ANTHONY JOSHUA is in talks to face Otto Wallin as part of a three-fight plan for 2023, according to the Swede's promoter.
AJ, 33, has been out of the ring since August when he lost his second fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Talks over a British showdown with Tyson Fury in December collapsed.
And now the Watford ace is set to return to competitive action in April before a likely rematch with Dillian Whyte and then either Fury or Deontay Wilder in a mouthwatering end to the year.
His promoter Eddie Hearn revealed there were "three or four opponents" Joshua could face next.
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And Wallin's counterpart Dmitry Salita revealed his Swedish heavyweight could be AJ's next challenge.
Salita told Ice36 Live Casino: "Eddie Hearn and I have discussed Otto and Joshua potentially taking place and I'm waiting to see if an offer will materialise.
"Eddie's talking about a three-fight plan for AJ in 2023 to build him back up after defeats to Usyk.
"Eddie says he wants a top-15 opponent in spring.
"If they want a credible challenge, a familiar name, and a fighter ranked highly by the organisations - Otto Wallin fits that description perfectly.
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"A fight is a big possibility."
Wallin, 32, faced Fury in 2019 before the Gypsy King beat Wilder in their first rematch.
"All In" hurt Fury by cutting him above the eye as he took the 6ft 9in giant all the way to the final bell.
But he suffered the only defeat of his 26-fight pro career via unanimous points decision.
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Wallin was due to fight Whyte in 2021 but the Body Snatcher pulled out due to a shoulder injury.
Salita could not resist a subtle dig at Joshua by hailing Fury as the best boxer in the division.
He added: "Otto almost stopped the best heavyweight in the world and Joshua's countryman, Tyson Fury, and is quietly confident of going one better against AJ if we can get the fight signed."
