I think Steve Cunningham would be the ideal next opponent for Joshua. Here is why:

Reason #1- The IBF route

Here are the current IBF rankings:

1- Vyacheslav Glazkov (fighting for the vacant title)
2- Vacant
3- Wladimir Klitschko (going after Fury's titles)
4- Charles Martin (fighting for the vacant title)
5- Erikan Teper (injured at the moment)
6- Artur Szpilka (going after Wilder's title)
7- Steve Cunningham
8- Anthony Joshua

With the other titles tied up at the moment (Wilder being ordered to fight Povetkin, Fury having to rematch Klitschko), this would make Joshua either the mando, or the top rated IBF and in line for a final eliminator.

Reason #2- Good preparation for Haye

Joshua is prepering for a showdown with David Haye. Like Haye, Cunningham is a former Cruiserweight champion and a similar size (both normally weight about 210 and stand at 6'3), both are quick and rely on athleticism, and throw overhand right from unsighted crouches.

Reason #3- Fight could sell on the trouble Cunningham gave Fury

Cunningham gave world champ Fury his toughest fight to date. Knocking him down, and built up a lead on the cards, before Fury's size and strength overwhelmed him. I'm sure this would be used as a selling point for the fight as Joshua is also looking at a domestic mega fight with Super Champ Fury.

Reason #4- Cunningham could take Joshua some rounds

Joshua only went over 3 rounds the other night and needs more rounds to test his stamina, and if his power holds up after 7. Cunningham- while down plenty of times, has only been stopped by Fury, and would likely be the most difficult fighter to hit he's come across, has a good beard and is tough and ring savvy and will come to win.

 

I know it probably will be, but I say get Cunningham. Chisora has already said there isn't enough money in that fight for him, so he's probably asking for a fortune. I doubt Cunningham would request so much.

If Haye comes through his fight in Jan alright too, I'd get him on the card against maybe David Price, or if Price don't want it, Tony Bellew (who is with Matchroom, so it's easy to make), Bellew will be coming off his Creed thing and at the height of his marketability, has already said he wants Haye, and a loss to Haye at Heavyweight won't really damage his hopes of fighting for a title at Cruiserweight, and is enough of a gobshite to market it quite well.

Then should Haye & Joshua do the job, send them to Wembley in the summer.

 

Morning champ,

If you was Hearn, what route would you take with Joshua MBE? :think

 

Yeah. I wish Americans had his attitude to PEDs too. He was clearly outraged about Tarver's cheating.

 

True, for all the hate Haye gets about his antics, I think, Holyfield aside, he's right up there with the best ever Cruisers in that divisions life