Monday 14 December 2015 17:32, UK
Anthony Joshua could defend his British title against Dereck Chisora on April 9, promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed.
The unbeaten heavyweight added the British belt to his Commonwealth title by knocking out bitter rival Dillian Whyte at The O2 in London.
Hearn is planning Joshua's path to a world title shot next year and the 26-year-old will be given the opportunity to gain more experience at British and European level.
Discussing possible opponents, the Matchroom promoter said Chisora is 'top of the pile of options' on the domestic front after securing his fourth straight win on the Joshua undercard.
I think if we're looking at defending that British title then Chisora is top of the pile of options in that respect.
"He is promoted by Kalle Sauerland, who I know very well," Hearn told Sky Sports News HQ. "Chisora boxed on the card on Saturday night.
"I think if we're looking at defending that British title then Chisora is top of the pile of options in that respect.
"There is a couple of international names as well. The IBF title is vacant at the moment and we could put ourselves in the position to challenge for that belt.
"I know that Anthony Joshua would like to pick up the European title. He's won the Commonwealth, the British, and the European is kind of like a traditional step for British fighters to take to get to world level.
"But April 9 is the date when he will return to The O2 and we're looking for a tough test. There are no steps back now for Anthony Joshua - he needs to keep progressing."
Hearn will also hold talks about Chris Eubank Jr's title challenge against WBA middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in 2016.
Eubank Jr secured a shot at Jacobs after pounding Spike O'Sullivan to a halt at the weekend and could even face the American on home soil.
"He is now mandatory for Daniel Jacobs, so we will speak to the WBA today and find out when they want that fight to happen," said Hearn.
"I think Chris and his Dad are keen for that fight to happen next. Whether that's part of the April card at The O2 as well or whether we have one more and wait until the summer, I think they are easy either way."
