Anthony Joshua has set himself up for a blockbuster 2024 by taking care of business with a stoppage win over Otto Wallin.
Joshua and his former amateur foe topped the bill on the “Day of Reckoning” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on a card stacked with heavyweight talent and potential future opponents for AJ.
The 34-year-old has repeatedly stated his intention to become a three-time world champion and the heavyweight division faces an intriguing immediate future, with Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury poised to meet in the first undisputed showdown this century on February 17.
Here, we look at who could be next on the agenda now that Joshua has got the job done against a man he beat twice in the unpaid ranks.
WATCH: Heavyweight boxing live on DAZN
Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder
As all roads in boxing’s glamour division head to Riyadh, this long-desired bout was clearly one of the key destinations of travel. As first reported by ESPN, Wilder and Joshua had agreed to face one another back in Saudi Arabia on March 9 in the event of them each winning in Riyadh.
But Wilder was widely defeated on points by Joseph Parker, the former WBO champion who lost his belt to Joshua in 2018. At that stage, Wilder and Joshua were both unbeaten and held all four heavyweight belts. Not making the bout then, especially considering the damage each man has sustained over the intervening half-decade, will forever represent a monumental wasted opportunity.
It remains an intriguing contest and one that you hope each man will be compelled to make happen before they hang up their gloves. But Wilder's surprise defeat might realistically mean it is gone for good.
Anthony Joshua vs. Filip Hrgovic
For fans who were fixated upon finally getting Joshua vs. Wilder, the Briton’s repeatedly stated intentions over winning the world title again were a wrinkle on the landscape.
Hrgovic is the mandatory challenger for the IBF title and, if the winner of Usyk vs. Fury doesn’t face him — highly unlikely, given their rematch clause — then the belt will become vacant. Wallin was ranked No.2 with the IBF and Joshua, the organisation’s No.3, took that spot by beating him.
Hrgovic was recently aligned with Matchroom and it would appear to be a very simple fight to make and a fast track to Joshua’s main goal, even if it lacks the box office appeal of facing Wilder.
"We signed for Wilder, he lost tonight. Maybe it's a blessing because AJ wants to become a three-time heavyweight world champion," promoter Eddie Hearn told talkSPORT. "It's gonna be AJ vs Hrgovic for the world title."
MORE: Why did Ben Davison train AJ for Otto Wallin fight? Leigh Wood, Devin Haney explain unique methods
Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou
This card wouldn’t be happening at all if it wasn’t for Ngannou. December 23 was slated as the date for Usyk to meet Fury for all the marbles.
However, after Ngannou shocked the world by depositing “The Gypsy King” onto the seat of his pants and dropping a narrow and disputed split decision, a rethink was required.
Ngannou is now big business in the heavyweight division. Joshua has spoken warmly of his efforts against Fury and any clash between the pair would be huge business - probably much bigger in financial terms than a Hrgovic bout for a portion of the title. It’s also a fight that Joshua should win at a canter. Although, that’s what Fury thought…
MORE: Francis Ngannou next fight: Boxing, PFL plans for the top superstar in MMA after Tyson Fury heroics
Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury
The rematch clause between Fury and Usyk means they’re probably tied up together for the vast majority of next year. However, Joshua vs. Fury remains the biggest fight in British boxing history.
After several near misses, this new era of Saudi-bankrolled cooperation in the heavyweight division could get it over the line. And, imagine a scenario where Fury wins in February and Usyk is injured. The clamour for the two long-time rivals to finally meet would become impossible to ignore.
