Anthony Joshua is not expected to take on Deontay Wilder in a long-awaited heavyweight dust-up later this year - and is likely to likely to face the winner of Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic instead.

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua, is gearing up for a return to Wembley Stadium - with his last two bouts having taken place in Saudi Arabia, and it seems his next opponent has been decided. Despite Deontay Wilder's hopes to get back in the ring with Joshua after his defeat by Joseph Parker last Christmas, plans have changed following his upcoming fight with Zhilei Zhang on June 1.

Saudi Royal advisor Turki Alalshikh has expressed a preference for Wilder to face fellow American contender Jared Anderson instead of Joshua. "The talented Jared Anderson is with us now on the August 3 Riyadh Season card at LA, against the 'Bronze Bomber' Deontay Wilder - if he's ready by then to fight after June 1's fight against Zhilei Zhang," Alalshikh announced on Twitter. A Wilder vs Anderson clash would be part of the undercard featuring Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov's world title fight.

Joshua remains undefeated in his last four matches, having impressively knocked out ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in a mere five minutes. Although 'AJ' was assured a chance to fight Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk following his victory, those two champions are currently committed to a two-fight agreement, reports the Mirror.

Nevertheless, Alalshikh has vowed to find Joshua the most challenging opponent available, a prospect that Joshua welcomes. The 2012 Olympic gold medallist has revealed his ambition to fight the best in the business, telling talkSPORT: "What he says is, 'In the future I want people to look back at your record and say that you took on the best.' I said, 'Now you're speaking my language. We're on the same page and he's on the same page as the fans as well. He's trying to deliver what the fans want,".

Joshua also acknowledged the anticipation for a showdown with Tyson Fury, saying: "I know they want that big fight with Tyson Fury and he's working on it, but Fury has got his obligations with Oleksandr Usyk so I have got to make sure I stay focused and disciplined, keep steamrolling through opponents so I can get closer and closer to having the opportunity of me vs Tyson Fury."

The heavyweight champion also gave his prediction for the upcoming Fury vs Usyk fight, favouring the Ukrainian based on his own experiences in the ring with him. "I've fought Usyk so I can only speak on what I've experienced with him - phenomenal fighter, I would say he's gonna do a really good job. Only speaking on what I know, I have to say Usyk will be victorious," he added.