### Anthony Joshua’s Next Fight Set for September, Opponent Hinges on Hrgovic-Dubois Outcome
Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed that Joshua’s next bout will take place in September, with the winner of Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois being the most likely opponent—unless Deontay Wilder stages a spectacular comeback.
As the ‘5 vs 5’ event in Saudi Arabia approaches, Hearn revealed that Joshua will be attending to scout his potential rivals. This move comes after Joshua was previously “invited” to the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury showdown, suggesting a strategic interest in evaluating his competition firsthand.
Initially, it was expected that the Hrgovic-Dubois clash would be for the vacant IBF heavyweight title. The IBF was set to strip Oleksandr Usyk of his title if he proceeded with an immediate rematch against Tyson Fury, slated for December 21. However, Usyk has requested an exemption to keep all his belts for the Fury rematch, backed by Saudi paymaster Turki Alalshikh. The IBF is currently considering this appeal.
If the IBF sticks to its rules and strips Usyk, a September fight between Joshua (ranked fourth) and either Hrgovic or Dubois (ranked third) would be for the vacant title. However, the marketability of this fight might diminish if Usyk’s request is granted. Regardless of the IBF’s decision, a bout between Joshua and Wilder—if Wilder impresses against Zhilei Zhang this weekend—could be even more lucrative.
“The frontrunner to face AJ next is the winner of Hrgovic-Dubois, and hopefully it will be for the [IBF] world title but, at the same time, if Deontay Wilder comes and looks sensational maybe it reignites Joshua against Wilder,” Hearn hinted.
Hearn, currently in discussions with both George Warren and Turki Alalshikh about Joshua’s next event, indicated that the opponent will be confirmed soon, with a press conference provisionally scheduled for June 24 or June 25.
This timeline ensures that the leading challenger to the Usyk-Fury II winner will be firmly established. Hearn expressed relief that the Usyk-Fury rematch is set for December, allowing ample preparation time. “Great news that the rematch is made between Usyk and Fury because it’s a huge fight and I’m kind of glad it’s not in October because you get to August and [someone] is not quite ready and stuff like that,” Hearn added. “It gives the guys enough time.”
With these developments, the heavyweight division remains dynamic and full of potential blockbuster matchups. Fans eagerly await the outcomes and subsequent announcements that will shape the future of heavyweight boxing.
