I heard Nichols is getting released this weekend and Hearn is looking to give The Worm a chance of his life to fight Joshua. If its not Povetkin, who else would it be?
Wouldn't get sanctioned by the WBA, Andy Ruiz Jr isn't ranked in their top 15. If it's a similar scenario to what happened with Pulev and Takam and say Povetking pops dirty again for PED's, Joshua then fights the next highest ranked WBA fighter and that's Fres Oquendo, so please god let's hope the Povetkin fight happens. But then again with Oquendo with a shot vs Charr it might go to the next ranked fighter which is Miller, which seems more acceptable and would suit Hearn.
If Hughie beats Pulev he could be a good opponent for Joshua. He most likely takes Joshua 12 rounds, but like Parker lacks the power to put Joshua down or knock him out.
I don't think Pulev would be any threat to Joshua. He's already fought a better version of him in Wlad.
Confidence and movement from Hughie could make that fight a pick em imo..If he sorts his output out he beats most at Heavy
Joshua and Hearn both want to duck Povetkin until he's 40 years old. They should strip Joshua if he doesn't fight Povetkin next.
I think it'll be Povetkin. They're probably waiting until next week when Hearn is announcing his new signings for DAZN, and do that along with announcing Joshua vs. Povetkin for the first major fight they're showing.