Anthony Joshua will know his next opponent, who may be a “wildcard”, before the end of the year.
That is according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua last fought at Wembley Stadium on September 22 when he dispatched of Alexander Povetkin via seventh-round knockout.
After the fight, Hearn confirmed he had pre-booked the national stadium once more on April 13 for Joshua’s next fight.
‘AJ’ is currently holidaying in Jamaica while he does not have to partake in a training camp, but Hearn has been pedal to the metal in trying to sort his next opponent.
Protracted talks with Deontay Wilder’s team in the summer came to nothing, and the WBC heavyweight champion is now busy with his defence against Tyson Fury on December 1.
If Wilder cannot be lured into an undisputed bout then it is expected that Dillian Whyte, who Joshua defeated in 2015, will occupy the right side of the bill.
That is on the prerequisite that Whyte defeats Dereck Chisora, however, who he rematches on December 22 after a barnstorming 12 rounds two years ago.
Hearn revealed this week that if they cannot get either man to sign above the dotted line, then Matchroom Boxing has a “wildcard” up their sleeve.
The 39-year-old promoter delved into that slightly deeper on Saturday night, explaining there are two offbeat options waiting in the wings.
“It’s a wildcard, I don’t know if it’s going to happen,” Hearn told iFL TV.
“But it’s very interesting. We’ll see.
“There are a lot of discussions to have over the next couple of weeks.
“I want to know where we are [fighting by] early December, to be honest.”
When asked whether Joshua’s opponent will be announced before 2019, Hearn confirmed: “Yes.
“A lot results on what happens on December 1 and whether Wilder wants the fight or not.
“If he doesn’t, do we have a deal in place with Dillian Whyte? He’s got to beat Chisora.
“We’ve got this other option we’re looking at as well. So everything is in play.
“There are two wildcards. One is a wild wildcard and the other is someone you won’t be as surprised with.”