Eddie Hearn (right) says there will be news regarding Anthony Joshua's next fight 'soon'

Anthony Joshua has fired out a warning to "fake" fighters calling him out and is looking for a serious challenge in his next bout.

The IBF heavyweight world champion (17-0-KO17) will make the second defence of his title at the end of the year and his shortlist of possible opponents is thought to include American Bermane Stiverne, mandatory challenger Joseph Parker and European champion Kubrat Pulev.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said he is weighing up realistic options for Joshua before a final decision is made, and has suggested that he is not far away from finalising the Brit's next title challenger.

To all potential challengers… please don't waste our time with fake hype! Serious applications only!!! Anthony Joshua via Twitter

Hearn said on Twitter: "Just separating those who say they want it from those who actually want it. @anthonyfjoshua news coming soon."

Joshua replied to Hearn's update and tweeted: "To all potential challengers… please don't waste our time with fake hype! Serious applications only!!!"

Will Bermane Stiverne be Joshua's next opponent?

A potential match-up between Joshua and Hughie Fury was one that was welcomed by Hearn but, in separate messages exchanged on social media, the Matchroom Boxing boss said that the fight is now likely to happen next year at the request of Team Fury.

He added: "Fight was offered. They would rather look at it next year, no issues."

Hughie Fury's potential fight with Joshua will have to wait until 2017

'AJ' is currently on holiday after a heavy schedule in 2016 with wins over Charles Martin and Dominic Breazeale. The London 2012 super-heavyweight gold medallist is likely to head to Rio to support Team GB.