Anthony Joshua Reveals Who He Wants To Face Next If He Beats Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua has revealed that he would like to face Murat Gassiev next if he defeats Tyson Fury, adding another potential heavyweight showdown to a division already filled with major storylines

Anthony Joshua has identified Murat Gassiev as the fighter he would like to face after Tyson Fury if he emerges victorious from their long-awaited heavyweight showdown.

Joshua and Fury are scheduled to meet on December 11 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in a bout that has taken years to finally materialise. With both fighters having previously held world heavyweight titles, the contest is expected to carry major significance for the division.

Joshua's comments about Gassiev also come at an interesting time, with the Russian heavyweight already involved in a dispute over the WBA's handling of its heavyweight championship situation.

Joshua Has Gassiev In His Sights

Joshua has made it clear that defeating Fury would not necessarily mark the end of his ambitions.

According to the latest report, the former two-time heavyweight champion is targeting Gassiev as a potential next opponent should he get past Fury.

Gassiev would represent a different challenge from Fury, giving Joshua another opportunity to compete against an experienced heavyweight with a significant championship pedigree.

Gassiev's WBA Status Adds Extra Intrigue

Gassiev's position in the heavyweight division is central to the story.

After Oleksandr Usyk vacated his world titles, Gassiev became the recognised WBA heavyweight champion. However, reports surrounding the proposed Fury-Joshua contest indicate that the WBA's championship structure has since become a source of controversy.

Gassiev and his team have objected to the WBA's reported decision to reclassify his status in connection with the Fury-Joshua fight.

That situation could become particularly relevant if Joshua defeats Fury and subsequently pursues a fight with Gassiev.

Fury Fight Remains The Immediate Priority

Before Joshua can consider what comes next, his attention remains firmly on Fury.

The two British heavyweights have been linked for more than a decade, with negotiations repeatedly failing to produce the fight fans wanted. They are now scheduled to meet at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on December 11.

Their first face-off in London was conducted in a largely respectful atmosphere, although both fighters maintained the competitive tone expected ahead of such a major contest. Fury praised Joshua's career, while both men acknowledged the significance of finally sharing a ring.

A Potential Gassiev Fight Would Carry Championship Implications

If Joshua defeats Fury and the WBA's championship arrangements remain in their current form, a subsequent meeting with Gassiev could have wider implications for the heavyweight title picture.

TalkSPORT reported that WBA rules would traditionally create a path towards a unification fight with Gassiev, although the organisation has previously departed from such expectations.

That means the potential Joshua-Gassiev contest could depend not only on Joshua's result against Fury but also on how the WBA resolves its championship structure.

Joshua's Future Extends Beyond Fury

Joshua has previously indicated that his career plans extend beyond his bouts with Fury.

Earlier in 2026, he discussed several possible heavyweight opponents, including Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley, Agit Kabayel, Moses Itauma and Deontay Wilder. At that stage, Joshua described Fury as one of several major names rather than placing him above the rest of the division.

His latest comments therefore provide a clearer indication of one particular route he would like to explore if he comes through the biggest fight of his career.

Another Major Heavyweight Storyline Emerges

Joshua's interest in Gassiev adds another layer to an already complicated heavyweight landscape.

For now, however, everything depends on December 11. Joshua must first deal with Fury before any potential meeting with Gassiev can become a serious next step.

If Joshua succeeds in Cardiff, his stated interest in Gassiev could turn the aftermath of the Fury fight into another major chapter in the heavyweight division, particularly if championship considerations remain attached to the contest.