EDDIE HEARN all-but confirmed Anthony Joshua’s next opponent after seeing his £100million super-fight with Deontay Wilder go up in smoke.
The pair of former world heavyweight champions returned in separate bouts in Saudi Arabia, in a bid to set up a blockbuster next year.
But, just moments before AJ was set to make his ring walk against Otto Wallin, Wilder slipped to a shock defeat to Joseph Parker.
It meant the £100m blockbuster between the superstar duo was KOd before the first bell for Joshua’s fight sounded.
Nevertheless, AJ put the disappointment behind him to celebrate a bittersweet five-round stoppage over Wallin.
Now, Hearn revealed Filip Hrgovic is their new target in what they hope will be a vacant world title shot.
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He said: “We signed for Wilder, he lost tonight.
“Maybe it’s a blessing because AJ wants to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.
“It’s gonna be AJ vs Hrgovic for the world title.”
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set fight for the four titles on February 17 in Riyadh in an unprecedented undisputed showdown.
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It will mark the first time in heavyweight history that the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO straps will ALL be on the line.
However, should the pair then agree a rematch, the victor is expected to be stripped of the IBF version.
That’s because Hrgovic, 31, is a the mandatory challenger for the belt.
So it leaves Hearn & Co hoping they can sneak in and challenge for the vacant title while Fury and Usyk do business once more.
Joshua, 34, refused to rule out the idea of fighting Wilder, despite the slip up against Parker.
He said: “He can come back and fight another day – I am sure everyone still wants to see that fight.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
