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Bakole, Hrgovic, Riakporhe: Who could Anthony Joshua face in July comeback bout?
Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring this July, but Eddie Hearn stresses any comeback fight will not be against domestic rival Tyson Fury.
The two-time heavyweight champion had long been tipped to face his fellow Briton for the first time in a glamour division super-bout this summer.
Joshua's involvement in a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends in Nigeria shortly before the new year however put plans on the backburner.
Questions over when - or if - the London 2012 star would mount a comeback have been fielded since by promoter Hearn at semi-regular intervals.
Now, the Matchroom supremo has revealed his star is chasing a bout in five months' time, with a Fury follow-up mooted for late 2026 or early 2027.
It means plans for a tune-up remain intact - but with a shifting calendar, just who could Joshua now face instead? DAZN News profiles his options.
Martin Bakole
The Congolese star was one of boxing's rising cult heroes until a difficult 2025 derailed his ambitions and checked his momentum inside the ring.
Bakole will be desperate to get back on track, and prove that he can mix it against the biggest names after Joseph Parker blew him away last year.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
With a proper camp behind him, he could be a formidable opponent - and his status as a fan favourite would make him an ideal test for Joshua.
Filip Hrgovic
A steady rebuild since his 2024 loss to Daniel Dubois has the hard-hitting Croatian back in the frame for some of the biggest nights in the division.
Most recently outpointing David Adeleye in comfortable style, Hrogivc would surely love to test himself against one of the modern era's top fighters.
If he secures an upset, his stock would only rise - but his durable reputation means Joshua could depart enhanced by a triumph against him too.
Richard Riakporhe
'The Midnight Train' has not quite found his world-level niche despite success as British cruiserweight champion, but remains a keen domestic pull.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
His brutal second heavyweight stoppage against Tommy Welch at Wembley Stadium in November announced him as a legitimate division player.
A chance to cross paths with Joshua would be a carrot few fighters from the United Kingdom could resist, especially in a major stadium encounter.
Efe Ajagba
Having just turned over Joshua's old title rival Charles Martin in a Zuffa Boxing event, could 'The Silent Roller' find himself in the Briton's path next?
Since last year's draw with Bakole, Ajagba has only enhanced his reputation and he could well push himself further into the conversation with this.
Win or lose, it would be an impressive showcase for the Nigerian's stock, and might offer a suitable test in terms of shape and movement for Joshua.
Dave Allen
The British cult hero is back in action this weekend against French journeyman Karim Berredjem, and is reported to be set for another spring dance too.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Yet having bolstered his stock as a local hero with his win over Johnny Fisher last year, there could be a fairytale fight for the star if he so chooses to.
Allen hopes to capture the Lonsdale Belt, which may make a clash with Joshua unlikely - but it would be a fun and fascinating matchup to imagine too.
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