Injured Anthony Joshua reveals four-man boxing hit-list featuring Tyson Fury & Martin Bakole

Anthony Joshua is expected to finally tackle long-term domestic rival Tyson Fury later this year, but the two-time heavyweight champion of the world has revealed three alternative options in case the blockbuster showdown falls by the wayside.

The 35-year-old has long sought a showdown with the Gypsy King and it appears as though the two could be on a collision course for an Autumn affair given Fury's continuous hints that he is edging towards making an official boxing return.

The Morecambe star announced his retirement plans on the back of his unanimous points loss at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk in December, but has since been returned to training alongside long-term American coach SugarHill Steward.

Joshua, who is set to undertake minor surgery to repair a long-standing elbow issue, has now name-dropped Fury as the man he would like to square-off against next, but has also name checked three other fighters he would be willing to share the ring with.

"Hopefully [the Fury fight] happens," AJ, whose upcoming operation is likely to sideline him for eight weeks, told BoxNation.

The industry should not be left without it (Joshua v Fury), and those who are interested should be able to witness it, so let's wait and see.

"But there are other options too, Martin Bakole, Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder."

Joshua hasn't fought since his devastating knockout defeat against Daniel Dubois last September, where he was brushed aside by the current IBF champion who sent the Watford man packing to the canvas three times before securing the stoppage in the fifth round.

Incidentally, that was also the last time that Dubois was in action after this scheduled world title defence against number one contender Joseph Parker was cancelled just 48 hours ahead of the bout in February, after the Englishman suffered a bout of illness.

He has since agreed terms to take on Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Usyk for a second time this summer however, with the two set to contest the first ever heavyweight undisputed championship affair on British shores, with Wembley Stadium the location to play host to the blockbuster event on July 19.

There has even been some speculation that Turki Alalshikh would like Joshua to take on the winner of that fight, although Joshua says there is a man far more deserving of that opportunity than he is.

"Look, Joseph Parker deserves that chance far more than me, there's no doubt about that - I'll find my place in line," he added.

Mark Mothershaw

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