Anthony Joshua is actively seeking a warm-up opponent for a July fight, marking his return to the ring since a tragic car crash in December. This preparatory bout is crucial as talks are underway for a highly anticipated heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Fury's recent U-turn from retirement, where he outpointed Arslanbek Makhmudov and subsequently called out Joshua, has reignited interest in the dream all-British heavyweight collision. Prior to his accident, Joshua had defeated Jake Paul but suffered a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.

Hearn specified that Joshua's warm-up opponent should be of a "similar level" to Makhmudov. Several names have emerged as potential candidates, each presenting a unique set of circumstances for Joshua's comeback fight.

Justis Huni: The Australian contender, Justis Huni (13-1, 7 KOs), recently achieved the best result of his career by defeating Frazer Clarke via majority decision on the Fury vs. Makhmudov undercard. Huni's abilities are still largely untested at the highest level, having previously been out-boxing Fabio Wardley for nine rounds before suffering a come-from-behind knockout, his only professional loss. While he aims for world-ranked rivals, Huni, who trained alongside Joshua seven years ago in Sheffield, could serve as a valuable yardstick for Joshua's return, completing a full-circle moment for both fighters.

Cassius Chaney: Standing at 6-foot-6-inches, American heavyweight Cassius Chaney (24-4, 17 KOs) was previously considered to fight Joshua before the Brit opted for Jake Paul. Despite missing that opportunity, Chaney later served as a sparring partner for Paul, emulating Joshua's physicality. At 38 years old, and following a recent seventh-round stoppage loss to Alexander Flores in January, Chaney could offer a safe, low-risk challenge for Joshua to regain his stride and work his way back to elite form required for Fury.

Guido Vianello: Nicknamed "The Gladiator," the 31-year-old Italian (14-3-1, 12 KOs) has repeatedly called out Anthony Joshua, even suggesting the Roman Colosseum as a venue. Vianello's profile increased through 2024 and 2025 with a stoppage win over Arslanbek Makhmudov and a brutal knockout of the undefeated Alexis Barriere, showcasing his size and power. While previous setbacks against Efe Ajagba and Richard Torrez Jr. impacted his reputation, his recent performances could make him a compelling, though potentially challenging, rival for Joshua's tune-up.

Murat Gassiev: The Russian Murat Gassiev (33-2, 26 KOs), current holder of the WBA "regular" heavyweight belt, presents an intriguing test. Despite conceding height and reach to Joshua, Gassiev, a former unified cruiserweight champion who lost an undisputed title fight to Oleksandr Usyk, relies on crushing power and durability. His "mini-heavyweight" style involves working the body and delivering thunderous punches. Gassiev's last fight in December saw him deliver a stunning knockout of former Joshua opponent Kubrat Pulev. The 34-year-old is also preparing for a summer bout, having mentioned British sensation Moses Itauma as a potential opponent, indicating his readiness for high-profile clashes.

Dillian Whyte: A rematch with Dillian Whyte has a long and complex history with Joshua. Their initial, ill-tempered clash saw Joshua win by knockout before becoming world champion. A scheduled rematch three years ago was cancelled due to Whyte's adverse drug test findings. Now 38, and having fought only three times in the last three years, Whyte's threat level is perceived as low, especially after being flattened by Moses Itauma last August. Despite his inactivity and recent form, a rematch with Whyte offers a built-in narrative stemming from their storied rivalry, potentially providing an engaging, albeit low-risk, warm-up for Joshua, though Whyte himself has expressed unawareness of such discussions.

Deontay Wilder: Once considered a dream opponent for Joshua, a clash between the two heavyweight knockout artists never materialized despite appearing close in 2018. Wilder (45-4-1, 43 KOs), now 40, has had a challenging period, losing four of his last six fights before outpointing Derek Chisora in London. His recent ringside interaction with Joshua, marked by an initial cold shoulder followed by a fist-bump and an invitation to fight, has reignited interest. Hearn provocatively suggested Wilder, once the ultimate rival, as a "warm-up" opponent, stating a willingness to fight Wilder and Fury back-to-back, while clarifying it was not meant disrespectfully. This option presents a high-profile, if strategically complex, choice for Joshua's return.