Anthony Joshua drew a large crowd of heavyweight rivals to Saturday's IBF title fight at Manchester Arena

By Richard Damerell

Image: Anthony Joshua drew a crowd of heavyweights to the Manchester Arena

Anthony Joshua's latest world title win attracted an audience of heavyweight rivals and we have analysed how they could fit into the IBF champion's future plans.

Joshua defended his IBF title with a clinical stoppage win over Eric Molina and was immediately joined in the ring by Wladimir Klitschko for the announcement of their world title unification clash at Wembley on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Joshua-Klitschko on Box Office

Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko is live on Sky Sports Box Office

But Klitschko was just one of a crowd of potential opponents for 'AJ', who were all jostling for position at the Manchester Arena.

Wladimir Klitschko

Image: Wladimir Klitschko joined Anthony Joshua in the ring to announce their Wembley fight

The Ukrainian had more cause than any to be studying the IBF title holder as plans were already in place for their eagerly-anticipated fight next year, with WBA belt also at stake. 

He would have approved of Joshua's destructive title defence over Molina, which was the final stumbling block before the confirmation of their clash at the national stadium.

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Wladimir Klitschko says he's excited about facing Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium

After weeks of complex negotiations, Klitschko had agreed a showdown with Joshua and it was fitting that he had a front row seat at the weekend.

David Haye

Image: David Haye was studying Joshua's title defence at ringside

Haye also had a perfect vantage point to study Joshua while commentating on his British rival as part of the Sky Sports Box Office team.

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The former WBA heavyweight champion has already agreed to a domestic clash with Tony Bellew on March 4, live on Sky Sports Box Office, but had spoken of a future fight with Joshua in the days beforehand.

It will be by far the biggest, the most dangerous fight he's been in
David Haye on Anthony Joshua

Provided that he overcomes Bellew in a risky battle, then Haye will be setting his sights on a lucrative summer showdown with Joshua.

Tyson Fury 

Image: Tyson Fury took his seat to watch Hosea Burton's British title defeat by Frank Buglioni

The former WBA, IBF and WBO champion left the venue before Joshua's IBF title defence, but his fleeting appearance was a timely reminder of his brief reign at the very top of the division.

Fury had ripped away Klitschko's belts just over a year ago in a stunning points victory, although planned title defences never materialised due to his troubles outside the ring in 2016.

Image: Fury was welcomed by Shannon Briggs

It remains uncertain when the 28-year-old will, or can, make his return to the sport and Fury passed up the opportunity to cast a watchful eye on Joshua.

Shannon Briggs

Image: Briggs made his presence known in Manchester

The popular American made an impromptu appearance at Joshua's news conference last week and the man with the 'Let's go champ' catchphrase made his presence known in Manchester at the weekend.

Briggs had spent much of the year pursuing a fight with Haye and relished the opportunity to further torment the Londoner, who instead opted to face Bellew.

Shannon Briggs hijacked the Anthony Joshua press-conference and was not shy in addressing Eddie Hearn

A possible fight with Joshua would be highly unlikely at this stage of their careers, but Briggs was eager to increase his popularity on these shores and could yet return for a fight against one of Britain's other big names.

Tony Bellew 

Image: Tony Bellew has not ruled out a possible fight with Joshua

The current WBC cruiserweight champion has stepped up to heavyweight for his grudge fight with Haye and the feuding duo were standing uncomfortably close due to media commitments.

Bellew has vowed to ruin Haye's hopes of a fight with Joshua by inflicting a crushing defeat on him in March.

And the Liverpudlian, a former amateur heavyweight, has even suggested he would be willing to face Joshua instead.

Deontay Wilder

Image: Deontay Wilder watched the fight as a pundit for American television

The WBC heavyweight champion was not there in person, but analysed Joshua while working as a pundit for American TV network 'Showtime'. 

Wilder had admitted beforehand that he would welcome a unification clash with Joshua at some stage in 2017.

The Panel: AJ's next three

The Panel pick three fights for Anthony Joshua

Joshua's stock is rising in the States after beating three Americans in brutal fashion this year and a fight with Wilder would seem inevitable.

Other interested observers...

Luis Ortiz pounded out a seventh-round stoppage over the tough Dave Allen and said he wants big-name opponents including Anthony Joshua

Luis Ortiz, the Cuban heavyweight, had earlier racked up his 27th straight win by halting David Allen and will have taken a keen interest in Joshua after talk of a fight between the two Matchroom promoted heavyweights.

Dillian Whyte would have been icing his wounds after a thrilling win over Dereck Chisora, but might have cast an eye over Joshua's title defence backstage, just a year after their own exciting encounter.

Image: Dillian Whyte would welcome a rematch against Joshua

Joe Joyce could follow Joshua into the amateur ranks after winning Olympic silver this summer and the 31-year-old is likely to be fast-tracked in the professional ranks if he makes the switch.   

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