Anthony Joshua has welcomed talk of a fight with Tyson Fury, but insisted that he’s not dodging a clash with Filip Hrgovic.
AJ secured a comprehensive victory over Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia, one that was set to pave the way for a huge clash with Deontay Wilder in March.
Joshua says that he’d 100 per cent love to fight Fury
However, with Wilder falling to defeat against Joseph Parker by unanimous decision, those plans will have to be rethought.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk meet for the undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO championship on February 17.
The winner will be ordered to face the IBF’s mandatory challenger, but both men are ready to relinquish the belt and rematch each other instead.
At present, Hrgovic is the IBF number one contender, with Joshua now ranked at number two, meaning that he could face the Croatian for the chance to become a three-time world champion.
Talk of a fight with Tyson Fury continues, and boxing promoter Eddie Hearn responded to the speculation during the post-fight press conference.
“I’ll be honest, I’d love to see him fight Tyson Fury,” Hearn said.
“If Tyson Fury can beat Oleksandr Usyk then I’d love to see him fight Tyson Fury. I’d love that fight.
“I hope that Tyson can be triumphant in that fight, but we’ll go away now – obviously coming into tonight we had our plans for March, but now we reassess.
A fight with Fury could be made following his undisputed world title clash with Usyk in FebruaryCredit: Getty
However, AJ could have to overcome Hrgovic firstCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
“Does he [Joshua] want to fight in March, we’ll speak to Ben [Davison] – he’ll want to stay active I think but I think he’s in a wonderful position.
“That was a statement that he’s the man, he’s the man to watch.”
Asked if he’d rather fight Hrgovic or Fury next, Joshua said: “Don’t put me in this position!
“100 per cent Tyson Fury, but I’m not dodging Hrgovic, by the way,” he laughed. “I’ll fight Hrgovic as well.”
The question was then posed to AJ’s trainer, Ben Davidson, who replied: “These are unnecessary questions,” with a smile on his face. “Unnecessary.”
