Anthony Joshua Linked to David Haye, Tyson Fury Summer Fights by Eddie Hearn

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua could face either David Haye or Tyson Fury this summer if he beats Charles Martin, though the former does not expect to step into the ring with Joshua until 2017.

According to Nick Lustig of Sky Sports, Joshua will challenge Martin on April 9 for the IBF world heavyweight title, and Hearn feels a victory would be a signal he's ready to take on the likes of Fury. He said:

"

[That] is one of the reasons why we have taken this fight. The victory makes those fights so much bigger. 

Of course, if Anthony is successful, we would look to get him out again in the summer and he can fight anyone he wants. 

There's David Haye, Tyson Fury, although he is probably most likely to be tied up with Wladimir Klitschko. There are a lot of people saying he'll have to learn on the job with some defences. But we will take it fight by fight. 

"

Haye welcomed the announcement of Joshua's fight with Martin on Twitter:

The Times' Ron Lewis anticipated the bout could lead to a showdown with Haye in the summer:

According to Boxing Scene's Edward Chaykovsky, Haye believes Joshua will make short work of his opponent but said he expects to face him next year. He said on social networks:

"

Great news for Anthony Joshua fighting Charles Martin for the IBF world title. Just watched Martin and I predict AJ by early KO. You have to admit once AJ wins the IBF [belt], Eddie Hearn should be truly commended for the perfect guidance of AJ's career. Credit where credit is due. Crystal ball tells me—myself and Anthony Joshua will clash in unification bout in 2017. Massive nights of boxing in UK over next two years.

"

Fellow heavyweight boxer Eddie Chambers believes Haye would win if the two fought at this moment in time:

Of course, to set up a fight with either Haye or Fury, he likely needs to come out ahead of Martin.

Klitschko wished Joshua luck ahead of the Martin fight, while the Telegraph's Paul Hayward noted it was a bold step following his stoppage of Dillian Whyte in December—the most difficult of his unbeaten career:

Hayward had the following exchange on Twitter with boxing writer and broadcaster Steve Bunce, who also welcomed the matchup:

Sky Sports ran the rule over Martin and described him as a "serious test" for the 26-year-old:

Joshua's star has continued to shine ever brighter since he won his Olympic gold medal in London, and 15 professional fights later, he is not only unbeaten, but maintains a 100 per cent knockout record.

His exceptional talent promises a bright future ahead, and clashes with the likes of Haye, Fury and Klitschko in the future seem almost inevitable, provided he maintains run by beating Martin.

He may well end up facing at least one of them even if he suffers a defeat to the American, though it would likely set his career and reputation back somewhat and likewise do the same for his prospects of fighting them as early as this summer.