Wilder, Zhang, Whyte: Who next for Anthony Joshua amid tune-up talk?

'AJ' has long been expected to face 'The Gypsy King' in one of the biggest glamour division bouts of the century later in 2026.

But after a ringside stand-off on Saturday night seemingly scotched hopes of announcing the bout, other plans may be afoot.

Joshua, who last fought a one-sided win over Jake Paul in December, may want a tune-up before any crucial blockbuster test.

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While that may impede hopes of a September showdown at Wembley Stadium or Croke Park, it does open up other possibilities.

Here, DAZN News picks out some of the major runners and riders for a clash with Joshua as he works his way back to the ring.

Deontay Wilder

'The Bronze Bomber' got his career back on track with an entertaining victory against Derek Chisora earlier this month at London's The O2 Arena.

Wilder wasted little time in calling Joshua out at ringside, and plenty have already seen the logic in matching up two of the era's biggest champions.

With no offence to his latest opponent, the American arguably has faded in terms of power and stature, which may make him an attractive warm-up.

Zhilei Zhang

Inactive since a sixth-round TKO loss to Agit Kabayel in February 2025, 'Big Bang' is surely reaching the end of his career as a professional fighter.

Zhang was linked to a bout against British journeyman Dave Allen later this year, but could he prove to be a suitable option for Joshua to tackle too?

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Having beaten Wilder and gone toe-to-toe with Joseph Parker among others, the Chinese star offers both impressive heft and supporting wattage.

Justis Huni

Back to winning ways after he outgunned Frazer Clarke in a canny fight this month, there are still questions over where the Australian's pro level is.

But having tormented Fabio Wardley last year for nine-and-a-half rounds, Huni seems like a suitable option to help Joshua put rounds in the tank.

It would represent a top-profile bout for a star keen to bolster his own credentials as a world-level operator too, which may suit all parties involved.

Dillian Whyte

A former Joshua rival who admits he would like a second crack at the London 2012 favourite, Whyte has not fought since his loss to Moses Itauma.

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

That first-round stoppage defeat represented arguably the nadir of his in-ring career, and offered some serious questions about his future as a boxer.

Whyte insists he is good to go around again however, and there would be an undoubted throwback allure to pitting him and 'AJ' together once more.

Tyson Fury

Maybe at the end of the day, there is no tune-up, and Joshua is content to go in effectively cold for one of the biggest fights of his career thus far.

Fury was convincing against Arslanbek Makhmudov last weekend, but still looked at parts like he was feeling his own way back into the ring too.

For Joshua, maybe that sways his thoughts, or perhaps the final deal proves too good to resist. Either way, it is a gamble - but one he may take.

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