Eddie Hearn insists Anthony Joshua is open to a fight offer from Joseph Parker, but is more motivated by other options.
Joshua has been out of action since being brutally stopped by Daniel Dubois, and has yet to pencil in his next fight.
There are many options on the table for AJ who initially wanted to fight bitter rival Tyson Fury, but the ‘Gypsy King’ has now retired.
He is also interested in immediate revenge against Dubois, but ‘Dynamite’ is in negotiations to rematch Oleksandr Usyk.
Frank Warren yesterday urged Joshua to step back in the ring with Parker, seven years on from his victory over the New Zealander in 2018.
But Matchroom Boxing kingpin Hearn isn’t sure that fight is the primary option on Joshua’s radar.
He said in an exclusive chat with talkSPORT.com: ” Honestly, not really. We have to look at all our options.
“And if Parker’s the fight, Parker’s the fight. But I think if you spoke to AJ at the moment, it’s really Dubois and Fury is the two fights that get him up for it.
“He’s beaten Parker already. But Parker’s on a great run. So, I think Parker should be fighting Daniel Dubois. I mean, they had a contract.
“But if those fights aren’t available, we’ve got to fight someone. So we will listen if Frank wants to make an offer.”
Parker currently holds the WBO interim title and Joshua could potentially earn a shot at the undisputed crown if he is to beat him again.
It could see him challenge the winner of Dubois and Usyk’s rematch and potentially give him a realistic run at becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.
But Hearn believes Joshua can fight who he wants due to his commercial star power, and doesn’t need a specific route.
He continued: “He’s the biggest commercial draw in heavyweight boxing.
“I’m just telling you Joshua is the biggest draw in the heavyweight division, bar none. So, we can fight who we want.
“We don’t need to get into a mandatory position. But look, there’s two fights left probably, that kind of number.
“So, at the moment, he went back to the gym. Unfortunately, he’s not ready to start punching again.
“He’s going to need another six, seven weeks. So, we’re not like rushing around, phoning around, asking people. When he’s ready, we’ll make the decision.
“Who knows who will come out of the woodwork?”
For now Joshua is out of action but is a wanted man despite his recent defeats.
AJ was even this week called out by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
The pair held talks over a surprise phone call, after Paul’s plea.
But it appears that Paul is only keen on the fight taking place in 2026.
