Eddie Hearn names the FIVE fighters who Anthony Joshua could face in comeback fight – after British star was ‘snubbed for Saudi showdown’

Eddie Hearn has revealed the five fighters who could face Anthony Joshua as the heavyweight star looks to return to the boxing ring later this year.

The 35-year-old has not fought since his comprehensive loss to Daniel Dubois last year, where was knocked out by his compatriot in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley.

In a turn of events, last month, he was tipped to step in and replace Dubois after he fell ill and was forced to pull out of his bout against Joseph Parker in Riyadh.

Reports claimed at the time that Joshua was not considered as a late replacement option for Dubois, despite being in Riyadh at the time.

Perhaps that’s because he already has his sights on another bout after promoter Hearn revealed the five-name shortlist of boxers who could face Joshua.

Speaking  ‘Daniel Dubois still [is the frontrunner]. In an ideal world, he will fight [Tyson] Fury, if not Dubois.

‘There is also Joseph Parker, who I think would be a great fight, there is Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder, obviously [Turki Alalshikh] has stated he would love to see that fight.

‘I guess the [Martin] Bakole fight is still there, but he would probably get criticised if he fought Bakole, so less likely.’

The potential fight that would generate the most interest among British fans is undoubtedly Joshua vs Fury.

But Fury announced his retirement last month with immediate effect on the heels of his second defeat by Usyk in December of last year.

Last month, Joshua gave an intriguing reply when asked about his future in the ring when he was interviewed ringside at the Beterviev vs Bivol II card.

When questioned on his future, Joshua said: ‘More fights, this is my life, this is what I do. Right now I sit outside and I watch and then I’ll make my return one day.

‘I sit back as a fan and watch the great people in the sport I love.’

Joshua, 35, won the first 22 fights of his professional career, before losing his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in a shock defeat by Andy Ruiz Junior in June 2019.

The Watford-born fighter bounced back by beating Ruiz in a rematch six months later but he has since lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk, before being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in his most recent fight in September last year.

Joshua won four fights against relatively easier opposition between his rematch defeat by Usyk and last year’s loss to Dubois.