ANTHONY JOSHUA has already undertaken “proactive talks” just days after being knocked out by Daniel Dubois.
A devastating right hand in round five put an end to the exhibition in front of a British record 98,000 spectators, after which AJ was dropped four times.
Anthony Joshua with Turki Alalshikh and Eddie HearnCredit: Twitter
But in the immediate aftermath of the fight and the days following, Joshua announced plans to fight on and snub retirement.
And his next fight appears to already be on the cards after AJ posed with promoter Eddie Hearn and Saudi Arabia’s boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh.
Alalshikh posted: “The Champ will return soon.”
Joshua, 34, replied: “Proactive talks. Thank you to all my supporters who came to the fight, I appreciate you all.”
The two-time heavyweight champion still has one fight contracted with Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season.
And Hearn revealed a rematch with Dubois, 27, remains an option.
But so too could be fighting Tyson Fury, 36, who rematches Oleksandr Usyk, 37, on December 21.
Even Deontay Wilder, 38, is a wildcard alternative for AJ despite the American’s run of two losses.
Hearn told iFL TV: “If Fury was to lose maybe they both say ‘Right, let’s give the public one last hurrah, two big fights, done’. ”
“Or, if Fury wins, he could defend against AJ for the unified world heavyweight title and AJ could beat him and become a three-time heavyweight champion.
“Anything’s possible. Or we could rematch Daniel Dubois. Or could fight someone else. Deontay Wilder.
“I dunno, it’s not something that’s been discussed yet but two guys coming off defeats, big punchers, someone’s got to go from the sport.
“But for me the options are rematch Daniel Dubois or wait and see what happens in Fury against Usyk.”
Daniel Dubois knocked out AJ in round five.