NEW YORK – If Anthony Joshua defeats Andy Ruiz Jr. in their rematch, the former heavyweight champion won’t have any contractual obligation to grant Ruiz a rubber match.

If Joshua were to win their rematch December 7 in a competitive, entertaining fight, it would warrant a third bout. That doesn’t necessarily mean Joshua would give Ruiz a chance to avenge his loss following their immediate rematch in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

Joshua revealed during their recently completed three-day, three-city press tour that he’ll seek an “easy fight” next if he regains his IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO titles in three months.

When asked during an interview session with a group of reporters if he’d give Ruiz a rematch, Joshua replied, “No. I’m gonna fight some guy from the pub. That’s what the heavyweight division does, isn’t it? I said, ‘Why am I fighting all these solid contenders? I’m going to fight an easy fight after that.’ ”

England’s Joshua acknowledged that he was partially referring to the level of competition rival Tyson Fury has faced in his past two fights. Fury, who knocked untested German Tom Schwarz (25-1, 17 KOs) in the second round June 15 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is set to box unknown Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin (20-0, 13 KOs, 1 NC) on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Deontay Wilder, Joshua’s other heavyweight rival, has pursued a more difficult fight he’ll need to win to secure his spot in a rematch with Fury (28-0-1, 20 KOs), tentatively scheduled for February 22. Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KOs) will defend his WBC title versus Luis Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs, 2 NC) in a rematch that’ll take place November 23 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

If Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) can win back his titles from Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs), he says he’d eventually like to fight Wilder and/or Fury. Those wouldn’t be the types of fights he would pursue right after facing Ruiz a second time, though.

“That’s why when you ask me who I’m fighting next, I’m telling you, I’ll fight who I want,” Joshua said. “Don’t tell me about no Wilder or Fury. Take it how you want, but that’s what I see the heavyweight division’s about.”

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.