture is fellow Londoner Dereck Chisora. The 32-year-old, who had his contract terminated by Frank Warren in November, has joined forces with German promoters Sauerland. Chisora is now in line to face European heavyweight champion Robert Helenius for a second time with purse bids for the Finn’s first title defence due for January 21.
“I think it’s a fight we’d be interested in putting on Sky,” said Hearn should the UK broadcasting rights to Helenius-Chisora become available.
Shaun Brown is Boxing Scene’s UK News Editor. Follow him on Twitter @sbrown2pt0 Contact him at sbrownboxing@gmail.com
