Anthony Joshua has been told that he has no chance of facing Tyson Fury in 2023 as he does not fit into his plans, but that he can instead target a fight against Joe Joyce or Daniel Dubois .
Joshua was unable to negotiate a deal to fight against Fury in the wake of his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last August, with the self-styled Gypsy King pulling the plug on negotiations. Fury went on to fight against Derek Chisora, securing a tenth round stoppage to retain his WBC heavyweight title as well as his unbeaten career record.
Also on the fight card that night was Dubois, who defeated Kevin Lerena to retain his WBA (Regular) title and Joshua has been told by Frank Warren that he could fight against the Brit this year. The promoter also revealed that Joe Joyce could be an option for Joshua as Fury pursues a deal to face Usyk in a unification bout.
ALSO READ: Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk fight date agreed as Frank Warren gives update
Warren represents the interests of both Joyce and Dubois and has opened the door for a mega UK fight to take place this year for Joshua against either fighter. The Queensberry promotions founder told SecondsOut : "The obvious question is: is he going to figure in (Fury's plans)?. I can't really see him figuring.
"Tyson's [busy] in his next couple of fights, that's for sure. Tyson's a bit p***ed off with what went on in the time we wasted." He added. "So, we are where we are with that. But if [Joshua] wants to fight Joe Joyce or Daniel Dubois we'll do those in a heartbeat."
Negotiations are currently ongoing for Fury to face Usyk, with a March date looking likely for what would represent a huge fight to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Meanwhile, Fury has lined up Joe Joyce as a backup option, meaning that Joshua may have to wait for current negotiations to reach a conclusion before he knows his next opponent.
Dmitry Salita, Tyson Fury's former trainer, believes that the fight between Joshua and Otto Wallin would be the best next option. Speaking to Ice36 Live Casino, he explained: "Eddie Hearn and I have discussed Otto and Joshua potentially taking place and I'm waiting to see if an offer will materialise.
"Eddie's talking about a three-fight plan for AJ in 2023 to build him back up after defeats to Usyk. Eddie says he wants a top 15 opponent in spring. If they want a credible challenge, a familiar name, and a fighter ranked highly by the organisations - Otto Wallin fits that description perfectly.
"A fight is a big possibility. Otto almost stopped the best heavyweight in the world and Joshua's countryman, Tyson Fury, and is quietly confident of going one better against AJ if we can get the fight signed.".
READ NEXT:
