Anthony Joshua must agree to fight Joseph Parker

Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn has made Bermane Stiverne his No 1 choice to fight Anthony Joshua next.

IBF heavyweight champion Joshua (17-0-KO17) has won his first two world title fights against Charles Martin and Dominic Breazeale this year and is mandated to begin negotiating a defence against Joseph Parker by November 9.

But there might be room in Joshua's schedule for a voluntary defence against ex-WBC holder Stiverne (25-2-1-KO21), Hearn believes.

Stiverne is probably my No 1 choice because of his credibility. Barry Hearn

He exclusively told Sky Sports: "Parker may well be next but I suspect, probably, Joshua will have another defence prior.

"There's a whole range of names out there - whether you're talking Stiverne, Eric Molina.

"Stiverne is probably my No 1 choice because of his credibility."

Bermane Stiverne (left) lost his WBC title to Deontay Wilder

Hearn has also goaded Hughie Fury (20-0-KO10) to step into the ring against Joshua, who has spoken of his willingness to take on the 21-year-old and his cousin Tyson Fury, the WBA 'Super' and WBO champion.

Eddie Hearn discusses opponents for Anthony Joshua's next fight Eddie Hearn discusses opponents for Anthony Joshua's next fight

He said: "I'd like to see Hughie Fury step up and have a go! They're two undefeated fighters and it's a fight that would sell to the British public.

"There's a lot of choice - it's a lot easier when you're the champion than the challenger."