Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Anthony Joshua has his sights set on a unification bout with either Deontay Wilder or Luis Ortiz in 2018.
The 27-year-old will defend his IBF and WBA heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev at the Principality Stadium on October 28 in his first fight since beating Wladimir Klitschko six months ago.
A number of potential challengers have stepped forward ahead of Joshua's fight next month, including Joseph Parker following his points win over Hughie Fury last week, but the undefeated Englishman knows exactly who he wants next.
"We want the winner [of Wilder against Ortiz]; simple as that," Hearn told Sky Sports News. "We'll look at a fight in February or March. That was a key to boxing in October - to box three times next year.
"[Joshua] will have boxed twice this year, next year we'll box February or March, then the summer. If [Joshua vs Wilder or Ortiz] is not February or March it has to be in the summer. AJ has got a big job on his hands. I think these are the four best heavyweights in the world now - Joshua, Pulev, Wilder and Ortiz."
Wilder and Ortiz face off at the Barclays Center in New York a week after Joshua's bout with Pulev.
Daniel Lewis
