Anthony Joshua against Bermane Stiverne appeals to Barry Hearn

By James Dielhenn

Image: Anthony Joshua must agree to fight Joseph Parker

Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn has made Bermane Stiverne his No 1 choice to fight Anthony Joshua next.

IBF heavyweight champion Joshua (17-0-KO17) has won his first two world title fights against Charles Martin and Dominic Breazeale this year and is mandated to begin negotiating a defence against Joseph Parker by November 9.

But there might be room in Joshua's schedule for a voluntary defence against ex-WBC holder Stiverne (25-2-1-KO21), Hearn believes.

Stiverne is probably my No 1 choice because of his credibility.
Barry Hearn

He exclusively told Sky Sports: "Parker may well be next but I suspect, probably, Joshua will have another defence prior.

"There's a whole range of names out there - whether you're talking Stiverne, Eric Molina.

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"Stiverne is probably my No 1 choice because of his credibility."

Image: Bermane Stiverne (left) lost his WBC title to Deontay Wilder

Hearn has also goaded Hughie Fury (20-0-KO10) to step into the ring against Joshua, who has spoken of his willingness to take on the 21-year-old and his cousin Tyson Fury, the WBA 'Super' and WBO champion.

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Eddie Hearn discusses opponents for Anthony Joshua's next fight

He said: "I'd like to see Hughie Fury step up and have a go! They're two undefeated fighters and it's a fight that would sell to the British public.

"There's a lot of choice - it's a lot easier when you're the champion than the challenger."

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